Thomas Cove: Headlands Trail

Record #: COT0035
Last Modified: 25 Oct 2022
Last Full Update: 16 Jan 2020

Location

Located In Economy
Where To Find Us
654 Economy Point Rd
Economy, NS B0M 1K0
Areas Served Nova Scotia

Contact

Website www.novascotia.com/see-do/trails/thomas-cove-coastal-reserve-trails/6161
E-Mail cobequidconsulting1@gmail.com
Phone Cobequid Interpretive Centre: 902-647-2600 (May to September) 
Kenomee Trail Society: 902-647-2271
Contact Garnet McLaughlin, Kenomee Trail Society; Email: cobequidconsulting1@gmail.com
Alternate Contact Email: wccda@ns.sympatico.ca
Volunteer Opportunity Kenomee Trail Society hosts trail maintenance days for volunteers who want to help maintain the trails at Thomas Cove. Please contact us if you are interested!

Description & Services

Information October 2022 – Following damage from Hurricane Fiona, volunteers have cleared trees from the trail. Some boardwalks and bridges are damaged. Headlands Trail is passable with caution.  
 
 
From the nature trails of Thomas Cove, experience soul-satisfying viewscapes of the Minas Basin of the Bay of Fundy - to Five Islands, Cape Split and beyond. The tidal range at Economy Point is 16 m (55 feet) and the ocean retreats more than 2 km (1.25 miles) at low tide, exposing sandstone ledges (Triassic rocks) and dune-like sand formations on the ocean floor. In addition to the coastal views, the trail features woodlands and tidal creeks. Look offshore to see the ‘Brick Kilns, sentinels of basalt that have long served as a landmark to sailors and shore goers alike. 
 
This trail begins on the south side of the parking area, follows a straight path for a short distance and then veers left. (Continue straight on the path to access the beach.) The trail follows a tidal stream and estuary and continues toward the headland. From several viewpoints along the trail, you can see Five Islands, Economy Mountain, and on a clear day, Partridge Island and Cape Split. 
 
Thomas Cove is part of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark
 
Length: 4 km loop 
Permitted use: hiking 
Trail surface: dirt/footpath, log bridges over tidal creek 
Rating: "easy"  
Follows trail markers.  
 
CAUTION 
The cliffs are continuously eroding; approach cliffs only at designated viewpoints. Use caution if you walk out on the mud flats; the tide comes in faster than you might realize. 
 
Directions: 
Follow Route 2 to Economy. Travel South onto Economy Point Road for 3 km. Turn right at sign onto Thomas Cove access road (a narrow, gravel road). Drive approximately 1 km to parking area and trailhead at end of road. 
 
 
 

Special Information

Tags Beaches ; Fundy Connect ; Hiking ; NS Trail Guide ; Outdoor Recreation ; Recreation Categories ; Trails
Categories - General Hiking Trails