The Four Mile Stillwater Trail is managed through a partnership with the Medway Community Forest Coop (MCFC) and the Friends of the Medway Lakes Wilderness Area.
Medway Lakes Wilderness Area was legally protected in 2015, following the provincial purchase of lands formerly owned by the now dissolved Bowater Mersey Paper Company. The Mi’kmaq and their ancestors have lived off of the vital resources provided by the region for centuries, and evidence along the Mersey River in this area dates back to at least 5,000 years ago. The interior of the wilderness area was especially used for hunting and trapping in the colder seasons, and for getting around via the many traditional river, lake, and land-based routes. This area of Nova Scotia is part of the Kespukwik district of Mi'kma'ki.
The wilderness area holds an exceptional mix of rolling hardwood hills, conifer-dominated flats, wetlands, and numerous lakes and waterways. The diverse and quality habitats support many species at risk, including blandings turtle, snapping turtle, american marten, mainland moose, and several bird species. Impressive stands of old sugar maple, yellow birch, white pine, and hemlock forest are scattered throughout. Parts of the area were harvested in past decades.
In recent history, the river and lakes of the wilderness area have fostered a dedicated angling community, originating from the region’s rich heritage of guiding and outfitting. Looking into the future, the MCFC will continue to support recreational uses of the wilderness area alongside the promotion of sustainable, multi-value forest management on our nearby license area.
How to Get There
Although there is no physical address for the four Mile stillwater trail, there is signage along highway 8, and the location is searchable via google maps. The trail is on the North side of highway 8 along the mersey river between the communities of maitland bridge and south milford.
Coming from Caledonia/Kejimkujik: The Four Mile Stillwater Trail is roughly 8 km west of Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site on the right (east) side of Highway 8.
Coming from Annapolis Royal: The Four Mile Stillwater Trail is roughly 40 km east of Annapolis Royal on the left (east) side of Highway 8.