Description
- Background
- At 46°51.579′N 60°32.120′W, the South Ridge Road forks: the left fork is in better condition and appears to be the primary route, while the right fork looks more like a side road. Google Maps labels both forks as the “S Ridge Rd”. The Cape Breton Highlands National Park Topographic Map, however, labels the left fork as the South Ridge Road and the right fork as the South Ridge Branch Road. Since the left fork dead-ends at a private residence, while the right fork connects with Blaze Road (which is just a short distance from the Cabot Trail in Sunrise), I have therefore always considered the latter to be the primary continuation. Since I saw no signage to clarify the matter, I have followed Google Maps here and give both forks the same name.
- Google Maps Name
- South Ridge Road
- Local Usage
- South Ridge Road
- Direction
- Northeast to southwest
- Start Point
- 46°52.739′N 60°29.138′W, at its junction with the Cabot Trail in South Harbour
- End Point
- Left fork: 46°51.397'N 60°32.591'W, at a private residence; right fork: 46°51.940′N 60°32.481′W, at its junction with Blaze Road
- Length
- Left fork: 5.4 km (3⅜ mi); right fork: 5.7 km (3⅗ mi); distance from the Cabot Trail in South Harbour to the fork point is 4.8 km (3 mi)
- Classification
- Local Road
- Surface
- Gravel
- Condition
- Generally very good; however, in 2014 and previous years, the right fork was in bad need of ditching in the vicinity of the Middle Aspy River Bridge: water courses down the middle and sides of the road there, leaving small rocks and big ruts in its wake—it was passable with care in my Prius in 2014, but only barely.
- Route Description
- From the Cabot Trail in South Harbour (the junction is beside the cenotaph), the road proceeds to the southwest along a ridge on the lower slopes of South Mountain past several residences close to the Cabot Trail. Beyond those residences, watch for views to the north (your right) of North Mountain in the gaps between the trees. At the 1.6 km (1 mi) mark, you will cross over the South Aspy River, worth a stop for its views. Thereafter, the road is through a forest broken only by a yard in front of the occasional residence. At the 4.2 km (2⅗ mi) mark, there is a fine view of North Mountain in the distance as the road descends a hill. You reach the fork point at the 4.8 km (3 mi) mark. The left fork is like much of the road before the fork-point, tree-lined with no views. Once you turn on to the right fork, you will descend sharply to the Middle Aspy River Bridge (use care here, as the road may be littered with stones and ruts). The Middle Aspy River is a pretty stream with a tiny waterfall beside the bridge and, in fall, gorgeous colours along its course. The bridge is a fine spot at which I enjoy tarrying for a good while, enjoying the sounds of the river as it splashes over the waterfall and rocks strewn in the stream. From the bridge, the right fork then ascends to its junction with Blaze Road, where the views open up a bit near the junction. This is an especially lovely drive in the fall when the colours are magnificent along the whole course of the road.
- Vic’s Scenic Rating
- ☆☆☆
