Route 5

Trail Overview

Route 5 follows the historic Springfield rail bed, starting in the southern community of Lakeview as Lakecrest Drive. The trail begins as a private road for the first 3.3 km, so it's essential to obey local signage. After this stretch, the route transitions to Crown land, where the road remains in decent condition until the 5.3 km mark. From here, the trail narrows into a single lane, and Route 5A serves as a bypass option for the rougher sections.

Photos of Route 5

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Difficulty

While the route begins as a relatively easy drive, conditions worsen significantly past the 5.3 km mark. The trail narrows, and travellers will encounter multiple flooded sections and washouts. The final 2 km are particularly challenging, with heavily flooded areas that may require recovery equipment or detours. Drivers should prepare for potential vehicle damage and exercise caution.

History

Route 5 follows a small section of the historic Springfield Railway, built in 1906 by the Davison Lumber Company to transport timber. This railway once featured 60 miles of standard gauge track, including a 29-mile mainline from Hastings Junction to South Lake.The railway ceased operations in 1921 following the bankruptcy of the Davison Lumber Company, and the tracks were removed by 1922. Today, this portion of the rail bed has been repurposed as Route 5, offering off-roaders a unique way to explore a piece of Nova Scotia's logging heritage.

Technical Rating

Route 5 can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike