Boughton River Trail

8 kms
2hours
moderate
Snowshoeing, Hiking, Mountain Biking
Winter, Fall, Summer
Cardigan, PE

smburt

I first heard about the trail through word of mouth, and within a week, had to see it for myself. Just when I was starting to lament having hiked about everything worth doing on PEI, along comes a trail that’s experiencing its tenth year anniversary! It makes me wonder what else I don’t know about…

This is a great trail that is in need of some tender love. There are trees that have fallen, though I was able to clear some of the smaller branches. A saw would make quick work of the rest. On a much graver note, many of the five or six bridges along the way are in need of replacement. My wife slipped and fell off of one slanting, broken planked structure. I’d say that the bridges must be the original ones from the trail’s conception. I’ve waypointed the crossings by number on the map. If one were to mountain bike the trail, as I am eager to do, be wary of the bridges, and a set of steep dropped steps.

I would have to say that this is quite a welcoming technical trail. It has quick ups, downs and twists among occasional roots and closely cropped tree trunks. Great river views, and mixed forest offer visual flair enhanced by autumn’s palette of color. There’s one viewing station that offers a great vantage point of the river, and according to their website, another bigger tower exists somewhere else.

This is new favorite trail I hope others seek to hike. I figure if others are like me, they’ll go hike it, and fix some little things here and there. Eventually, the trail will reflect the positive health of frequent use. The bridges, on the other hand, may require some grant money or community funding.

I can’t wait to snowshoe this trail come winter!

Shannon Burt
East Coast editor

Directions:

Right along route 4 in Bridgetown. Look for the tourism hiking sign. Lions Club building shares trailhead parking lot. Trail use to be called Grand River trail.