Economy Falls
Woke up to a flat tire..ug! Our first speed bump this year… literally. It seems my off road journey along a 14 kilometre gravel road to Chignecto Park had some consequences. Luckily it was on the way back from the park. Anywho… not a big deal, nothing a spear tire would not fix for the day. But it did put a twist into the day because now I needed some tires.
As luck has it… my day was going to include a visit to Truro, Nova Scotia anyway to research the community. Now my trip to Truro would involve hunting down some tires, as the donut wheel did not look like it would hold out for a tonka truck. Good tires are big news for the type of roads we drive in order to reach our adventure destinations.
Before Truro… I was still determined to do some research.. and I did just that. First I went and hiked the trail to Economy Falls (really cool) and then headed off to the trails leading to Thomas Cove (sort of cool). Both are located in Economy, Nova Scotia. Both are located on the way to Truro.
Economy Falls
Economy Falls is the most popular waterfall trail in the region referred by some as the “waterfall region” of Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, only a few of the trails leading to falls are developed or maintained. Many waterfalls are marked on the tourism map, but with no directions or road markings pointing the way. Heck… finding information about the falls was tough enough from tourism offices. Museums are the big draw in the area… lots of information on history.
The trail to Economy Falls – like many in the region – is located at the end of a long gravel road. It turns out that the Economy Falls Trail is a part of a network of trails in the region. There are connected trails leading to backpacking wilderness campsites near waterfalls. It brings pain to me , when I learn of new adventures when time is not my friend. I stayed with the initial plan as the backpacking trails is said to take 2-3 days.
Economy Falls has two trailheads. The southern trailhead is a 6.6 kilometre trail which follows the river and canyon connecting to Economy Falls. My preferred route.. only because I was time sensitive. The other route is a short 1.5 one way kilometre trail which suited my schedule for the day.
The route begins by following a level double wide trail following an earthy path covered with exposed tree trunks and rocks. It was a high stepping type of trail. After a short distance the trail turns and begins to drop down a long hill… a real long mud hill that may result in some slipping and sliding when wet or you have poor foot wear. The hill then leads to a set of wooden steps which also go down. There are 3 sets of them. The steps lead steeply into a canyon where the falls await.
I enjoyed a quick moment to bond with Mother Nature and then I was hiking back up the stairs and then the slippery hill. It was steep and I am proud to say my legs were burning.
Also in the Economy region is the Thomas Cover Trails. They lead to red rock cliffs, a wetland and a sandy beach. It is well known as a good birding area.
Thomas Cove
The main trail leading to the beach in Thomas Cove is well maintained and less then 100 metres. The surrounding trails are rough and overgrown. Trail markings were at times hard to locate. I was wrestling with spider webs and playing tag with mosquitoes in the tall grasses to reach the point with the views. Remember to bring bug spray… it is a wetland and wetlands and mosquitoes love each other.
I was soon in Truro by 1 PM. Fitted with new tires by 5 PM and on my way back to Five Islands. Bro and I will be on the move for the next few days as we are heading to the Annapolis Valley region to get nosey and curious.