River Ridge Common has something for everyone. Officially opened to the public in 2019, this 115 acre former gravel pit and woodlot has been transformed into a stunning oasis for all things outdoors. It boasts a breathtaking natural playground, gravelled walking trails, a waterfall, a bike skills park and a large network of mountain biking/hiking/snowshoeing trails.
Location: 4668 Highway 10, New Germany, Nova Scotia, B0R 1E0
Length: There are multiple trails in this park ranging from 1.1km to 2.25km. All trails interconnect so it is possible to hike 10+km if desired.
Difficulty Rating: Easy to difficult (depending on if you stick to the gravelled trails or venture onto the mountain biking/hiking trails).
Parking? Yes, there is a gravelled parking area.
Washrooms? Yes, but unavailable at this time.
Dogs Allowed? Yes, on leash.
Open year round? Yes. Walking, hiking, biking, playing and snowshoeing are encouraged.
Picnic area? Yes, there are multiple picnic tables both sheltered and unsheltered.
Suggestions to bring: A warm beverage, snack, camera, and a sense of wonder.
At the entrance to the park you will find a sign with a map and information about the park. Please note that this park is currently in phase 3 of 4 of development and therefore only the main gravelled trails are shown on the map at this time.
To access the park and trails you must initially walk uphill. There are three options for this:
- A gravelled direct upwards trail to the left.
- A gravelled trail with multiple switchbacks to ease the degree of elevation in the centre.
- A partially gravelled mountain biking/hiking trail to the right.
Once at the top you will be greeted by a stunning natural playground, picnic area, and a bike skills park. The workmanship here is truly remarkable with breathtaking structures, perfect for unique photo opportunities.
Heading back past the swings and play area, you will pass a large flat rock on your right with a birdhouse full of chalk. Feel free to let your creativity run wild here.
As you continue past the chalk rock, you will come to a gate where the park crosses the LaHave River Trail (former rail bed). From here, you have three options to take the trails shown on the maps:
Bridal Path: This 1.1km trail begins on your right just prior to the gate. It is mostly flat and runs alongside the LaHave River Trail. Once it reaches the former rail bed, you can take a left and walk the LaHave River Trail back to the gate (approximately 1km) to make a loop or head back the way you came.
Waterfall Trail: Once you reach the gate, take a left and walk the LaHave River Trail (former rail bed) for approximately .5km. Just shortly after you cross the bridge, the entrance to the 1.2km Waterfall Trail is on your right. This level walking trail has beautiful hand made benches as well as a picnic table where you can enjoy the view. Once you reach the end of the trail you have the option of taking a left to walk the LaHave River Trail back to the gate to make a loop or you can go back the way you came.
Ross Brook Way: Once you pass the gate and cross the LaHave River Rail Trail, you will find the entrance to this gravelled 2.25km loop trail. Winding up and down, this trail passes some big beautiful pines and has two picnic table areas to rest. A shortcut is available midway if you do not want to walk the entire loop.
PLEASE NOTE: the mountain biking/hiking/snowshoeing trails intersect the gravelled main trails in multiple locations and are not yet shown on the maps. There are however lots of signs to mark these trails as well as their difficulty rating. If you would like to view a copy of the entire trail system before arriving it can be found online here.
All in all, this is a fantastic place to spend the day or just a few hours. Have you been to River Ridge Common yet?
