On a not so cold winter day I had the kiddos and we decided to go explore Cherry Hill beach like we've done in the warmer months. I figured at that time of year at least there would be parking. There was too. Keep in mind that if you go during the warmer and tourist months that parking may be hard to find because there barely is any. The one drawback to this Nova Scotia beach.
It is a very long and sandy beach with plenty of waves for surfing. You'll often see surfers at the beach no matter the time of year.
Case and point above. A surfing they will go no matter the season.
But if the sand isn't for you, all you have to do is cross over a rocky hill and you are in a more fresh water area. There is a small fall area that is a ways down. About a ten minute walk if by yourself with no little legs following along.
A good thing too in the summer is that you can find crabs in the water near the falls and beyond. The kids love to see them and see if they can reach.
You may also come across a hunter or two in the winter. Not sure if it is legal or not to hunt there, but he was there. Could have been going farther down as well, as you can walk a very long way at Cherry Hill beach. By the time we decided to pick a spot to rest and I teased the kids with the leeches found near a little island, we were a good hour walk from the parking lot.
People enjoy walking on either side of the beach. Be careful though in some of the grassy areas as that is where piping plover nest. Or so I'm told. I have never actually seen any there like at other beaches in Nova Scotia.
The water stretches along either side as far as it can go. At least as far as we went. You can often see a few homes on the other side of the water as well when walking along in the distance.
Here is the giant rock wall you might have to climb if you are looking to get to the other side. Be careful going along it and even more so with little ones with you as it is easy to trip and fall. It has happened and done some damage to people who have fallen.
And should you just want to stay on the beach side there are plenty of waves to surf. There is some seaweed along the beach, but there isn't a lot.
Thoughts on Cherry Hill Beach in The Winter
With no snow or ice around it is only colder and has less wildlife along it than in the other seasons. You can still surf and go for a long walk in nature. I've heard from a few surfers that the undertow can be rather dangerous, so watch yourself, the kids, and animals.
I've seen nicer beaches that Cherry Hill, but none that go on as far as this one does. Every other beach I've walked from beginning to end that I've visited, whether with the kids or the dogs, but not this one. The opposite side may go on farther than the sandy, ocean side. I tend to veer more towards that side.
Downfalls of this Nova Scotia beach is that there is pretty much no parking, it is a rocky path that gets you to the beach, the rocky path is not setup for an easy walk, you must watch your footing and be careful when exiting and leaving the beach due to the rocks, and there is no bathroom in the winter. I've never seen one there in the summer either. You'll have to make due with going in the water or doing what one parent did and use the ocean water and an old shirt to wash her daughter's backside. Not pleasant. Pro Tip: Always have a stash of toilet paper in your vehicle.
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