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Our interpretive program is led by volunteers.
Fulfillment of this program is subject to COVID 19 conditions and restrictions.
We’ll be practicing social distancing at all events.
Join us for a guided hike led by a knowledgable member of the Friends of Taylor Head Society.
We have graded our hiking trails as EASY or MODERATE for hikes under 3 kilometers, and DIFFICULT for hikes over 3 kilometers, such as the Headland Trail. Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, something to eat, and appropriate outdoor clothing.
Hike is under 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
Hike is over 3 kilometres (1.86 miles)
You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots.
Street shoes or sandal-type footwear with open toes and heels are not suitable for these rough hiking trails. If you have questions about the conditions of the trails, just give us a call.
Sunday, September 05. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:30p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
During this mid-summer outing along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails you will have the opportunity to observe and identify plants, birds and other wildlife of the seashore, barren headland, and wetlands of Taylor Head.
We will also examine some of the Park’s fascinating geological features as we traverse the margin of one of Nova Scotia’s most prominent coastal headlands.
This hike will be about 5.5 hours and the trail is challenging in places. Bring a lunch, water, binoculars, and wear sturdy footwear.
Leader: Peter Oickle. Call/text 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons. Call/text 902-772-2207. E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Saturday, September 25. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
On this outing, we will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail.
It is a good opportunity to see and photograph migrating shorebirds including Yellowlegs, Whimbrels, and other foraging travelers.
We also expect to see migrating fall warblers as well as a variety of our year-round, resident species.
You will encounter rugged terrain on this 5-hour walk, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy footwear.
Bring lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, October 3rd. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m. No rain date.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well being. Forests would not grow without them. Orchids wouldn’t bloom without them, and some even glow in the dark. Throughout history, mushrooms have been regarded with fear and fascination.
Learn the facts about what is edible and what is poisonous, and where (and when) to find them.
The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch. No rain date.
Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a Biologist with a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.
Attendees must pre-register in advance (no groups, maximum 2 people per registration).
Warren Parsons E-mail: rosalieeast@ns.sympatico.ca
Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of Lands and Forestry, the Park gate is open beyond the normal mid-October closing date until early December. During this extended open period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsible for garbage collection and toilet maintenance.
Sunday, October 17. (Rain date October 24) Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Park entrance gate on Highway 7.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS
Garbage along the roads detracts from the scenic beauty for visitors driving to Taylor Head Park.
Within the park boundaries, the roadside and ditches are generally trash-free, but ditches along Highway 7 sprout coffee cups, bottles, and cigarette packages at an alarming rate. In spring and autumn, the Friends of Taylor Head Park conduct a trash pickup along about 6 km of Highway 7 between the Mushaboom Bridge (near Mushaboom Road) and Twin Bridges Road. Safety vests and garbage bags are provided.
Before starting, there is a brief safety talk. We welcome both members and other volunteers willing to assist.
For safety reasons, participants must be at least 12 years of age.
Contact: Stephen Mildenberger. Call/Text 902-885-2394
Saturday, November 6. (No rain date) Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.
Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207
Sunday, November 21. (No rain date) Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.
Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207
Saturday, December 4. (No rain date) Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY SECTIONS
Late autumn is a special time to experience the natural wonders of Taylor Head Park. The air is fresh, cool, and clear. There are no biting insects, and lots of elbow room on the trails.
Join us for a walk on the Bull Beach Trail and the Bob Bluff Trail to Psyche Cove Beach (Taylor Head Beach), then along the beach to Powers Pond looping back to the main parking lot. Shuttle or walk the Park Road back to the Bull Beach parking lot.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing is recommended. Bring snacks, lunch, and water. No rain date.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text: 902-499-4114
Alternate contact: Warren Parsons 902-772-2207