The Short Line Trail is a rail trail stretching 107 km between the towns of Oxford (Cumberland County) and Pictou (Pictou County). Tatamagouche Area Trails Association maintains and manages the 25-km portion of the Short Line Trail in Colchester County.

Great for bicycling or long-distance adventure, the Short Line Trail meanders through forests and farmland. It skirts many wetlands and crosses numerous streams, some with large sandstone culverts. Bridges span the Wallace River, French River, Waugh River and River John. Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Short Line Trail connects our communities today as the railway did for nearly a century.

The Butter Trail is a 5-km section of the rail trail in Tatamagouche, on the north shore of Nova Scotia. It offers views of the Waugh River and Tatamagouche Bay on the Northumberland Strait, and is within walking distance of village amenities. Highlights along the trail include Waugh River Bridge, French River Bridge, Creamery Square, Patterson Wharf, and Nelson Memorial Park. The Butter Trail is named after the Tatamagouche Creamery where butter was made.

Short Line Trail in Colchester County:

Permitted uses: walking, bicycling, equestrian, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, dogs on leash. Users are to obey posted signs.

Trail surface: firm crushed gravel, wooden bridges

Trail rating: "easy", flat

Trailheads and access points with parking:

• Station Road Trailhead, 24 Station Road, off Main Street in Tatamagouche
• Creamery Square, 29 Creamery Road, off Main Street in Tatamagouche
• Patterson Wharf Park, 40 King Street, off Main Street in Tatamagouche (limited parking)
• Nelson Memorial Park, 153 Loop of Hwy 6, west of Tatamagouche
• Sutherland Steam Mill Museum, 3169 Hwy 326 in Denmark
• Denmark Station Trailhead, 10 Denmark Station Road, Denmark