Please accept the following Public Notice about new Province wide restrictions affecting trail use and access to the woods in Nova Scotia.
The Province of Nova Scotia notified municipalities and trail groups on Tuesday August 5th 2025 about new restrictions being implemented to support ongoing wildfire prevention efforts. Because of the exceptionally hot and dry conditions, as of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Province has placed restrictions on travel and activity in the woods across Nova Scotia. This is in addition to the provincewide burn ban that was put in place on July 30.
Nova Scotians are being asked to stay out of the woods. Hiking, camping, fishing and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted. Camping is only allowed in official campgrounds.
People can still access beaches and parks, but trail systems are off limits. In Kentville, all sections of the Harvest Moon Trail, the Gorge, Miner's Marsh, Ravine Trail, and any other marked or unmarked trail in Kentville are CLOSED as of 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2025, until further notice. Please consider all trails closed, as per Provincial Mandate, whether signage is visible on site or not.
The fine for violating these restrictions is $25,000. People who witness restricted activity on trails are asked to please report it directly to the Dept of Natural Resources: 1-800-565-2224. For more information please visit the official website of the Nova Scotia Government and view their press release.
Town of Kentville Programs that are typically hosted in the woods or using Kentville Trails are cancelled until further notice. This includes the Bike+hers program, the Pride Walk scheduled for August 10th, and the Invasive Species Guided walk scheduled for August 11th. If you are unsure if your program is included in cancellations please reach out directly to your program coordinator for clarification.