Description

Background: Marsh Brook Road is the name given to a road connecting Margaree Centre to East Margaree, passing through the locality of Marsh Brook on its way. It is no longer car-driveable for the entire distance. I do not know for how far the eastern end is driveable beyond its junction with Timmons Road, but it did not look inviting for cars when I was last there. From the western end, it was undriveable for cars a short distance beyond the 665m (0.41 mi) mark when I was there a few years ago. I have therefore broken this road into two portions, the Eastern Section on this page and the Western Section on a page yet to be written, as I have no photos yet from that section of the road.

At the intersection with Timmons Road, a hiking sign points to the left along Marsh Brook Road. According to the Nova Scotia Backroad Mapbook, that road shortly reaches another Y, with the left fork coming out in East Margaree and the right fork coming out on the Old Belle-Côte Road. Both look like they would make interesting hikes as they follow various parts of the Gallant River system across the Margaree Highlands.
Google Maps Name: Marsh Brook Road
Local Usage: Marsh Brook Road
Direction: Southeast to Northwest
Start Point: 46°21.707′N 60°59.059′W, at its junction with the West Big Intervale Road (Southern Section)
End Point: 46°22.627′N 61°00.342′W, at its junction with Timmons Road [as noted above, the road may be car-driveable for a short distance past this junction, but I have not yet tried and have ended my description here]
Length: 2.8 km (1.7 mi), to its junction with Timmons Road
Classification: Local Road
Surface: gravel
Condition: good
Route Description: From the West Big Intervale Road, the Marsh Brook Road climbs over Hogsback Hill, with some good views of the Margaree Valley in the rear-view mirror. On the other side, it descends into the locality of Marsh Brook. At the 2 km (1¼ mi) mark, you should stop beside the pasture for a superb view of the Margaree Highlands along the Aspy Fault—a view equalled only by that of the Portree Look-Off on the West Big Intervale Road—as well as of Hogsback Hill and the adjacent Highlands to the southeast. At the peak of the colours in the fall, this is a stunning view, with gorgeous colours everywhere you look. From the pasture, the road continues to the northwest, soon crossing Marsh Brook at the 2.2 km (1⅜ mi) mark. After passing a couple of farms, the road turns to the right and reaches its junction with Timmons Road.
Vic’s Scenic Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Comments: This is one of my favourite fall drives; I visit it nearly every year. It is pretty in the summer months as well, though not as spectacular as when the colours are at their peak. Although you can return by the Timmons Road, it was in fairly poor shape the last time I drove it, so I would recommend you return as you came and enjoy the views from Hogsback Hill on the way back down to Margaree Centre.

Photo Catalogue

Click on any thumbnail to be taken to the photo essay page for that photo.

Date	GPS	Locality	Where	Caption
2014 October 9	46°22.297′N 60°59.917′W	Marsh Brook	1.8 km (1.1 mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Red maple along Marsh Brook Road
2014 October 9	46°22.328′N 61°00.113′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	The Highlands along the Aspy Fault seen from Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.329′N 61°00.113′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	The Highlands above Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.330′N 61°00.124′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	The Highlands along the Aspy Fault and Sugarloaf Mountain from Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.330′N 61°00.126′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Sugarloaf Mountain from Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.330′N 61°00.119′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Looking northwest at the Margaree Highlands from Marsh Brook Road
2014 October 9	46°22.331′N 61°00.128′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Sugarloaf Mountain and Frasers Mountain from Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.331′N 61°00.121′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Dark red and red-orange trees at Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.333′N 61°00.122′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	The Highlands along the Aspy Fault from Marsh Brook
2014 October 9	46°22.333′N 61°00.122′W	Marsh Brook	2 km (1¼ mi) northwest of its end on the West Big Intervale Road	Close-up of the trees on the Highland above Marsh Brook Road