Municipality of the County of Colchester

The Cobequid Trail is a 16 km walking and cycling trail network through central Colchester County. The trail takes you along a former railway, through Acadian dykelands and farmland, through forests and along brooks, and beside the tidal Salmon River.

The Cobequid Trail is a cooperative effort of the County of Colchester, Town of Truro, and Village of Bible Hill. Development of the trail began in 1998 with significant contribution from local government, community volunteers, the private sector and the Province of Nova Scotia. New trail sections are being planned.

What's in a Name?

Cobequid means "place of rushing waters" in the Mi'Kmaq language. The funnel-shaped Bay of Fundy has a unique tidal phenomenon, with Cobequid Bay and the Salmon River helping to create a spectacular display of rushing water, called a "tidal bore". With the incoming tide, the ocean water moves up the narrow neck of the Bay, flowing against the river current and creating a "wall" of water that makes the river appear to be flowing backwards.

Trail Notices and Advisories

There are none at this time.

Trail Maps and Descriptions

New!   Cobequid Trail Regional Map (6.97 MB)

This map shows the Cobequid Trail route in Old Barns, Lower Truro, downtown Truro and Bible Hill. (Map version: October 2012)
Inset maps 1, 2 and 3 are coming soon.

Cobequid Trail Sections:

Rail trail sections (The D.A.R., Marshlands and Old Barns sections are continuous, with a combined length of approximately 11 km one way.)

• D.A.R. Section in Truro and Lower Truro
• Marshlands Section in Lower Truro
• Old Barns Section in Old Barns
  

Other trail sections (combined total 5 km) 

• Eagle Crest Walk in Bible Hill 
• Farnham Brook Section in Bible Hill
• Bible Hill Recreation Park Section in Bible Hill
• Agricultural Campus section in Bible Hill

D.A.R. Section

The D.A.R. Section follows the abandoned railway line from downtown Truro to Lower Truro. "D.A.R." stands for the Dominion Atlantic Railway, a railway built in 1898 and operated until 1982. This section of the D.A.R. was known as the Midland Line, an important link between Truro and Windsor. From the east end, the trail begins at King Street near the Nova Scotia Community College, crosses McClure's Brook, and passes by the Truro Golf Course and an industrial area before joining the Marshlands section of the Cobequid Trail (see below).

Marshlands Section

This section of trail begins at the trailhead in Lower Truro and continues to the Cobequid Bay Look-off from which the famous tidal bore can be seen. The trail continues west along the Salmon River on the Old Barns section of the Cobequid Trail.

In the 1600's, Acadian immigrants first settled in the Cobequid area. They took advantage of the vast marshlands by building dykes and creating over 1000 acres of rich farmland. After the expulsion of the Acadians in 1755, British settlers continued to farm these lands. The nutrient rich soil continues to produce quality grains, hay and other forage crops.

Old Barns Section

The Old Barns section of the Cobequid Trail follows the tidal Salmon River from the Cobequid Bay Look-off to the head of Cobequid Bay. The view across the river is of the farmland of Fort Belcher. The east end of the Old Barns section is continuous with the Marshlands section of the Cobequid Trail.

Eagle Crest Walk

This section of the Cobequid Trail in Bible Hill passes through maple stands, hemlock ravines and offers views overlooking the Salmon River. The trail continues for about another 2 km via sidewalks and short trail sections across College Road and Pictou Road to another trail section along Farnham Brook. 

Farnham Brook Section

This section of the Cobequid Trail follows Farnham Brook through forests and crosses the brook several times. You can continue for about another 1 km via sidewalks and short trail sections, across Pictou Road and College Road, to connect to the Eagle Crest Walk section of the Cobequid Trail along the Salmon River.

Agricultural Campus Section

This is the newest section of the Cobequid Trail and is located in Bible Hill. The Grand Opening was held in October 2011. The trail meanders through the attractive Dalhousie Agricultural Campus (formerly Nova Scotia Agricultural College) and runs along a ridge  offering views of the Salmon River. This trail connects to the sidewalk along College Road (near the intersection of Main Street) and to the trails at Bible Hill Recreation Park. The Municipality of Colchester, Village of Bible Hill, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Province of Nova Scotia partnered to develop this wonderful addition to the Cobequid Trail network.

Bible Hill Recreation Park Section

In 2009, the walking track at the Bible Hill Recreation Park was widened and resurfaced, and a new section of trail was added. The walking track follows the perimeter of the playground. The trail goes up the hill above the playing fields and through a wooded section where it connects with the Agricultural Campus section of the Cobequid Trail.