Eigg Mountain: Mountain Biking Trail
Record #:
ACO0081
Last Modified:
05 Sep 2020
Last Full Update:
05 Sep 2020
Location
| Located In | Arisaig, Antigonish County |
| Where To Find Us | Hwy 245 Arisaig, NS |
| Areas Served | Antigonish County |
Contact
Description & Services
| Information | Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area is located in the Pictou-Antigonish Hills, about 10 km northwest of the town of Antigonish. Expanded in 2015, this wilderness area protects more than 7,600 hectares of exceptional upland woodlands. The upland, rolling hills are dissected by steep ravines and gullies typical of the Pictou-Antigonish Hills natural landscape. With its combination of well-drained, tolerant hardwood forests, mixed forest canyons, rich forested flood plains and productive wetlands, this wilderness area protects the largest remaining patch of older, contiguous forest in this part of Nova Scotia. The relatively undisturbed woodlands support a diversity of ecosystems, plants and animals. Habitat is suitable for species like goshawk and endangered mainland moose. Atlantic salmon spawn in the headwaters of several rivers within the wilderness area. Most of the Town of Antigonish’s James River drinking water supply area is now within the wilderness area. A substantial part of this catchment is owned by the Town of Antigonish. Most of this (1,361 hectares) was designated as wilderness area in 2007, at the Town’s request. This legal protection of the Town’s lands as wilderness area supports the Town’s efforts to protect its drinking water supply area. Wilderness recreation enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities for day-use or extended back-country travel in this highly scenic setting. Hiking, backcountry skiing, bird-watching and nature viewing are just some of the possibilities. Various portions are suitable for hunting and trapping. Major forest access roads, also used for snowmobile and ATV riding, are not within the wilderness area and remain open for vehicle use. These provide access to the wilderness area from surrounding communities such as Marshy Hope, Pleasant Valley and Ardness. Several sections of off-highway vehicle (OHV) routes within the wilderness area are managed by the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia (SANS) and All-terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) under agreements with Nova Scotia Environment. This includes a section of route 715A and several routes in the northeastern portion of the wilderness area. Bicycle use is permitted on the routes managed by ATVANS. These routes, together with adjacent forest access roads, provide good opportunities for experiencing the wilderness area by bicycle. One campsite lease is located within the wilderness area. About 600 m of electrical transmission line passes through the wilderness area near Browns Mountain Road. Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) retains the authority to operate and maintain this transmission line. At 305 m (1,000 feet) above sea level, is a prominent spot overlooking the Northumberland Strait. This ride climbs to a point just below the summit, offering the occasional view across the water to Prince Edward Island. Although the climb toward the summit of Eigg Mountain is gradual, it does require stamina and sound cardiovascular fitness. Technically speaking, the ride is suitable for all levels, as it follows relatively easy terrain along double-track trails, logging roads, and a short stretch of pavement. The total distance for this loop is 24 km (15 miles). Use: Walking, Hiking, Biking Length: 24 km Type: Loop Difficulty: Not yet rated Availability: Open 24/7, year round Nearest community: 27 minutes to Antigonish by car  GPS Coordinates; Longitude: -62.180236 Latitude: 45.748901 |
| Trail or Water Route Map | Mobile Download GPS Download |
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