Economy River

Economy River Wilderness Area straddles the summit of the Cobequid Range, extending over 20 kilometers from south-facing foothills near Economy and Minas Basin to north-facing slopes above Springhill. Originally designated in 1998 and nearly doubled in size through a 5,495-hectare expansion in 2022, the wilderness area now protects extensive mature forest blanketing the Cobequid highlands. The terrain encompasses dramatic features including Economy River and its renowned falls, several pristine lakes, steep-sided mixed forest ravines and canyons, and the Kenomee Canyon Trail System extending over 25 kilometers through protected wilderness. The area provides critical refuge for endangered mainland moose in a region where populations have declined, while protecting endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon habitat in river systems. Spectacular spring wildflower displays including purple trillium and trout lily attract nature enthusiasts to this accessible yet wild landscape.

The intact woodlands provide essential refuge for endangered mainland moose, offering the large undisturbed forest tracts necessary for breeding, feeding, and shelter in a region experiencing population decline. Black bears, fishers, and bobcats roam the wilderness, utilizing the varied terrain and abundant prey base. White-tailed deer browse forest edges and openings, while snowshoe hares undergo population cycles supporting predator communities. The Economy River supports endangered Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon in spawning and rearing habitat, though populations remain critically low requiring ongoing protection and recovery efforts. Bird diversity is exceptional with pileated woodpeckers, barred owls, northern goshawks, and numerous warblers, thrushes, and vireos occupying mature forest niches. Beavers maintain active populations creating wetland habitats, while river otters and mink hunt along waterways. The elevation gradient creates diverse habitat types from lowland valleys to near-alpine conditions on exposed summits.

An unbroken mantle of mature forest blankets most of the wilderness, with hardwood forest uplands dominated by sugar maple, yellow birch, and American beech creating spectacular fall foliage displays. Conifer flats feature red spruce, black spruce, and balsam fir, while steep-sided ravines support mixed forests combining hardwoods and softwoods in complex vertical structures. Spring wildflower displays are exceptional, with purple trillium, trout lily, wild ginger, spring beauty, and numerous other species carpeting the forest floor before canopy leaf-out. The varied topography creates microclimates supporting diverse plant communities from moist ravine forests with eastern hemlock and yellow birch to exposed ridge-top communities with stunted conifers shaped by wind and ice. Wetland areas contain black spruce, larch, sphagnum mosses, and carnivorous plants including pitcher plants and sundews. The intact forest provides habitat for rare lichens, mosses, and fungi dependent on old-growth conditions.

The Cobequid Range represents an uplifted fault block composed of ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks, creating the dramatic topographic relief characteristic of this region. The range formed through tectonic activity along the Cobequid-Chedabucto Fault System, with resistant bedrock creating the current highland ridge. Economy River has carved deep canyons and gorges through the bedrock, with waterfalls including Economy Falls forming where the river crosses resistant rock layers. Glacial activity sculpted the current landscape, scouring highland surfaces and depositing till in valleys and on gentler slopes. The north and south slopes experience different weathering patterns due to varying sun exposure, moisture availability, and freeze-thaw cycles, creating asymmetric valley development. The geological structure creates diverse soil conditions from thin rocky soils on ridges to deeper more fertile soils in valleys, supporting the observed vegetation diversity.

The wilderness area experiences varied climate conditions influenced by elevation and aspect, with highland areas significantly cooler and wetter than surrounding lowlands. South-facing slopes near Minas Basin experience maritime influence with fog, moderate temperatures, and high precipitation, while north-facing slopes above Springhill have more continental conditions. Average temperatures range from -8°C in January to 18°C in July at low elevations, with highland areas 3-5 degrees cooler throughout the year. Annual precipitation exceeds 1,400 millimeters, with orographic enhancement as air masses rise over the Cobequid Range, creating some of Nova Scotia's wettest conditions. Winter snowfall can exceed 350 centimeters at higher elevations, with snow persisting well into May on north-facing slopes. The elevation gradient compresses climate zones, with conditions varying from coastal-influenced to near-alpine over short distances. Strong winds frequently affect exposed ridges, particularly during winter storms.

