• Difficulty: Moderate.
• Facilities: Parking.
• Signage: None.
• Features: Picturesque cascade waterfall hike, doable in as little as 1 hour.  Small sandy beach, pristine lakes, and rivers.
• Biodiversity: Nichols Lake is a vibrant ecological hotspot, boasting over 400 documented species, ranging from resilient lichen communities to iconic North Atlantic flora and fauna (see the Nature section below).
• Trail Conditions: View and sign the logbook below for updates from fellow explorers.

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Nichols Lake Trails

     Starting from the Prospect Road Community Centre, a 2-meter-wide 1.6km rough gravel trail leads to Nichols Lake and Nichols Falls.  These trails are in varying stages of construction, and as such, you should use caution and obey signs as crews may be working on certain areas. There are no maps, trail markers, or signage, so you do have to pay attention to where you’re going.

     Another entry point is via the Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery.  This trail is considerably more rugged, muddy, hilly & has some side paths that you’ll want to avoid, as they’ll take you off on unintended side adventures that may or may not lead anywhere. It’s an easy-to-follow trail through scenic forests in distinctly different stages of growth, leading in a direct line down to the falls.  It’s a 1km (roughly a 30-minute) hike from the cemetery to the falls.  Be courteous near the cemetery by being respectfully quiet as you come and go.  There are no garbage cans or maintenance of any kind along these trails, so Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in.

Diverse Scenery

   The first destination off of this trail is a small sand beach on Nichols Lake, and Nichols Run (a scenic stream connecting Nichols Lake and McDonald Lake).  Nichols Run was great for #bird-watching and made for a scenic photography stop in my early June visit.  Mosquitos can be bothersome in this area, so prepare accordingly.

     The next stop is a small sand beach on Nichols Lake.   The pristine lake is great for swimming, especially from this sand beach area.  A peaceful, quiet place, but for the call of the Loons and Osprey.  An improvised spot to sit at one end of the beach makes for a good place to enjoy the view.

     The last and most scenic stop on the gravel trail is Nichols Falls.  1.6km from the Community Centre, or 1km from the Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery, the falls are a great place for photography or just peaceful enjoyment.  While it may barely qualify as a waterfall in some people’s minds (it’s not a 10-foot tall cliff with a cascading torrent) it is certainly picturesque, thoroughly enjoyable, and worth the hike. You can explore (off-trail) upstream of the falls, or downstream towards Nichols Lake, especially useful if the falls are busy with fellow visitors.

Nichols Lake Trail Photos

Nature & Wildlife

     The Nichols Lake trails are a unique intersection of forest and wetland habitats that support a thriving local ecosystem. You’re likely to encounter Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) flourishing near the water’s edge, alongside the delicate white flowers of the Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens) tucked beneath the canopy. The forest floor itself is a masterpiece of textures, featuring the vibrant Stairstep Moss (Hylocomium splendens) and the distinct, silvery-green fronds of the Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), which create a subtly prehistoric atmosphere perfect for a quiet afternoon hike.

     Beyond the plant life, in warm months, you’re likely to see Tricolored Bumble Bee (Bombus ternarius) darting between blooms or catch a glimpse of a Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) basking on a sun-warmed rock. On older-growth trees, keep an eye out for the varied lichen species, such as the Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), which serves as a testament to the area’s clean air and ecological health. These residents turn a simple hike into a rewarding wildlife observation experience.  View and record Nichols Lake Trail observations on iNaturalist.

A Work In Progress

      While the main trail is a wide, well-built gravel trail, there are numerous side trails (more narrow, and rugged) that allow you to do a loop or explore other areas (see map for details).  These side trails can sometimes lead nowhere or branch off onto deer trails, so you don’t want to take too many turns and risk getting lost.

     The trail leading from the cemetery is one of these more rugged, narrow trails but is easily hiked.  It’s a well-travelled, fairly direct line to the falls.  There were a downed tree or two, easily walked around during my latest visit.  If you park at the cemetery, make sure you respect the area (drive slowly, leave room, be respectfully quiet, etc.).

Trip Tips

     Accessibility: These trails are ideal for a quick and easy getaway without venturing far from the city.  If you’re in the Prospect area, it’s definitely worth a stop. Keep in mind the main trail is a work in progress, so it may not currently accommodate strollers or wheelchairs, and could have workers and machinery on-site (view & sign the logbook below for tips from fellow adventurers).

     Prepare for Conditions: The area is a vibrant ecological hotspot, but it can also be a haven for insects. During warmer months, mosquitoes and blackflies & ticks can be bothersome, so pack appropriate bug protection to avoid having to cut your visit short.

     Dogs On-Leash: These trails are popular amongst dogs. Please keep them under control and on-leash. This ensures a safe experience for everyone, including your dog, keeping them from encounters with unwelcoming critters like prickly porcupines, who definitely aren’t dog lovers.

     Respect the Cemetery Entrance: If you choose to access the area via the Sunrise Park Inter-Faith Cemetery, please be extra respectful of the space. Drive slowly, leave room for visitors, and keep your noise level to a minimum.

     Post-Hike Treats: I highly advise stopping at the conveniently located Kelly’s Deli (former site of “The Multi-Cup Cafe”) minutes from the trailhead. It’s a hearty neighbourhood deli vibe with unique local offerings. Nova Scotia staple, Jessy’s Pizza, and neighbourhood fave G’s Pizza are only slightly further. All are the correct choices!

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