The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park are pet lovers, but please leave your dog at home during our guided hikes. This is for the comfort of fellow group hikers.
You need sturdy footwear such as walking shoes, hiking sneakers, or hiking boots. Street shoes or sandal-type footwear are not suitable for these rough hiking trails.
Most outings exceed three hours, so do not forget to bring drinking water, snacks or something to eat, and wear appropriate outdoor clothing (layers).
Saturday, September 26. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
No rain date.
On this outing we will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail. It is a good opportunity to see and photograph migrating shore birds 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 a lunch, water, and binoculars.
Leader: Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, May 05. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the end of Old Taylor Head Road
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
No rain date.
On this fresh spring outing – before the park gate opens – we walk the Park Road along the shore of Tomley Bay and Spry Bay to Taylor Head Beach. A short walk, on the now deserted sand beach, brings us to the Bob Bluff Trail trailhead. Our walk from here follows the Bob Bluff Trail which leads to Bob Bluff Head. At this scenic lookoff we
stop for lunch, then pick up the Bull Beach Trail which skirts the shore of Mushaboom Harbour.
At Bull Beach, which is known for its boisterous surf, the trail ends. From here, we walk back to the start via the Park Road. Subject to specific conditions, the walk may be done in the reverse order.
This hike will be about 3.5 – 4 hours. Except for the Park Road section, this is a rough, back-country trail that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch, water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Peter Oickle Call/text 902.499.4114
Date: TBA
Level of difficulty – EASY
No rain date.
This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids.
There are a number of places in Taylor Head Park that are special. I would like to introduce you to several of these special spots this season. This event will happen around lunchtime and should last a couple of hours.
Meet at 11:00 am at the last parking lot. Bring your lunch. We will walk to a special spot, relax, chat and have lunch. Each of these spots have a pleasant memory for me, and hopefully will become a memory for you.
Leader: Warren Parsons Call/Text 902- 885 – 5737
Saturday, June 08. 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: EASY
No rain date.
If you want to start bird watching or have started and want some help, practice, or encouragement, this event is for you. The focus is on basic bird identification techniques. We will do a walk-a-bout to find and identify birds.
We will also cover optical equipment, guide books, and other aids useful to bird watchers.
This event is for those new to bird watching; however, experienced birders are welcome to attend to help beginners. Bring binoculars. Some loaner binoculars will be available if you have none. Bring lunch and water.
This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids.
Leader: Call/ Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, June 22. Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: EASY (surfaced trails and sand beach near the parking lot)
No rain date.
Early summer is a special time in Taylor Head Park. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the vegetation is fresh and lush. During this outing we will stroll along the trails through the forest, old fields, and the sand beach looking for the display of early summer wildflowers and other flora.
Bring your lunch and some water.
This is a walk everyone can enjoy, even those using mobility aids.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, July 14. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
No rain date.
During this mid-summer outing along the Headland and Spry Bay Trails you will have the opportunity to identify plants and 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.
Prepare for a 5.5-hour walk that includes sections of rough, backcountry trail, adding an element of challenge and adventure to the experience. Bring lunch and water, and wear appropriate footwear to ensure you’re ready for this exciting journey.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, September 21. 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
No rain date.
The pace and content of this and all of our birding walks favour new and inexperienced birdwatchers.
Experienced birders, we value your knowledge and skills. Your willingness to share and contribute to the group’s learning is greatly appreciated.
We will walk the Spry Bay Trail and Headland Trail on this outing. It is a good opportunity to see migrating shorebirds, including yellowlegs, whimbrels, plovers and other foraging travellers. We also expect to see migrating fall warblers and a variety of our year-round resident birds.
This 5.5-hour walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trails that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch, water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Saturday, October 19. 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
No rain date.
October brings cool temperatures, no biting insects, and vibrant colours. There is no better time to get out and enjoy Taylor Head Park. The crowberry and huckleberry barrens along the Headland Trail and Spry Bay Trail are clothed in colourful autumn attire and ready to host adventurous visitors.
This 5.5-hour walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trail that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch, water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
TBA: October
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE
No rain date.
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. Discover how mushrooms (fungi) are absolutely essential to our well-being.
The trail is rough, so wear appropriate footwear. Bring water and a trail lunch.
Leader: Dr. Scott Cunningham. Scott has a doctorate in molecular biology. His specialty is the mushroom flora of the region.
Contact: A contact will be identified when a date is confirmed.
The number of participants in this even will be limited. Pre-registration is required.
Through a partnership agreement between The Friends of Taylor Head Provincial Park and NS Department of
Natural Resources, the Park gate is open beyond the normal October 14 closing date until December 02.
During this period, in the absence of regular park staff, FOTHP volunteers take on responsibility for garbage collection
and toilet maintenance.
Saturday, November 09. 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
No rain date.
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 and loop back to the main Parking lot. Those who want a longer walk will continue and do the Spry Bay Trail.
Hiking on exposed coastline in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing are recommended. This walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trails that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch and water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, November 24. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: DIFFICULT
No rain date.
The pace and content of this and all our birding walks favour new and inexperienced birdwatchers. Experienced birders are also very welcome, especially those willing to share their knowledge and skills.
On this leisurely walk along the spectacular Headland Trail, we focus on birds that typically overwinter along our coastline. We expect to see a variety of ducks and other seabirds, including eiders, grebes, scoters, dovekies, guillemots, mergansers, harlequins, long–tails, and gannets.
Hiking on exposed coastlines in November can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing are recommended. This 5.5-hour walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trails that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch and water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
Sunday, December 01. Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Park Info Kiosk at the last parking lot.
Level of difficulty: MODERATE with EASY sections
No rain date.
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 and loop back to the main Parking lot. Those who want a longer walk will continue and do the Spry Bay Trail.
Hiking on exposed coastline in December can be cool and damp, so good boots and seasonally appropriate clothing are recommended.
This 5.5-hour walk includes sections of rough, backcountry trail that may be challenging for some. Bring lunch and water, and wear appropriate footwear.
Leader: Call/Text Peter Oickle 902.499.4114
TBA
We organize walks on the park road, trails, and beach during the winter months, subject to seasonal conditions. These events will be posted on the website (HERE) and announced on social media.
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