Clyburn Valley Trail

Clyburn Valley is an out-and-back through a hardwood river valley to the remains of an old gold prospect. The mapped walk to the mine is about 10 km (6.2 miles) round trip and takes around three hours. Published figures are shorter, 8.1–8.5 km, and no route map explains the difference; use the longer estimate for planning and check the trail signs. It’s a good choice if you want a low-gradient walk with a real destination, not a quick roadside stop.

The route follows the river for most of the way. Expect hardwood stands, car-sized boulders, old beaver ponds and open meadows, with apple trees along the valley. The Highlands Links golf course appears through the trees in places, while Franey Mountain’s steep rock face rises above the valley. The walk stays mostly level, but the scenery keeps changing as the river bends and the forest opens.

The mine remains mark the maintained walk’s destination; turn around there. Gold was discovered in the valley in 1910, and prospectors traced a gold-bearing boulder to a quartz vein. A fault shifted the vein, and efforts to find its continuation came up short, so the site was mostly a prospecting operation rather than a productive mine. The trail beyond the mine is not maintained.

Rough, sometimes flooded sections begin about 2 km in, so expect uneven footing even though the route is fairly level. The access is just north of the Clyburn River bridge on the Cabot Trail; directions still carry a 2017 label, so confirm the current parking and fire-road access before setting out. A park pass is required. Dogs are allowed on leash.