Trail Overview
This Trail has three distinct sections: The northern 2.6 km of the King Lake Trail, which includes the scenic Dawson Falls, is situated on private property. This section is a partially maintained former logging road that is easily passable with any vehicle. However, the last stretch can get quite narrow, so you might end up with some pinstripes on your vehicle. Despite this, visiting Dawson Falls is highly recommended. From the northern starting point off Service Road HAN 101-01, it's a short 200-meter hike past the rock barrier after 600 meters on the trail. The southern 8.8 km of the King Lake Trail is an unmaintained old logging road on the former Bowater-Mersey Lands, now part of Nova Scotia Crown Land. This section consists of hard-packed dirt and rock, with many washed-out sections and obstacles. While it is likely passable without a high-clearance 4x4, having one would make navigating the washouts much easier. This section connects to the well-maintained Hiking Trail Road, providing access to the complete Mersey Trail system. The middle 300 meters of the King Lake Trail is where a high-clearance 4x4 is essential. This well-worn trail is wide enough for a midsize truck, but a full-size truck may struggle due to the narrow path. Large rocks and roots make this section challenging, requiring careful navigation. Having a spotter would be very helpful to guide you through these obstacles safely.
