Franey Trailhead

A very popular but beautiful hike up to panoramic views! The hike up is fairly steep, but manageable and at times runs alongside streams (if you need to refresh your pup). The views from the top are absolutely worth the effort, and must be stunning in fall. Recommended!

Challenging hike with fabulous views. The steep way is definitely the best hike. The longer, less steep way is still nice (forested with a creek part of the way) but is a forest service road and less interesting. If you don't have joint problems, take the short way out and back. Definitely also go beyond the main overlook to the second overlook which looks down into the valley. Beautiful!

Good workout. Going up was quite steep but no technical section. The view on the was nice but not much to see on the way up or down. I bet it would be much nicer in the fall season when the trees bear autumnal colors.

Beautiful trail with lots of lady slippers and multiple signs of moose (no actual moose sighting). This steep hike is the hardest I have ever done including climbing out of the Grand Canyon. Hiking poles would have helped! If you want a more gradual climb, use the return side of the loop (to the right of the trailhead sign.)

What a trail! To get to the top, you’ll be climbing upwards a lot. Some sections even have well maintained stairs that help a bit but those sections tend to get pretty steep. We had to stop pretty frequently to catch our breaths, but luckily we only saw one group on the way there who just quit at the first viewpoint area. Once you’re at the top, you’ll get a gorgeous view of the area below with the signature red chair of the Canada national parks. Don’t miss the second viewpoint at the top where you’ll feel like you’re higher than the clouds. Dress comfortably and wear shoes with a good grip. If your fitness can handle it, I highly recommend checking out this trail. You can also go counter clockwise where it is a bit longer to get to the top but it’s not as steep as going clockwise. There is plenty of parking.

Did this hike with a 13 month toddler in our hiking backpack. The trail and views were nice with moderate uphills all the way up. The loop back was down a service road which was mostly flat and east to walk. Took about 3 hours.

There may be alot more challenging trails in cape breton, but I have not been to those yet and among the trails that I have done, without a doubt this was the toughest. I am not in best physical shape but it was tough. It is quite inclined on the way up (you can take a bit longer and a bit easier route, which we took on the way down). Trail is not prepared and you would need good shoes and having a hiking stick would certainly help. It is pretty much through the wood and there are not much views along the way till you reach top. The view from the top is worth the effort as shown by the pictures, however if you are not much into hiking, you can see almost similar view from the gondola in Ingonish. Franey will take you much higher though. Make sure to have water and something to eat. I met a family of 6 who did the trail in 2 hours 10 minutes, but took me 5 hours including an hour on top to enjoy the views. I have attached some pictures but these do not do justice to the trail or the views from the top. These will give you some idea though. Just remember the pictures are not in particular order. Regardless, the joy of sitting on the red chair and marvel the views is priceless. Do not forget to check the second viewing point on top to view the valley at the back. I believe the hike be even more beautiful when the leave will change soon. Happy hiking and good luck

Really enjoyable workout in the Cape Breton Highlands. Hiked clockwise, starting from the trail head just off Cabot Trail. The first ~3km (distance) were challenging given the ~1km of climbing (vertical) but rewarding, with a great lookout of the valley, as a small reward partway up. With several short climbs as you approach the top, I kept getting fooled as the hike just kept continuing. Reaching the summit offered amazing near-panoramic views. The back ~4km loop was a lot Well worth it and highly recommended to others!

If you are planning to visit Cape Breton, you cannot afford to miss Franey Trail..One will experience fresh Oxygen burst throughout the trail with a breathtaking, spectacular view of the Middle head trail, Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful mountains..All of it while experiencing the natural and raw trekking experience.You can expect first 25-30 mins of light walk with some elevation, followed by 30-40 mins of moderate trekking and last 10 mins of moderately difficult trek..However, the view in the end is simply beautiful and absolutely worth it.We visited during the fall season and we enjoyed great colors. Fall season is definitely a good time to visit the place.

A nice winter hike with beautiful winter views. Not groomed or maintained since it is technically closed. That being said the trail markings and footsteps do easily lead to the first lookout. Kept going but couldn’t find the second lookout as markings disappeared and footsteps ended. Be careful as snow can be hip depth. Snowshoes could help.