With a special view to Lawrencetown.

DIRECTIONS

Take Highway 207 east of Dartmouth to Lawrencetown, just 5 minutes from the City, but a world away!!

GENERAL

Lawrencetown Beach, a south-facing stretch of sand that unfurls lazily for nearly 1.5 km (1 mi), is renowned as a prime destination for local and international surfers. From your first breath-taking view of the beach and the sea as you drive along Route 207 from the hustle and cosmopolitan bustle of downtown Halifax just twenty-five minutes away, you’llfall under the spell of Lawrencetown. Lawrencetown Beach is a provinical park andwas one of the first beaches in the province to be supervised by the Nova Scotia LifeguardService who have been on duty there since 1973.

This beach is a local favourite. Families, couples, hikers, mountain-bikers (loving that great trail system near the beach), and body-boarders share the beach life with the dedicated surf crowd. For nature enthusiasts, Lawrencetown Beach area is home to lots of watchable wildlife. Amenities at Lawrencetown include:

The beach is also the site of all kinds of activities and events. Surfers gather for contests like the September Storm Classic. Kids of all ages love the Kite Festival with demonstrations, a barbeque, and prizes. Go on an active outing like a guided flora and fauna walk or sign up for the annual Cyclesmith Duathlon that starts at Lawrencetown Beach.

Whatever your interest there are organized events to suit you at Lawrencetown most months of the year. Of course, you are welcome to just relax and take in the surf and the sand.

The local surfers will welcome you warmly especially at popular spots like Lawrencetown Beach. You'll find top quality surf shops with the big names you love along with lessons and rentals if you need them. Learn-to-surf packages are available from surf outfitters and from some accommodations operators. And there are summer surf camps and events like the September Storm Classic featuring international competitors and serious corporate sponsorship. Nova Scotia is gaining international recognition as a great surfing destination. The province possesses thousands of kilometers (and miles!) of coastline, and a topography that gives up everything the ocean needs to form sweet breaks (drumlins from the last Ice Age, long peninsulas, curving bays, and rugged mountains).

Whether you are a tow-in surfer looking for hurricane generated twelve-foot Tahitian- style barrels or an average surf hound seeking one of those fabled breaks that peel for nigh onto a kilometer, you are going to be glad you brought your board to Lawrencetown Beach.

Walking: Y	Hiking: Y
Mountain Biking: Y	XCountry Ski: N
ATV: N	Horse: N
Snowmobile: N	Coastal: Y
Loop: N	Wheelchair: N

Walking: Y	Wheelchair Assisted: N

DESCRIPTION

This trail travels along and abandoned rail line from Lawrencetown Beach to the start of the Salt Marsh Trail at West Lawrencetown Road. Pets must be on leash. The trail iswell-marked with signs, letting the user know that a road crossing is coming up.

There are two benches between the start of the trail at the beach and when the trail crosses highway 207. The vegetation in this section consists of low bushes, shrubs andalders. You may meet up with a robin, bluejay or seagullalong the way. After traveling approximately 800m, you will be on a raised rail bed crossing a marshy area. Look for ducks here in the water, I saw many with new ducklings the last week of May!

After crossing highway 207 you will be in a lightly wooded area of alder, birch, tamarack and spruce for approximately a kilometer. Conrad Road will then intersect the trail. Cross the road, and after about 300m of wooded surroundings you will cross the West Marsh on a raised rail bed. The wind will pick up here, as will the smell of the salt air! When the marsh ends you will travel 200m through a wooded area before reaching the end of the trail at West Lawrencetown Road. If you cross the road there will be a yellow gate marking the Salt Marsh Trail.