Today, I enjoyed one of the classics, the Franey Hiking Trail located in the Cape Breton Highlands Park, along the Cabot Trail. It was my first hike on Franey this year and it did not disappoint. The temperature forecast today was around 28 degrees Celius. So I left early around 8:30 am to beat the heat and it worked.
My new hiking boots, Scarpa Kailish GTX and daypack – Deuter AC 28 worked fine and I did well on my first tough hike of the season. Although this trail is only 6.4 kms return, it takes 3-4 hours to complete because it has 5 climbs on the way up the mountain. The trail loops and comes back down the old fire road with only one hill to worry. However the road is downhill most of the way, rocky and gives your thighs and feet a workout.
Their are two great views to enjoy along the way – one at top of the 4th climb and the other at the top of the mountain. Both are spectacular and make great photo shots. Don’t forget to take the trail to the right at the top of the mountain which provides you with incredible views of the Clyburn Valley, Cape Smokey and Middle Head. Franey Hiking Trail is one of the trails featured as a guided hike in this year’s Hike the Highlands Festival. Below are some photos I took today.
Hi Tom,
I Think you have the lake wrong if this is the one between the fire road and the trail then it is MacDougalls Lake.
Bethsheila and I Hiked Franey June 25th it was a sunny day and we got some great pictures of the views and also white lady slippers and moccasin flower which I called pink Lady slippers. We also found some labrador tea on the fire road. Seen some birds too.
I found the trail very eroded from spring run offs. Which can make the hike a little harder to do, but it’s worth it for the views and surrounding beauty.
Hi Tom,
I Think you have the lake wrong if this is the one between the fire road and the trail then it is MacDougalls Lake.
Bethsheila and I Hiked Franey June 25th it was a sunny day and we got some great pictures of the views and also white lady slippers and moccasin flower which I call pink Lady slippers. We also found some labrador tea on the fire road. Seen some birds too.
I found the trail very eroded from spring run offs. Which can make the hike a little harder to do, but it’s worth it for the views and surrounding beauty.