Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area
5,490 hectares; Landscape representation - Pictou-Antigonish Hills
Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area is located in the Pictou-Antigonish Hills approximately 10 kilometres northwest of the town of Antigonish. Road access to the protected area is provided from several surrounding communities including Marshy Hope, Pleasant Valley and Ardness.
With its combination of well-drained tolerant hardwood forests, mixed forest canyons, rich forested flood plains and productive wetlands, this wilderness area represents the largest remaining area of contiguous forest in northeastern Nova Scotia.
This unique and beautiful piece of our natural heritage is dominated by upland rolling hills dissected by steep ravines and gullies typical of the Pictou-Antigonish Hills Natural Landscape. These relatively undisturbed woodlands support a diversity of ecosystems, plants and animals including the provincially endangered mainland moose.
The protected area encompasses a portion of the headwaters of three rivers including James River, providing drinking water to the Town of Antigonish and suitable habitat for the Atlantic salmon – recognized in Nova Scotia as a “species at risk”.
A central part of the wilderness area is on lands owned by the Town of Antigonish, which are designated as part of the wilderness area, while also being managed as part of the town’s drinking water supply.
Wilderness recreation enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities for day-use or extended back-country travel in this highly scenic setting. Hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching and nature viewing are just some of the activities to be pursued.
