Franey Trail is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia, Canada that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
One of the more popular trails on the East Side of the Cabot Trail, Franey offers a great view point down a valley and over Ignomish and Middle Head. One can hike up and back the trail or make a loop by taking a Forest Road back down. The trail is well maintained but is steep in some locations, but steps are usually provided. The Forest Road takes you by a lake and offers potential for wildlife viewing.
April 10, 2021Oof fun tho
March 12, 2021this is not a moderate trail, specaly on snow shoes hard but worth the work out!
March 2, 2021This was heaven on earth! Hiked in October . The view was amazing, terrain well marked and groomed Best by far of all hikes
February 28, 2021Challenging, beautiful trail. Very little blazing visible. Made more difficult by wild wind and blowing snow.
February 24, 2021Did this trail yesterday (Feb 22nd) with snowshoes rented from the Ingonish visitor centre. We found in a challenging but beautiful climb. Unfortunately without cell service or visible km markers/signage I’m not sure how exactly far we made it. We got past 2 lookouts but not being sure if we were halfway and could return via the loop in time to return our snowshoes we went back the way we came in. Only saw one other group on the trail it was quiet and a fun hike!
February 20, 2021Beautiful hike. Number of people had already hiked it so it was nice to not have to blaze the trail in snowshoes. Certainly a different perspective hiking it in the winter rather than the summer. Loved seeing all the animal tracks. Recommend doing the loop and taking the service trail back. A bit challenging on the way up but very worth it! The road to the trail head has not been plowed so that added roughly an extra 1k each way.
February 20, 2021Well groomed and well trafficked trail. Completed wearing snowshoes. I’d recommend taking the service trail to start, little more gradual incline to the top. Well worth it in the end!!
February 16, 2021December 12, 2020Amazing views
November 10, 2020Amazing day on the trail. It was 22°C on November 10.
November 10, 2020Excellent trail Well Maintained Steep 3k to top then a east descent down the access trail
November 1, 2020It was gorgeous on the way in - leaves are mostly gone but they carpeted the trail beautifully! Birch trees lining the first leg. The ascent had us working hard but still enjoyable. Snow dusting as we got higher. Amazing views at the top. A great variety of scenery throughout. We went on a Saturday midday and only encountered 2 other groups.
October 29, 2020Bit challenging on the way up, incredible view at the chair, worth the steep conditions for sure !
October 29, 2020This is a great hike with lots of vistas and look offs. Trail is well marked and easy to follow with steps in steep grade areas. Fairly constant ascent on way in (up). Hardwood forests give way to mixed woods near top. Two spectacular lookoffs at top - second in series even more impressive. Great area for lunch or trail snacks. Descent follows wide older wood road which leads back to parking lot with a couple small lakes to venture to off main road. These aren’t well marked but trust the foot traffic signs. P Parks Canada rates this trail as difficult. It’s not the least bit technical but the ascent is likely the reason. You might want to check the weather as fog or low visibility can erase the views at the top. Recommend decent footwear. Moose scat galore and obvious feeding signs in open old cut overs where young hardwood growth. Keep an eye out for moose on way down.
October 26, 2020October 26, 2020Definitely a tough workout on the way up, but so worth it at the top for the views. If we had been just a week earlier, the colors would have been incredible. Still color throughout the trees but lots are losing their leaves now. The way down was much easier to complete the loop!
October 25, 2020October 24, 2020First half of the trail was hard. But well worth the hike. Pushes your body to the limit. Weather was rain and foggy. But made it to the chair and the complete loop
October 24, 2020the hardest hiking trail but Im happy I did it
October 24, 2020Beautiful trail sadly it was foggy so no view at the top. No moose!
October 23, 2020October 18, 2020October 17, 2020Great hike challenge heading to peak. Second half is old logging road and more easily managed. Unfortunately, fog was heavy and no views of the mountains and water was available.
October 16, 2020Beautiful hike, gorgeous view at the top and awesome fall colors. Totally worth it! It was steep while coming down but it was fun. Moderate level trail and not too bad
October 16, 2020October 16, 2020October 16, 2020It was a beautiful challenging climb....worth every minute of it... The view from the top is breath taking.. Love it..
October 15, 2020October 12, 2020October 12, 2020
