Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point hike is my favorite hike in Nova Scotia. So far. A return trip to Nova Scotia is necessary to hike more of this glorious Maritimes province.
During a month staying in Bridgewater Nova Scotia I visited many of the South Shore beaches, along with trips to Annapolis Royal, Bay of Fundy, Blue Rocks, Cape Sable Island, Lunenburg, Ovens Natural Park, Peggy’s Cove, Walton, Wolfville, and finished up with a weekend in Cape Breton Island driving the Cabot Trail and hiking the Cape Breton Highlands.
If you are planning a trip to hike Nova Scotia be sure to add Gaff Point hike to your list.
Looking for some vacation inspiration? Read about 60 Cool Places to See in Nova Scotia this Summer
In This Article:
Gaff Point hike video
Watch this video to get an idea of the various terrain on the Gaff Point trail. It’s remarkable how varied the trail is from Hirtle’s Beach up to the forested area and along the rocky coastline.
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point is an incredible hike that starts right at Hirtle’s Beach. This makes it the perfect outing for both beach people and hiker people.
Your partner doesn’t like hiking?
No problem. Leave them at Hirtle’s Beach with a blanket, picnic basket, a good book, and some sunscreen, and off you go to hike Gaff Point to enjoy the incredible coastal views.
If you’re looking for a superb summer vacation idea check out my 10 Day Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary (including Cape Breton).
What a view from atop the hill
Beach + Hike = Perfect Day Outdoors!
Watch the waves crash into the rocky shoreline from Gaff Point trail
Did you know your chances of visiting the coastline in Nova Scotia are quite great? Considering nowhere in Nova Scotia is more than 67 km (42 miles) from the ocean.
Nova Scotia beaches are beautiful and vary from soft white sand to large smooth pebble.
Come with me as I show you this incredible coastal hike on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.
And be sure to check out the video of Gaff Point trail to show the various terrain and beautiful Nova Scotia coastal views.
You know it’s gong to be a great hike when it starts at the beach!
Getting to Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point
Lunenburg to Hirtle’s Beach
- Take Nova Scotia Trunk 3W approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Turn left onto NS-332 W (signs for Riverport) and continue for 4.3 km (2.5 miles)
- Left turn onto Kingsburg Rd and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile)
- Turn right onto Hirtle’s Beach Rd and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile)
Driving from Lunenburg to Hirtle’s beach is about 20 km (11 miles) and takes around 20 to 25 minutes
Walking along the fence on the hill the views are outstanding
Halifax to Hirtle’s Beach
- Take NS-102 approx 3 km (2 miles) to exit 1A for NS-103 (signs for Peggy’s Cove, South Shore, Yarmouth) and continue 79 km ( miles)
- Take exit 11 for NS-324 (signs for Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Blockhouse) and continue for 10 km (6 miles)
- Turn right on NS-332 (signs for Riverport/The Ovens) and continue for 13 km (8 miles)
- Left turn onto Kingsburg Rd and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile)
- Turn right onto Hirtle’s Beach Rd and continue for 1.5 km (1 mile)
Halifax to Hirtle’s Beach is about 115 km (71 miles) and takes around 75 to 90 minutes depending on traffic
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point Trail Description
In the parking lot look for the sign board at the boardwalk right by the parking area.
There is info about Gaff Point hike and this is the trailhead.
Gaff Point trailhead is the boardwalk at Hirtle’s Beach
Basically Gaff Point hike goes from boardwalk to sand beach to rocky beach to dirt trail along the base of the hill or choose to walk atop the hill (if no horses present in the field) and back to rocky beach.
Then you are into the forest and along the coast for much of the hike until you loop around and get back to the rocky beach and sandy beach.
Hiking along the cliffs with stunning views of waves crashing into rocky coastline is an amazing experience. This hike rates right up there with some of the trails in the Cape Breton Highlands such as Middle Head or Skyline Trail.
I actually enjoyed Gaff Point more than the Highlands hiking trails. But, I didn’t hike ALL of the Highlands trails yet.
So I have to back to Nova Scotia to complete my research on best hiking trails.
The thing I love about Gaff Point hike is the variations in terrain and views along the trail.
Plus the fact that it’s a loop means you cover more unique territory along the hike compared to an out and back trail.
Hirtle’s Beach Nova Scotia South Shore
Hike the trail clockwise or counterclockwise?
Most people seem to do a clockwise direction around the Gaff Point trail. You don’t have to go clockwise though.
I chose to hike Gaff Point counter-clockwise because I reckoned the blaring bright sun would be at my back for a good portion of the coastal trail. I figured it would be better for photography.
Gaff Point Hirtle’s Beach trail will be gorgeous no matter which direction you choose to hike it. Enjoy!
Watch for the yellow trail markers
A good portion of the trail is along the rocky coastline
Secret beach at Gaff Point hiking trail
While I searched online for info about Gaff Point hike I noticed a couple of claims of a secret beach.
The beach these folks are referring to is a little off the main trail but it’s super easy to find, considering I managed to find it without even trying.
There is a rope that leads down to the beach from the side of the cliff and hiking area and you’ll see it in my video.
What to bring to Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point hike
- Hiking shoes or sturdy running shoes are necessary for this hike due to the terrain you will cover. Trust me, you don’t want to attempt this hike in flip flops, the rocky beach will have you crying and cussing in no time!
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- Long pants are recommended since you will be in tick territory. There is a sign near the forest area warning of ticks. Spray with insect repellent, tuck your pants into your socks, wear a hat, and do a tick check after the hike.
Find out more about ticks and Lyme disease here
- Insect repellent – something that will keep ticks away
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- I always pack a first-aid kit with basics like bandages, hydrocortisone cream, alcohol wipes, eye drops, antibiotic cream
- It’s a good idea to get in the habit of bringing the 10 Essentials on every hike.
Read now: What are the Wilderness Survival Skills Needed to Survive on Your Own?
The trail map at Gaff Point
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point visitor info
Type of hike – Loop trail
Distance – 6.5 km (4 miles) round trip
Elevation gain – 70 m (230 ft)
Time – allow 2 hour to 2.5 hours
Difficulty – Easy
Best time to hike – May through September
Dogs allowed on trail – Yes Gaff Point is a dog friendly hike! Dogs must be on leash
Facilities at trailhead – trash and recycle bins, toilets, bicycle parking
Hirtle’s Beach Gaff Point hiking trail – shoreline depends on the tide
Save it to Pinterest for later and SHARE!
Jo Harmon
Friday 26th of October 2018
OH MY this is so beautiful! the color of the water is amazing. Excellent video
Susan Moore
Friday 26th of October 2018
Thank you Jo! I loved this hike so much! Still learning the basics for video, at least I managed to link all the clips together. Will have to learn how to add text and do some editing as well. And I best remember to clean my lens before shooting :/ Thanks for stopping by Jo :)