Trail lovers in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, can move closer to earning a special hiking badge during a new weekend event at Keppoch Mountain on June 20 and 21, 2026. The Hike Towards the Keppoch Mountain Badge event blends guided group hikes with self-guided options, giving hikers a chance to knock off several required trails for the Hike Nova Scotia Hiker Challenge Badges program.
The weekend is a partnership between Keppoch Mountain and Hike Nova Scotia, offering hikers a tangible goal as they explore the outdoor recreation area. To earn the Keppoch Hiking Badge, hikers must cover about 23 kilometres across seven named trails within one year. Trails include Summit Loop, White Rock Way, Game Changer, Shindig Hollow, East of Awesome Loop, Little Peak, and Big Allan via Widow Joe and Summit West.
On Saturday, June 20, a guided hike starts at 9:30 a.m. and covers Game Changer, Shindig Hollow, and White Rock Way, with a distance of roughly 11 kilometres. Sunday’s guided hike, also beginning at 9:30 a.m., tackles East of Awesome, Summit Loop, and Big Allan via Widow Joe over about 8 kilometres. Both days offer self-guided hiking options for those who prefer to tackle the trails on their own schedule.
Participants will receive swag and can enter draw prizes, and lunch will be available at the lodge for $5.00. Once hikers complete all the required trails, they will receive a badge to display on clothing or a backpack and be listed on the Hike Nova Scotia Honour Roll. Seasonal prize draws for gift certificates from The Trail Shop Halifax are also up for grabs for badge earners.
Keppoch Mountain, located at 193 Keppoch Road in Beaver Meadow, is operated by the charitable Positive Action for the Keppoch Society. The facility has more than 30 kilometres of multi-use wilderness trails for hiking, mountain biking, and winter activities, making it a year-round destination for outdoor recreation in northeastern Nova Scotia.
The event is family friendly and open to all ability levels, including newcomers and experienced hikers. Full details are available on Keppoch Mountain’s events page, and registration can be completed by emailing [email protected].
