• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate (distance), 1-2 hours.
• Setting: Riverside, Waterfalls, Old-Growth Forest.
• Facilities: Parking, Picnic Shelter, Benches, Outhouse.
• Features: 1.3km (linear) Mill Falls trail connected to Beech Grove trail (2km loop) via a bridge with scenic views of the Mersey River.
• Biodiversity: A globally significant Acadian wilderness that sustains an exceptional diversity of rare flora and fauna along the Mersey River.
• Signage: Minimal.

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Riverside Hiking

     These trails are a great riverside experience near the Visitor Centre at Kejimkujik National Park.  Mill Falls get their name from a portable steam mill that was set up there in the early 1900s.  Beech Grove is aptly named for the large stands of old-growth Beech trees encompassing part of the trail.

Mill Falls Trail

     Mill Falls trail can be accessed near the Visitor Centre area, or further on down the road at a designated parking area.  I would recommend starting from the Mill Falls parking area to take in the full trail. The 1km Mill Falls trail has lots of great views of the slate lined falls and Mersey River.  Interpretive panels along the trail touch on the river ecosystem, geology, and history of the area.

     A covered picnic area and other benches and viewing areas make it a great place to take time out to relax by the river. It’s a popular swimming area for locals, though discouraged for its obvious dangers.

  The river ecosystem is full of birds, reptiles, and fish, including brook trout which can be seen swimming up the falls in the Fall.

Current Mersey River paddling conditions:

Beech Grove Trail

     Beech Grove trail connects on to Mill Falls trail via a very cool floating footbridge, similar to the one found at Jake’s Landing.   The 2.2km loop is nestled in a bend in the river and goes up a drumlin into large stands of old-growth hemlock and beech trees.  The trail is a great combination of picturesque forest scenes and elevated views of the river and falls.

     Doing both trails together is about 5km return, so it’s short enough for a half-day outing.  Biking is not allowed on either trail.  Be sure to pack bug spray and watch for ticks.

Nature & Wildlife

     The ancient forests and dynamic riverbanks of the Mill Falls and Beech Grove trails support a remarkably rich ecosystem within the heart of Kejimkujik National Park. Beneath a towering canopy of centuries-old eastern hemlock, yellow birch, and sugar maple, the shaded forest floor creates a cool, damp microclimate where delicate spring ephemerals, rare lichens, and lush mosses thrive. This protected sanctuary provides essential habitat for woodland wildlife, from red squirrels and barred owls to white-tailed deer traversing the forested ridges.

     Along the banks of the Mersey River, the landscape shifts dramatically as the rushing whitewater and calm eddies create vital aquatic and riparian habitats. The river’s edge and rocky outcroppings are prime spots to observe wildlife such as river otters, snapping turtles, and a wide array of songbirds, woodpeckers, and waterfowl drawn to the water. It is a profoundly peaceful and ecologically rich landscape where visitors can experience the timeless, untamed heart of Nova Scotia’s interior wilderness.

Trip Tips

     These trails are open year-round, and new for 2025, firewood will be available at the Mill Falls shelter for use in the wood stove. This service is made possible by Friends of Keji, a non-profit organization. They will not be able to offer this service without your support, so remember to bring cash for the donation box, plus what you need to start a fire; matches, paper, and an axe or hatchet to make kindling.

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