Winter Activities at the Keppoch: A hidden gem in the Nova Scotia Highlands
If you are making a trip to the Highlands area in Nova Scotia this winter, make sure to check out one of the hidden gems for winter activities – the Keppoch!
A modest sized area nestled in a covered forest area of Antigonish County (~ 15 minute drive from the Town of Antigonish), the Keppoch is a four-season recreational mountain that offers ~ 44 km multi-use trail system. In the winter, various trails are groomed for XC skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. My own outdoor adventures at the Keppoch have taken me through the scenic forest views, snowshoeing and XC skiing. No matter what your plans for the winter, the Keppoch is a great place to visit!
A few notes about the Keppoch to plan your arrival:
· The entrance to many of the trails is located near the Keppoch lodge (193 Keppoch Road) that is about 15 minutes from the Town of Antigonish (more details on access to trails further down). When driving up in the winter months the roads leading up, for the most part, are relatively cleared for vehicle traffic. The parking lot is quite large so there won’t any worry in regard to finding a parking spot. It is best to check the trail grooming updates on the website or social media pages to make sure the trails are groomed and parking lot is plowed, especially after a snowstorm.
· The Keppochl lodge operational hours are only on the weekends during the winter months (January – March) from 10am-4pm so if you are visiting during the week, you won’t be able to get access. However, you can access the trails any time during the week if you pay for a day pass or membership. When the lodge is open, they do have snowshoe and hiking pole rentals available if you need. In addition, they have complimentary coffee and hot chocolate as well as a cozy fireplace to warm up beside.
· There is some decent signage around the lodge and on trails that display the trailhead names as well as several maps. You can access some of the trail information on All Trails. The trails are groomed for XC skiing, fat biking and snowshoeing. No boot traffic is allowed on the groomed trails, but it looks like the west side of the Summit loop this is allowed. If you are an avid snowboarder, the west side of the mountain is set up for visitors to climb and then snowboard down. There is even an area to go sledding!
· For bathroom access during the week, there are a couple of privies (out houses) at the Keppoch parking lot as well as the Shindig Hollow parking lot (across from the entrance of White Rock trailhead) and at the top of the East Summit.
Summit East Trail
If you are looking for at steady snowshoe trek up a mountain, east side of the Summit Loop is one of the best hikes in the area. It has a steady climb of 135 m and ~ 4.4 km (ascent and decent). There is the bonus once you reach to get a top view of the Antigonish Harbour as well as have a seat at the picnic table under the pergola.
The trails get some grooming for snowshoeing and fat biking, so it is compacted but it is also fun to hike up when not groomed (adds a bit more of a physical challenge). In the winter, the snow-covered trees provide a magical winter feel that is both calming and relaxing. With very little foot traffic during the week and weekend it is a peaceful, quiet snowshoe. Trail time is more than exercise. It’s clarity. It’s calm. It’s a reset button for a busy mind!
White Rock Trail Area (others)
Another popular trail at the Keppoch, groomed from both XC skiing and snowshoeing, is the White Rock trail. It is named primarily for the white rock cliffs that can be viewed as you walk further into the trail. In the winter the snow-covered cliffs offer the most picturesque views. The trail head entrance is on St. Joseph’s road (instead of turning right on Keppoch Road, continue straight until you see the parking lot on the right hand side).
The White Rock trail is relatively flat with a few small ascents and descents. The trail is not particularly wide, so be on alert for fellow skiers and snowshoers coming around the bend! It is groomed for both classic and skating. There are other trails that veer off from the main loop if you want to take your snowshoes on a more adventurous, ungroomed path! There is more to this trail than just exercise! It’s a reset button for a busy mind walking through vast forest to the picturesque white rock cliffs.
Game Changer & Shindig Hollow Trails
These trails are top-notch for any level of XC skier. The Game Changer trail is a loop (close by the Keppoch lodge) and Shindig Hollow is another loop that connects to the trail. Both are approximately ~1.5 km, relatively flat surface and wide enough for traffic direction on either side. Since I am not a very skilled XC skier but enjoy the activity, these are excellent trails to get started and keep active! Snowshoers are also welcome!
Other Trails and Activities
If you’re looking for more winter fun at the Keppoch there are some other activities to embark on the west side of the mountain. This side is ‘wilder’ in that it is not groomed for any activity. For those hiking in boots, it is allowed on the west side. Some also choose to snowshoe or climb ski up to the top and ride down on a cleared section (snowboard or skiing). Bring your sleds as there is a perfect section to ride down for the whole family!
No matter your age or experience level, the Keppoch provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to get active in the winter months. You don’t need fancy gear or a perfect plan—just the desire to take a breath and enjoy the outdoors!
Happy Adventuring!