Herring Cove Trail
Discover stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and rugged coastlines on the Herring Cove Trail. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
Herring Cove Trail
Best Time
Best for wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and rugged coastlines on the Herring Cove Trail. A must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
"This hike is a must-do in Sitka, offering beautiful waterfalls and a peaceful lake."
🐻 Bear Safety First!
Make noise on the trail and carry bear spray. Bears are often spotted at low tide.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail features natural rock stairs and can be rugged.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Herring Cove Waterfall
Along the main trail
A stunning cascade tumbling down mossy rocks, a true highlight of the trail.
Beaver Lake
End of the main trail
A serene lake offering peaceful views and opportunities for a refreshing summer swim.
Coastal Views
Various lookout points
Breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildlife
Trail Conditions & Bear Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐻 Bear Safety First!
Make noise on the trail and carry bear spray. Bears are often spotted at low tide.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail features natural rock stairs and can be rugged.
🏊♀️ Take a Dip in Beaver Lake
Water is around 60°F in summer – bring a swimsuit for a unique experience!
🚗 Getting There
Cabs are available from Sitka, or take the bus to get within a mile.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐻 Bear Safety First!
Make noise on the trail and carry bear spray. Bears are often spotted at low tide.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail features natural rock stairs and can be rugged.
🏊♀️ Take a Dip in Beaver Lake
Water is around 60°F in summer – bring a swimsuit for a unique experience!
🚗 Getting There
Cabs are available from Sitka, or take the bus to get within a mile.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Lookout points offer incredible photo opportunities of the coast and waterfalls. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Herring Cove Trail for its stunning natural beauty, featuring impressive waterfalls and serene lakes. The well-maintained, natural trails offer a rewarding hiking experience, with many appreciating the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Some find the trail moderately challenging, and swimming in Beaver Lake is a unique highlight.
"I can't recommend this hike enough. This was one of our stops on our Alaska cruise with Royal Caribbean. Several waterfalls with one that is very impressive. Not a lot of people when I went. I was in constant awe."
Bill Perdue
"Herring Cove Trail is a must-do in Sitka. It’s a moderate to intermediate hike with a bit of uphill at the start, leading to a beautiful waterfall and a peaceful lake. The downhill section to the lake is absolutely worth it, and you can also hike around the lake for even more amazing views. Swimming in the lake during summer is a great experience. The water is around 60 degrees, so bring a swimsuit and a towel if you want to take a dip."
Macey Kadifa
"Amazing trail! The waterfall is beautiful, Beaver lake is amazing! Great hike! About 4 miles if you go all the way around the lake."
Luke Bushman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Herring Cove Trail is about 7 miles from Sitka. Taxis are readily available, or you can take a bus that will get you within a mile of the trailhead.
Yes, while a car offers flexibility, public transport and taxis can get you close to the trailheads in both Sitka and Halifax.
There is a bike trail that leads to Herring Cove, but if you're not a cyclist, other transportation options like taxis or buses are available.
Herring Cove Trail is located just about 15 km south of downtown Halifax, making it a convenient coastal escape.
Parking is available, but can be limited during peak summer days, especially at the North Parking Lot in Provincetown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Herring Cove Trail is generally a free public access area, with no admission fees required for hiking or enjoying the scenery.
The trail is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk, offering flexibility for visitors. Always check local park advisories for any temporary closures.
Herring Cove Provincial Park Reserve in Halifax is free to enter, allowing easy access to the coastal trails.
No specific permits are generally required for day use of the Herring Cove Trail for hiking or sightseeing.
Yes, Herring Cove Trail is a popular stop for cruise ship excursions in Sitka, Alaska, offering a convenient way to experience it.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The trail is generally considered moderate to intermediate, with some uphill sections and natural rock stairs. It's well-maintained and offers breaks.
The main trail to Beaver Lake is about 4 miles roundtrip if you complete the loop around the lake. Shorter walks are also possible.
Expect rugged cliffs, whispering pines, waterfalls, and breathtaking ocean views. In Sitka, you'll also find mountain backdrops.
Yes, bears have been spotted on the trail, especially at low tide when salmon are present. Make noise and carry bear spray.
Yes, swimming in Beaver Lake is a popular summer activity. The water is cool, around 60°F, so be prepared!
📸 📸 Photography
Lookout points along the trail offer stunning coastal vistas. The main waterfall and Beaver Lake are also prime photography subjects.
Early mornings and late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light for capturing the dramatic coastal scenery and waterfalls.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and location. It's best to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone.
Many visitors highlight the main waterfall and the various lookout points along the coastal path as ideal for capturing memorable shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The highlight for many families is the chance to see waterfalls and potentially wildlife like bears (from a safe distance, of course!). +1 Consider packing snacks and water, and be prepared for the cool dip in Beaver Lake if your kids are adventurous swimmers. For families in Halifax, the coastal trail provides beautiful views and a chance to explore nature. In Provincetown, Herring Cove Beach offers a more relaxed beach experience with opportunities for solitude even on busy days.
Always supervise children closely, especially near water and wildlife. 🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
You can enjoy the stunning coastal views and waterfalls at your own pace, stopping whenever you wish to soak in the scenery. +1 Remember to practice bear safety by making noise and carrying deterrents, as you'll be more aware of your surroundings. Solo hikers can also find quiet spots for reflection, whether it's by Beaver Lake or on a secluded stretch of the Halifax coast.
The opportunity to swim in Beaver Lake offers a refreshing and invigorating experience for the independent traveler. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for capturing the best light, especially for the waterfalls and rugged coastline. Don't forget to bring a wide-angle lens for those sweeping ocean views and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife shots. Consider a tripod for sharper images in varying light conditions. The natural rock stairs and untouched trails also offer unique compositional elements.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters at Herring Cove
Beyond bears, keep an eye out for various bird species and marine life along the coast. The natural environment provides a rich habitat for diverse fauna, making every visit a potential wildlife adventure. Remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but understanding the best times and conditions, like low tide for salmon runs, significantly increases your chances. Respecting the animals' space and following park guidelines ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and wildlife.
Navigating the Herring Cove Trails
In Halifax, the trail is a 2 km coastal path that winds through rocky terrain and pine forests, offering breathtaking lookout points.
+1 Visitors in Provincetown, MA, can access Herring Cove Beach via a short walk from parking areas, with trails leading to secluded spots. Regardless of the specific location, comfortable, sturdy footwear is highly recommended to navigate the natural surfaces safely. The Allure of Herring Cove's Water Features
The trail culminates at Beaver Lake, a tranquil body of water that offers not only stunning scenery but also an opportunity for a unique summer activity: swimming. Even the coastal sections, like those near Halifax, feature the vast Atlantic Ocean, providing a constant backdrop of crashing waves and ocean spray.
+1 The presence of streams throughout the Sitka trail also adds to the serene atmosphere, contributing to the quiet and peaceful ambiance of the hike. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit