Hikers Herald: Trail closures & more

Hikers Herald: November 2022

Check out the newest Hiker Challenge badge, help protect parks from development, take part in our online auction fundraiser this month and be sure to heed trail closed signs!

Visit our Website

New Hiker Challenge Badge

The newest Hiker Challenge badge was launched in October. The Municipality of Barrington Badge challenges you to visit at least 7 of 10 local trails over the course of a year.

Learn more here.

Courses & Webinars

Hike NS events to keep you busy in November include:

Nov. 17: NS Walks Walk Leader virtual training (register by Nov. 16)
Nov. 20: Trail Stewardship workshop, Timberlea
Nov. 23: Intro to Hiking webinar
Nov. 27: Field Leader - Hiking Winter module, Mahone Bay

Learn more and register here .

Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series

Hike Nova Scotia and 18 host organizations offer the Fall Guided Hike & Walk Series across NS. There are 39 walks led by local folks and participants qualify to win trail prizes. They are free or low-cost events and some require pre-registration. We thank partners on the ground for organizing the walks as well as The Trail Shop, Goose Lane Editions and the NS Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage for their support.

Find details here.

Trail Builders: Trail Closure Issues & Signs

Trail Users Ignoring “Trail Closed” Signs

After listening to the feedback of our member trail groups who are struggling to clean-up storm damage, Hike NS issued a news release in early November to highlight the issue of people ignoring trail closed signs. It garnered good media coverage. We’ll also be posting about this on social media to warn hikers about the need to stay away from closed trails.

Trail Closed Sign Templates

Hike HS has a “Trail Closed” sign template for groups to download and print to assist with signing their closed trails while storm clean-up continues.

Trail Stewardship Workshop - Nov. 20

Is your trail system experiencing damage and wear and tear from trail users? Learn about a successful program that engages trail users in becoming trail stewards to help reduce harmful impacts on trails. Register here.

Learn more about the Trail Builders Network.

Save Threatened Parks

Sandy Lake Needs Your Help

Sandy Lake Regional Park is threatened by development. Sign the petition and contact HRM Councillors to ask the city to change their normal development processes by adding full public engagement after studies are finished but before Council or the Province make a decision.

Save West Mabou Beach Park

With a proposal by a golf course developer to encroach on West Mabou Beach Park, it’s not just this park at risk. If it goes through, other parks and protected areas could face a similar fate. Learn more and take action here.

Call for Winter Guided Hikes & Walks

Deadline: December 12, 2022

Hike Nova Scotia invites groups across NS to partner with it on delivering winter guided hike, walk or snowshoe events in winter 2023. Hike NS will help promote events and provide a how-to guide and trail prizes to giveaway. If your municipality, First Nation or organization can organize a walk or snowshoe event (or already plan to host one), please register your event by December 12 for events between January 13 and March 19, 2023.

Quick Hiking/Trail News Hits

These are some news hits from Twitter and Facebook:

Cape Breton groups work to clear hiking trails of trees following Fiona view
Mi'kmaw-led conservation trust takes over Mary Harper Nature Reserve in Cape Breton view
Crews clear fallen trees from Sydney walking trail and streams as fish prepare to spawn view
N.S. couple hikes 2,194 miles along Appalachian Trail view
Cabot tees up proposal for golf course in West Mabou provincial park view
'Swamp as sacred space': Save wetlands to save ourselves, say experts view
Deer hunting season starts in Nova Scotia view
Brace yourself for a longer fall tick season in Nova Scotia view
The AT On Steroids: Hike The Full International Appalachian Trail view