Coxheath Hills is more than just a trail network, it’s a community victory. Built to protect the area from quarry development, these trails now welcome hikers from around the world. Locals often call it Coxheath Mountain, and it’s especially beloved during Celtic Colours, when music, stories, and a ceilidh bring the woods to life each October. The trail also hosts everything from writing workshops to cadet camps, and even the occasional overnight stay at the rustic Pittman Lodge.
The main trail begins with a steady climb, past a gentle brook and small waterfall, mixed forest rich with ash, hemlock, beech, and striped maple. Once you hit the ridgeline, the reward is instant—views stretching across Sydney, out toward Cape Smokey, and over to the East Bay Hills.
A short distance from here, you’ll find Pittman Lodge, a welcoming shelter that marks the start of the Northern Loop. If you’ve got an extra hour, this part of the trail is well worth the walk. You’ll loop through quiet forest and scenic lookouts before returning to the lodge—refreshed and a little more connected to this corner of Cape Breton.
