Autumn in Cape Breton is the most beautiful and magical time of year where our cool days are brightened by colourful foliage and hearts are warmed by the friendly people, food, and music.
As wondrous as the fall colour season is, it is also so dearly fleeting - lasting around 2-3 weeks of October. If you are reading this, then you are probably looking for places to add to your very own must visit list that guarantees you to see colour. So instead of making this a lengthy itinerary, we will keep it short and sweet!
Here are - three - places in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to add to your fall travels!

**Read, enjoy, then get out there and chase those colours!!**

1. Franey Trail
7.4km
Hiking Time 3h
If you thought the views of our Cape Breton Mountains were beautiful from the road.. then you best believe they are incredible at the top! This is one of our favourite hikes on the Island. Climb to the top and be gifted 360° views of not only the coastal beauty of Ingonish but the breathtaking Clyburn Brook canyon. The winding river below, colourful leaves everywhere the eye can see, rock ledges to daringly take your pictures on (please be careful) - this is a dream trail to explore in autumn.

2. Mica Hill Trail
7.9 km
Hiking Time 3h
Start your hike winding through an Acadian forest watching leaf canopies dance above you and more leaves crunch beneath your feet. Coming out to a windswept plateau you are rewarded with views of mountains in the distance, and vibrant red taiga all around you. Look closely enough and you can see coastal villages in the distance! Continuing on to the end of the trail there is beautiful outcrops of quartz and mica that sparkle with every step. This is a great trail for family and friends with little benches to take breaks, enjoy the view, and capture that perfect fall photo along the way.

BONUS PLACE :
Beulach Ban Falls
Don’t have time to hike but would love to see an autumn coloured waterfall? You’re in luck. Located at the top of the CBHNP and nestled in the mountains, you can drive right up to this waterfall and snap your pics without putting in any work. But if you do have time.. we suggest checking out the Aspy Trail located directly next to it!

3. Aspy Trail
9.6km
3h
Hiking along the Aspy Fault, this trail is one we consider a hidden gem. Many people check out Beulach Ban Falls but don’t realize the adventure that lies right next to it. The beginning of the hike is through a mix of old growth and regenerated forest that has so many colourful leaves all around you it may be a little happily overwhelming. Passing streams, small waterfalls, and hearing the river nearby, eventually you begin to climb up along the side of the mountain where you can look back at this incredible fault line of dressed in its autumn best.

A few lasting “What to Pack” notes before you begin chasing fall colours on Cape Breton Island :
- Good hiking shoes/boots. Fall here can sometimes be muddy or rainy. Bring good warm (waterproof if you can) shoes to keep your mind focused on the views and not on how your feet feel.
- Layers (t-shirt, sweater, jacket, etc). Weather here can be hot one day and cold the next this time of year. Pack layers so you can cool off on your hikes but then bundle up when you stop for a break.
- A plan. Now more then ever with Covid restrictions in place it is best to plan where you want to stay and eat before setting out on your travels. Every hiker deserves a good meal afterwards and we wouldn’t want you stuck trying to find a place that is open last minute.

**Happy exploring & tag us in your fall pics if we helped inspire you to visit somewhere this breathtaking season!**

@DaveyAndSky