Franey

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Note:

Plan ahead
Popular hiking trails, including Skyline and Franey, see many visitors during the summer and fall months and trail parking lots fill up fast. Be #ParkSmart and plan ahead!

  • Trails are busiest between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  • Have a back-up plan in case the parking lot is full.

Keep it wild, keep it safe
Do you know what to do if you encounter wildlife in the park? Before your next visit, familiarize yourself with moose, bear and coyote safety familiarize yourself with moose, bear and coyote safety. Be respectful and act responsibly.

Climb steadily through the forest and your effort will be well rewarded at the summit. Large rocks provide an ideal spot to rest and take in spectacular 360° views of the Clyburn Brook canyon and the Atlantic coastline, stretching from Cape Smokey to Ingonish. Look inland toward the mountains, the sheer rocky face of Franey Mountain, or down to the river winding through the valley, 423 metres below.

Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way—moose are often seen in this area.

The trail has been recently realigned to include two scenic loops. Access the parking area and trailhead at the end of Franey Road.

Length 4.5 km / 2.7 mi (lower loop)
13 km / 8 mi (full loop)
Locator map - Franey
Hiking Look-off Snowshoeing
Rating Difficult  Difficult: Longer trails with long, steep sections that are suitable for visitors who have trail experience and are prepared (proper equipment and water).
Elevation 17 - 170 m (55 - 557 ft) (lower loop)
17 - 423 m (55 - 1,387 ft) (full loop)
Time 1.5 - 2 hours (lower loop)
5 - 6 hours (full loop)
Significant features Transition from Acadian to boreal forest, mountain and ocean vistas
Steep climb. Rugged sections.
Caution: Keep young children away from the steep cliffs.
Trailhead Turn off the Cabot Trail just north of the Clyburn River and follow the fire access road for about a kilometre to a small parking lot.
Lat: 46.660766 Long: -60.422683

Map

Franey

Points of interest
Points of interest
NameDescriptionIconCategory
Warren Lake

Day Use Area

Picnic area
North Bay Beach

Day Use Area

Picnic shelter
Clyburn Valley

Day Use Area

Picnic shelter
Ingonish Beach

Day Use Area

Picnic area
Cops Cove

Day Use Area

Picnic area
Map routes
Map routes
NameDescriptionCategory
Warren Lake Road

Unpaved road, parking area, picnic area, trailhead

Access route
Franey Road

Paved road, paved parking area, trailhead

Access route
Keltic Road

Paved road, paved parking area, trailhead

Access route
Beach Road

Paved road, unpaved parking area, day use area, beach, retail area, tennis and soccer areas

Access route
Franey

Franey hiking trail

Trail
Franey - closed section

Franey trail (closed/under construction)

Closed
Cabot Trail

Route 30

Parkway
Map areas
Map areas
NameDescriptionCategory
Cape Breton Highlands National Park

National park

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