Mary Ann Falls

Mary Ann Falls is a 6 m cascade on Mary Ann Brook in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. A pool sits below the falls, but reaching it is a full hike, not a quick roadside stop. Plan on 13.9 km round trip.

The route starts at the Warren Lake Road parking lot and takes about 5–6 hours. It is rated moderate, with uneven footing in places and a staircase down to the falls. The former falls road is closed to vehicles; leave the car at the current trailhead. Carry food and water, and leave enough daylight for the return.

This route follows part of the original Cabot Trail alignment, designed in the 1920s and used as the main route through the highlands until the coastal route opened in the 1950s. What is now a long walk once carried the road across the highlands.

Remnants of a historic iron bridge remain along the trail. Near the waterfall, a sturdy staircase descends to the base and pool, bringing you close to the cascade.

The 6 m drop tumbles over rock into a natural pool in the forest. The water is cool, and the location is remote; swimming is part of the experience for some visitors, but don't treat it like an easy roadside dip.

From the base, include the pool and surrounding boulders so the cascade has scale. Autumn color adds a red-and-yellow frame around the brook.