Gore Courthouse Hill East Hants Nova Scotia
This historical scenic spot is nestled in the Rawdon Hills between Windsor and Truro.
I have no idea how I first heard about the Gore Courthouse Hill. I may have read about it in a newspaper article or by scrolling through Facebook. What I do know is that the moment I read about it, I knew I needed to go.
Because it is located an hour from the Valley, and it is merely a scenic point, rather than a trail or a museum, I knew we had to stop there on our way somewhere else. So, last weekend when we were going to Moncton for a blogging conference, I knew this was our chance.
What is the Gore Courthouse?
According to my internet searches, the community of Gore was once home to the East Hants Courthouse which conducted business of the East Hants Municipality and its council. The courthouse stood on the community’s Courthouse Hill for 90 years until a fire destroyed it on July 22nd, 1956. The courthouse was never rebuilt but today there is a memorial that marks the place where it once stood.
When you arrive at the spot, it is hard to believe that a courthouse was once at this location. You really are in the middle of nowhere with nary a community in view. But, maybe it was because f this majestic view, overlooking so much of the province, that this spot was selected.
The site, located on Courthouse Hill Road, is renowned as a scenic viewing point. On a clear day parts of five Nova Scotia counties, from west to east Kings, Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, as well as Hants, can be seen from marked stones placed in the ground.
We were lucky to be there on a clear day, where we could indeed see all five counties. Stand in the footprints and you will be pointing in the right direction to know what you are seeing.
Gorgeous wild blueberry fields and farmland surround the monument.
When we were there, it was super windy! There are no amenities at the site, and it really is a place to get out and look, read, admire before getting back in the car before driving on.
Getting There
The Gore Courthouse Hill viewing site is located in the Rawdon Hills between Windsor and Truro. The whole experience will take you approximately 15 minutes of a detour, making it totally worth your while to go.
When you are on Route 202, there are a few blue signs pointing the way, so you can’t miss it!
Take the Courthouse Hill Road to the top of this dirt road, and the viewing site will be right there.
In the Area
If you want to expand your trip to the area, there is a mountain bike park there called NovaStrong Adventure Park. Besides biking, you can also hike the trails. Use of the trails is $5 per person.
We did not stop here but saw the park entrance en route.
Overall, if your kids are like mine, they need to stretch their legs and get out and run around when on a long car ride. So, if you are heading to Truro, Cape Breton, PEI, NB or anywhere else, consider driving through the Rawdon Hills and finding the site of Gore’s former courthouse.
On a nice day, you will thank me!
