Avondale Trail System in West Hants
Avondale Trail System in West Hants
The Avondale trail system in West Hants has always been on my bucket list to hike. It’s a great story of a community that has come together to build a series of trails in the woods and hills behind Avondale, outside Windsor.
The Hike
There are actually 3 hikes in Avondale that are all interconnected. You can hike them individually, or do as we did and put them all together.
The Westbrook Trail starts at the Avondale Community Centre (the blue trail).
The Westbrook trail, named after the Westbrook brook, Westbrook trail is a 2.3km loop that takes you through a landscape dominated by an Acadian mixed-wood forest, interspersed with rolling agricultural land. Follow the yellow markers and after you cross the brook decide which direction you will take on the loop.
Watch for ‘you are here’ map signage near the first bridge marking the junction with Mosher’s trail. Be aware that you will be hiking over uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, and inclines.
This linked up with the Mosher Trail (yellow line).
Named after the planter settlers granted this land in 1760, Mosher’s trail takes you from the Avonsky winery to the Westbrook trail. On this 2.0km of trail you will travel through the edge of the vineyard and into the forest, then along an historic rail-bed and into a regenerating forest.
After this, the trail leads to the headwaters of the Westbrook and meanders along the brook through mature Acadian mixed-wood forest. Follow the yellow markers, and keep an eye out for ‘you are here’ map signage at junctions along the way. Be aware that you will be hiking over uneven terrain, steep drop-offs, and inclines.
The newest section is the Quarry Trail (light blue) and is less than 1km.
We did all 3 loops in 1 hour 15 minutes, and about 3.5km.
While on our hike we saw LOTS of wildlife including a snake, 2 deer and a porcupine! I did not get any pictures of them though!
The Mosher Trail came out at the Avonsky Winery, then we just walked 2 minutes down the road, back to the Avondale Community Hall to complete the loop.
Because of all the roots, this hike is not stroller friendly.
Avondale Sky Winery
But, while you are there, I highly suggest stopping in at the winery for a tasting! The building is an old church that was brought across the river by barge!
They have really capitalized on the fact that it’s an old church, and it’s worth checking out just for that!
There is also a restaurant onsite, but was not open the day we were there.
The wine was yummy and was the best part of the journey! And, calmed my nerves after seeing the porcupine!
Learn more about Avonsky Winery.
If you are looking for a lovely day out, we definitely recommend checking out the Newport Landing/ Avondale area outside of Windsor! Great scenery, delicious wine and lots of wildlife!