The Mi'kmaq people have utilized the region for thousands of years, with the Economy River valley and Cobequid Range providing hunting grounds, fishing sites, and travel routes between Minas Basin and Northumberland Strait. European settlement concentrated in coastal areas and river valleys, with the community of Economy developing as a farming and later tourist destination. Limited logging occurred in accessible valley bottoms and lower slopes, though the steep terrain and remote highland areas remained relatively untouched. The spectacular waterfalls attracted visitors by the early 20th century, establishing recreational use patterns. Local communities recognized the area's conservation and recreation values, leading to advocacy for protection. The Kenomee Trail Society formed to develop and maintain the trail network, demonstrating grassroots commitment to wilderness access and stewardship. Traditional hunting, fishing, and nature appreciation continue as valued uses.

Economy River Wilderness Area was originally designated in 1998 on Crown land in Colchester and Cumberland Counties, protecting the core of the Cobequid Range and Economy River valley. A small parcel was added in 2004, expanding protection incrementally. In 2022, a major expansion added 5,495 hectares, nearly doubling the wilderness area's size and enhancing protection for mainland moose habitat and salmon recovery areas. The expansions resulted from ecological surveys documenting wildlife populations, rare plant communities, and ecosystem integrity. The boundaries were designed to encompass complete watersheds, ridge systems, and connecting forests while accommodating existing trail systems. The designation balances wilderness protection with continued public recreation access via the well-developed Kenomee Canyon Trail System. The wilderness area demonstrates successful integration of conservation, recreation, and community stewardship through partnerships between government, volunteer trail organizations, and local communities.

The Kenomee Canyon Trail System, managed by the Kenomee Trail Society, extends over 25 kilometers through the wilderness area, providing exceptional hiking opportunities ranging from day trips to overnight expeditions. The spectacular 18-kilometer Kenomee Canyon Trail follows the edge of the Economy River gorge, offering a challenging overnight wilderness experience with designated backcountry campsites minimizing environmental impact. Economy Falls Trail is the most popular route, a 1.4-kilometer path with dramatic views of the falls where the river plunges through a narrow gorge, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Shorter trail options centered around Economy Falls provide day-use hiking for families and casual visitors. The trail system showcases diverse ecosystems from riverside forests through hardwood uplands to near-alpine ridge conditions. Spring wildflower displays along trails attract botanists and photographers, while fall foliage creates spectacular color displays. The trails balance wilderness character with safe access through well-maintained paths, bridges, and signage.

The wilderness area is accessible from the community of Economy on the Minas Basin shore and from Highway 2 near Springhill on the north side of the Cobequid Range. Trailheads for the Kenomee Canyon Trail System include parking areas, information kiosks, and trail registers where hikers can sign in for safety. Designated backcountry campsites along the Kenomee Canyon Trail provide primitive camping facilities including tent platforms, bear-proof food storage, and privies, with camping restricted to these sites to minimize environmental impacts. Day-use facilities at Economy Falls include a small parking area and the trailhead for the popular waterfall hike. No motorized vehicles are permitted within the wilderness except on designated roads outside boundaries. Visitors should be prepared for wilderness conditions with appropriate footwear, navigation tools, water, and emergency supplies. The nearest services including accommodations, restaurants, and supplies are available in Economy, Five Islands, and Springhill. The wilderness area attracts both serious wilderness backpackers and casual day hikers, with trail difficulty ranging from easy waterfall walks to challenging multi-day treks.

The wilderness area provides critical habitat for endangered mainland moose, with the extensive undisturbed forests offering the large home ranges and diverse food sources necessary for population persistence and potential recovery. Protection of Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon habitat in the Economy River system is a conservation priority, though salmon populations remain critically endangered requiring ongoing habitat protection and restoration efforts. The intact forest provides ecosystem services including watershed protection, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation, with the mature forests storing significant carbon. Climate change poses threats through warming temperatures potentially making the area unsuitable for boreal species like moose and allowing northward expansion of southern species. Invasive species monitoring focuses on trail corridors where disturbance facilitates establishment, with volunteer trail maintenance incorporating invasive species removal. The Kenomee Trail Society's stewardship demonstrates successful volunteer management of wilderness trails, with designated camping areas concentrating impacts and protecting sensitive sites. Research and monitoring track moose populations, salmon recovery, forest health, and rare plant populations, informing adaptive management. The wilderness designation permanently protects the area from logging and development while allowing sustainable traditional uses and recreation, balancing conservation with human benefits and demonstrating that wilderness protection supports both ecological integrity and community well-being.