Trail Details
The majority of the Harvest Moon Trailway is shared use (expect hikers, horses, and ATVs) with easy grades, and a hard-packed surface trail bed ideal for hiking and hybrid cycling. The eastern trail sections leaving Grand Pre to Cambridge Station, as well as the Annapolis Royal Section do NOT permit motorized vehicles. Sections in Wolfville, New Minas, Kentville and Kingston are paved.
Trail Etiquette:
- Be courteous
- Respect private property
- Pack it in – Pack it out
- Keep right/pass left
- Give an audible warning before passing other users. Cyclist please ring a bell; or give a loud, friendly ‘hello’ well in advance
- Expect, and respect, other trail users
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
Trail Usage:
To report infractions call 1-800-565-2224 (24 hours)
Mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are recommended, and rentals are available in Wolfville or throughout the Valley. Road bikes are not recommended.
In addition to cycling or driving to the trail, taxi and public transit bus services are available within the Annapolis Valley.
The Harvest Moon Trailway is accessible during all seasons, including winter, where it provides enjoyment for cross country skiers, snowmobilers, snow‐shoers, and hikers. Sections are groomed by the Annapolis Valley Ridge Runners in Winter. Fall presents a full array of spectacular foliage colors and orchard and vineyard activity along the trail.
Watch more Annapolis Valley videos at novascotia.com
Visit CycleNovaScotia.ca to view and download a printable map with other cycling opportunities in the Valley.
Orchards Vineyards and Tides
The 110-kilometre (68 miles) Harvest Moon Trailway traverses the Annapolis Valley through beautiful towns along the former railbed, connecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Pré to the historic seaside town of Annapolis Royal. Discover the area’s rich Acadian heritage and abundant culinary experiences!
Great for off-road cycling or long-distance trekking, this easy, flat trail passes through the heart of picturesque communities and offers trailside access to local farm markets and u-picks, award-winning wineries, craft beverage producers and restaurants, accommodations and other businesses.
Community kiosks and interpretive panels along the trail provide a glimpse into the local history and culture.
The Trailway is part of the Blue Route provincial cycling network and The Great Trail.
Trailheads: There are over 20 trailheads and access points along the trail.
Surface: Most of the trail is smooth and hard-packed but a number of sections are shared use and surface conditions may vary from season to season.
Cycling Speed: 20 km/hr (12 miles/hr)
The trail grade is almost flat with very few slight inclines. Hybrid or mountain bikes are best suited for this trail. Other uses include hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ATVing, equestrian and geocaching.
Trail Highlights:
The trail begins in the quaint seaside town of Annapolis Royal, steeped in heritage and tradition; home to the first European Settlement in North America, the award-winning Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and Fort Anne National Historic site. As you travel from Annapolis Royal along the Annapolis River you will pass over two iconic railway bridges and travel through farmers’ fields, apple orchards and the picturesque towns of Berwick, Kentville and Wolfville.
The trail ends in the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic place of remembrance of the Acadians. The 13 square-kilometre (5 mi²) site includes acres of tended farmland that pay homage to the dyke system first built by 17th century Acadian settlers on land reclaimed from the sea. The area is also the scenic setting for American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s narrative poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
Fresh food is a way of life in the heartland of Nova Scotia’s farming and wine industry. Some ‘Don’t Miss Experiences’ include:
- Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia wine country the trail is home to several wineries. Try Tidal Bay – Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation.
- Visit Noggins Corner Farm Market for local fruits, vegetables and Noggins Corner Farm Vintage ciders. During late summer and fall, visit the farm’s 175 acres of orchards to u-pick 15 different varieties of apples, flowers, and pumpkins – don’t miss out on the wagon ride to and from the orchards and take a walk through the corn maze.
- Explore the wildflower labyrinth of Tangled Garden, Grand Pré and savour their flavourful herbed jellies, liquors or a scoop of lavender or rose petal ice cream.
- Le Caveau Restaurant (Grand Pré Winery), Grand Pré, the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada and voted the Top 20 Wine Restaurants in the world is set within the beautiful Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Sample locally-produced wine, beer, cider, and spirits as you explore the many stops on the Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail.
- Relax in the tasting room at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Wolfville, located along the trail, and enjoy stunning views of Cape Blomidon and the Bay of Fundy.
- Annapolis Cider Company, Wolfville uses apples from local orchards when crafting their refreshing ciders.
- While strolling the historic streets of Annapolis Royal, stop into Still Fired Distilleries to sample their Thai Chili Vodka, Night Owl Coffee Moonshine, or Fundy Gin.
- Hennigar’s Farm Park and Trail, Greenwich, is a restful place to stop for an ice cream or baked treat. Children can play in the sandbox, ride the tricycles, and feed the goats, ducks and fish. Stroll the 2.5-kilometre Tannery Hollow Nature Trail or grab a bite at the cookhouse and relax on the patio overlooking the pond.
- Roll into Berwick and enjoy great food and music at the Union Street Cafe.
- From historic train stations to authentic pubs don’t forget the End of the Line Restaurant & Pub in Bridgetown
About Us
The Harvest Moon Trailway is a partnership of 22 trails developed and collaboratively managed over the 110km trail corridor to enhance the economic, health and social benefits to the communities in the Valley. Working together since 2012, the 22 sections of rails-to-trails were developed and linked together to form a continuous trail from Annapolis Royal to Grand Pre. Working collectively under the Harvest Moon Trailway brand, Annapolis Valley Trails Coalition member organizations manage the 22 sections of shared use trail. Each of the organizations have permission through the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forestry or the Windsor and Hantsport Railway to manage the rail trail within their respective communities.
Partners include:
- Municipality of Kings
- Town of Wolfville
- Village of New Minas
- Town of Kentville
- Cornwallis River Pathways
- Kings County Trails Society
- Town of Berwick
- Village of Kingston
- Annapolis County Trails Society
- Town of Middleton
- Town of Annapolis Royal
- Annapolis Valley Ridge Runners
Without the countless hours and dedication of volunteers, the support of the Government of Canada, The Province of Nova Scotia, all our Municipal Partners, Landowners and stakeholders the Harvest Moon Trailway would not be possible.