Posted by & filed under canada, rum, trail, Volume 12, Issue #7 – July 2019.

By Janet Couper ITWPA Member Smell the fresh saltiness of a coastal breeze. Pause to watch sailboats tack across the bay. Feel the joy of freedom. Come explore Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast. From Halifax to Lunenburg, the Rum Runners Trail, comprised of seven smaller trails, is 120 km (74 miles) of hard-packed fine gravel. Over the past decade, under the leadership of individual community organizations and with help from the Nova Scotia government, volunteers worked long hours converting a discontinued railway route into a four-season venue for outdoor enthusiasts. Local volunteers continue to monitor and maintain these trails year-round. Ongoing and annual fundraising events ensure the sustainability of this valuable multi-community resource. The trail attracts a wide range of the public, including visitors from the US, Asia, and Europe. Cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, ATV users, and occasionally folks on horseback co-operatively enjoy nature in a safe environment. Rest stops, warnings, and interpretive panels appropriately appear along the 74-mile distance. Wondering about The Trail’s name? During Prohibition from 1929 to 1930, several South Shore fisherman and sailors chose to transport Halifax produced rum down the eastern seaboard to American cities. Hence the term rum running was born. The business undeniably proved too lucrative. However, the thrill of danger – darting into hidden coves, outwitting the Coast Guard – carried an irresistible allure to which many succumbed. For More Information and a trail map visit http://rumrunnerstrail.ca If you would like to purchase this article for your publication, please click here to contact the author directly.