Susies Lake – Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes
- Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult (Navigation/Terrain).
- Facilities: None. (Pack out what you pack in & Leave No Trace.)
- Signage: Little to none. Occasional “wilderness area” signs. Unmarked trails.
- Features: Part of the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. Popular, scenic “Flagpole Hill” lookoff & swimming access point. Authentic wilderness experience for experienced hikers, minutes from downtown Halifax.
Susies Lake Hiking Trails
Keep in mind these trails are not managed, and there are no garbage cans. This wilderness area requires strict ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethics to preserve it for everyone to enjoy. Dog owners can ruin unmanaged wilderness areas like this with littered poop bags. Don’t be irresponsible; pack an empty peanut butter jar, a bag carrier, or a dog backpack to carry out used poop bags.
Refrain from open fires! Cutting trees and branches is illegal & burning can cause catastrophic damage. The large white pine at “flagpole hill” near the lookoff has been particularly hard hit by such behaviour and is in an area that specifically prohibits fires.
Parking & Trail Access
Susies Lake is best accessed behind the Bayers Lake Industrial Park. Kent Building Supplies isn’t fond of people using their parking lot, so I can’t recommend you park there, but if you look around, you will find spots to park where you won’t be infringing on any businesses.
As soon as you enter the main trailhead, you will wonder if you’re trespassing or going the wrong way, as is the case with a lot of great hiking spots in Nova Scotia. Look for the bright yellow “Wilderness Area” signs that are posted at a couple of key areas such as a clearing near the trailhead. Once you’re acclimated, it’s not too difficult to figure out where the well-trafficked trail is but be warned, there are many deer paths and side trails that can lead you in different directions.
The map on this page shows the easiest routes to follow and doesn’t require a compass or GPS. I have taken some wrong turns trying to get to the Susies Lake look-off before, so you do have to pay attention to where you’re going and I wouldn’t recommend it for complete novices.
The huge granite look-off is an ideal spot to sit and take in the view. Bring a sitting pad, because you’re bound to spend more time than planned sitting on the hard granite, taking in the view (especially near sunset)
There are many irresponsibly placed, illegal fire pits in the area you should refrain from using. Practice basic “leave no trace” ethics in this sensitive natural area & be very mindful of the current conditions.
Susies Lake Lookoff
Sunsets viewed from the look-off are breathtaking. Barring any wrong turns, it’s possible to get back to the parking lot before it’s pitch black with a 15-minute hike (always pack a headlamp). If you are new to the area or unsure of your navigation skills, I’d advise against staying for sunset as it’s extremely easy to get lost in the dark even if you know where to go (speaking from experience). The look-off is also a popular spot for swimming, especially with the “free-spirited” types on hot summer evenings, so fair warning.
Algorithm based on thermal lag and seasonal averages.
As I said earlier, there are a few well-trafficked trails and many smaller wildlife trails that can lead you off in the wrong direction. Exploring this area does require some basic navigation skills. My free maps are intended to be opened with your phone’s Google Maps app for a real-time GPS reference, but you should never rely solely on your phone.
Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area
The many lakes, rolling hills, #old-growth trees and rocky outcrops that make up the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Wilderness Area allow for new discoveries with every outing. It never ceases to amaze me that this place, akin to Kejimkujik National Park, exists directly behind a bustling business park well within city limits.
🌲 Tread Lightly: Unmaintained Wilderness
There are zero facilities or trail crews here. Protect this fragile environment by following the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace:
- 1. Plan Ahead: There is no on-site signage. Download and print maps (GPX) beforehand and prepare for sudden weather changes.
- 2. Travel on Durable Surfaces: Disperse your impact. Walk on bare rock, dry ground, or deep snow to avoid trampling fragile bogs, moss, and vegetation.
- 3. Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out absolutely everything, including organic food scraps. If it is safe to do so, please help leave the wilderness better than you found it by packing out any existing litter you come across.
- 4. Leave What You Find: Leave stones, plants and all other natural objects in their original place and condition. Prevent the spread of invasive species by removing mud and debris from shoes, clothing and equipment before hitting the trail.
- 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use a portable stove instead of making a fire, as open fires are likely not permitted. If a fire is necessary and legally permitted, do not create new fire rings and ensure it is thoroughly extinguished. If you see an active, out-of-control fire or an illegal campfire during a strict ban, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency illegal burning or rule violations, call the provincial reporting line at 1-800-565-2224.
- 6. Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance. Never feed wild animals, and store all food and scented items securely.
- 7. Be Considerate: Let the sounds of nature prevail. Avoid excessive noise and yield to others navigating the terrain.
My Susies Lake Photos
Potential Urban National Park
Like Kejimkujik National Park, there is a great #paddling route through its chain of lakes (as seen on my map), though the lack of good access points makes it a logistical challenge. The current best access is via the busy 102 highway from a very poor pull-over area. This access point leads to an old, overgrown access road leading to a launch point on the lake. The poor access is an aspect that will be sure to change when (if) this area gets protected, as has been promised for decades.
There are no designated campsites but plenty of ill-advised makeshift camps and fire pits. Camping is legal on public land unless otherwise stated, but whenever you’re camping in any non-designated areas, you should strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.
This guide is meant to offer an entry point to a couple of the most trafficked trails, but please keep in mind that this is undeveloped nature, meant to be rugged, wild, and preserved as-is (despite being encroached upon by development).
If you’re interested in the protection of this area, check out my blog post and on the subject. To contribute to the creation of the Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Park, support the work of volunteers with the Friends Of Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Society by donating and becoming a member (free). The Nova Scotia Nature Trust is currently looking to raise money to purchase a key section of this wilderness, with a June 2020 deadline (learn more & donate).
Nature & Biodiversity
To learn more about the natural aspects of Susies Lake, click the links below to learn more. For a full list of local observations on iNaturalist, click here.
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