Skyline Trail

Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the most popular trail in the park. But it's not because it's a great hiking trail. I give this trail a 6.0 out of 10, and even then it's only because of the view at the end.

So this is the trail that everyone talks about as being so great. But I was a little disappointed because it turns out that the only reason it's popular is because it's an easy walking path to get to a great view. There is very little change in elevation, so maybe older folks or those that are not so much into hiking can still say they saw the great view. And it is a great view at the end. But it's not a great overall hiking trail and the Acadian Trail that we did in the morning is, in my opinion, actually a better hike.

We did the 9.2 km (5.7 mile) loop in a counter clockwise direction. The section that loops off to the right is actually a hiking trail. The shorter part that goes straight to the lookoff is a walking path that could actually be done with a child in a stroller. Note that there are no dogs allowed on this trail.

The first part of this is actually on a dirt road.

Then it becomes a walking path.

Then it becomes a boardwalk. There is a maximum $2,000 fine if they catch you leaving the boardwalk.

Beautiful view at the end though!

And lots of steps to go back up if you choose to go down them in the first place.

Quite a few people on the trail, even at this time of year. During July and August we would probably avoid it as it would be too busy for our liking. One thing we found odd was there there were no bugs!