Located off the Chester Connector Trail, the Castle Rock Hiking Trail winds uphill through a former Christmas tree farm to a high peak with an impressive view. Overlooking the waters of Mahone Bay and area, you can understand why many locals, and visitors, like to make the climb and become members of the Castle Rock Club.
Castle Rock Hiking Trail
Location: 7846 HWY 329, East River.
Length: 9.4km total (6.4km, Chester Connector Trail and 3km, Castle Rock Trail).
Difficulty Rating: The Chester Connector section is flat and easy however snow and ice may change this rating. The Castle Rock Trail has options for 3 levels of difficulty (easy to hard), a decent uphill hike is required for all.
Parking? Yes, there is a gravelled parking area.
Washrooms? No, but lots of woods.
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash.
Open year round? Yes.
Picnic area? Yes, a picnic table is located approximately 2.7km in on the Chester Connector Trail beside Labrador Lake. The top of Castle Rock also makes for an excellent picnic location if you are willing to sit on the rock.
Suggestions to bring: Water & a warm beverage, snack, binoculars, camera, layered clothing,hiking pole, a pad to sit on, sturdy winter boots and ice grips.
To access Castle Rock Trail you must first walk 3.2km of the multi-use Chester Connecter section of the Rails to Trails. The parking area is located directly beside this former rail bed.
Once parked, head inland. Be mindful crossing highway #3 as it is on a fairly sharp turn. Once across the highway, you will find a sheltered map showing different sections of the Rails to Trails as well as the location of Castle Rock Hiking Trail.
From here, the Chester Connecter Trail takes you across multiple flowing brooks and waterways, under a highway overpass and alongside Labrador Lake.
At 3.2km in, you will find a large detailed map and a bike rack to your right marking the entryway to Castle Rock. It is a good idea to take a photo of the trail map. The red and blue trails are the easiest to follow and take you directly to the top of Castle Rock. The yellow trail may take a bit of navigation skills (if you are the first one in after a fresh snow) and gives a view of the base of Castle Rock before bringing you to the top.
It is possible to do a loop connecting the Castle Rock trails, just note that the blue and red trails take you to one end of Castle Rock and the Yellow Trail is at the opposite end. No matter which trail you take, you will have to scramble a short distance at the end to make it to the top of Castle Rock.
Once you reach the top, your uphill hike will be rewarded with a picturesque 360 degree view including the islands of Mahone bay such as Big Tancook. Take a rest and soak in the well deserved goodness.
Are you planning to make your way to the top, or have you already made the climb to the top of Castle Rock? We’d love to see your pictures and hear about your adventures.
