Rum Runners Trail
...from Halifax to Lunenburg...

Rum Runners trail is a hiking & cycling recreational trail that will take you on a 119km adventure from Halifax to Tantallon to Hubbards to Chester to Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.

Before you go to the Rum Runners trail

Directions: There are several access points to the trail.  It depends on your starting point.  I suggest you check the detailed map on the Rum Runners trail official website.  The map will indicate all of the access points.

Distance:  119 km return

Elevation: no elevation

Time:    Depends on how much of the trail you wish to do; 3-4 days hiking; 1-3 days cycling

Level of Difficulty:  Easy trail on a former rail bed

Food/Water:  Water is always necessary.  Light snacks are also a good idea. There are numerous restaurants & cafes on the trail. 

Clothes/Accessories:  A sweater or light jacket; sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots; hybrid bike and helmet and a camera.

Facilities: There is a vast array of facilities along the Rum Runners trail including parking, picnic spots, restaurants, cafes, bike shops and accommodations.

Okay - Let's get Hiking

The Rum Runners trail is a shared-trail that is well marked and maintained by several trail groups.  It is mostly compacted fine gravel which makes for an easy walk or cycle.

You'll also find wooden walkways across wet areas as well as pedestrian bridges.

The trail runs, at times, parallel along the Lighthouse Route. It will also take you through parts of Nova Scotia's South Shore.  There is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy.  

From the Three Churches in Mahone Bay to the many lakes and bays along the way.  You might even see a tiny dory.

What's really awesome about this trail is that you can do as much or as little as you wish. 

The choices for day hikes or bicycle rides are endless.  Especially interesting if you have small children.

There are actually 7 trails within the longer trail.

The 7 trails starting in Halifax are:

Chain of Lakes trail - 7km
Buff Wilderness trail (BLT) - 13km
St. Margaret's Bay trail - 32km
Aspotogan trail - 11km
Chester Connection trail - 35km
Dynamite trail - 10km
Bay to Bay trail - 11km

All of these trails are connected to make the 119km long Rum Runners trail.

The Rum Runners trail is a Nova Scotia gem that the whole family can enjoy.  A fantastic way to convert unused train tracks to outdoor fun and adventure.

Many thanks to Lynn Morrison and Janice Rand for allowing me to use their pictures.  You ladies rock!

Have you hiked or cycled the Rum Runners trail?  Look near the bottom of this page and you can submit your story and pictures.  You'll get your own page on this website!

Accommodations

There are many great accommodations to be found on the South Shore - Lighthouse Route in Nova Scotia.  Check hotels, motels, B & Bs and Inns in Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

There are also lovely vacation rentals in the same areas: Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Chester, Bridgewater and Liverpool.

These links will also give you choices in smaller communities in the vacinity.

Restaurants

Nova Scotia has a wide variety of places to eat.  From fine dining, family restaurants, pubs and pizza spots.  There is something for everyone.  I suggest you check my Where to Eat page for some tips on how to find a restaurant in your location.

Where to next?

There is lots to see and do in the Mahone Bay, Chester and Lunenburg areas!  Don't miss The Ovens, the Gaff Point hiking trail, the Castle Rock trail and Blue Rocks.  And, don't forget Peggy's Cove!!

Have you hiked or cycled the Rum Runners trail?

Do you have a great story about it? Please share it with us!

Please share this page with your friends.