Old Annapolis Road

The Lore of the Old Annapolis Road, Abridged Posts




The History

Apparently, it was built by the British military in the late 1700’s to connect Shelburne and Rockingham with Annapolis Royal.

They wanted a way to move troops between the forts overland in case the French controlled the waters. Shelburne Nova Scotia was founded at the end of the American Revolution and colonized by British Empire Loyalists looking for a new home.

It was not long after this that in 1785 they began the construction of a road to Annapolis Royal, then a very important community. Although they had great expectations upon the completion of the road and lots were granted along its length, the road that was described as “little more than a rough track through the wilderness” never became the major artery that was hoped for. At its peak the road did have a halfway house and two taverns along its way but by 1814 it had become overgrown with trees and was abandoned.

As late as 1848 citizens of Shelburne tried to acquire grants to reopen the road but this never happened and the road became a part of history.

Going back in time…

If you feel like going back in time, several sections of the Old Annapolis Road can still be identified. However, only small sections of the road can be traveled. The majority of the remaining road is situated on woodlands owned by the Bowater Mersey Corporation, cleverly protected by a system of gates and roadblocks.

Part of the road is still used by hunters, fishermen and ATV users and is still know locally as the Old Annapolis Road in Shelburne, located between Trunk #3 & #203. Locals also call it Shelburne’s Road to Nowhere N 43° 48.379 W 065° 18.473. There is a pull off area on the 103(N43°47.369' W65°18.538'). The first part of the journey can be mucky at times as it is dug up by the frequent ATV use, near the end a chain has been placed to keep ATV’s out but hikers are welcomed.

A second section of the Old Annapolis Road can be accessed on trunk #208 between Rosette Road and Brookfield Mines Road N44°24.720' W64°56.571' however picturesque and easily identified by a road sign, this section is heavily gated.

The largest remaining portion of the Old Annapolis Road lies between Hammonds Plains and the # 14. Though cleverly disguised as “The Old Annapolis Trail”, the remainder of the road itself is protected by a gate located at N44°45.304' W63°55.944'. Access to the foot trail is public (shared-use) and a small parking area is provided. Turn right at the Sandy Lake (Bowater) turnoff (just past exit 5 on the 103), then keep left at all the forks in the road, staying to the west of Sandy Lake.


The Lure of the Lore

Some sections are used still but you would never recognize it, the Hammonds Plains Road to Pockwock is it and it starts again at Hwy 12 and continues to Annapolis Royal, some asphalt some dirt. Some of the names along this come from the military history, Hammond's Plains for example, he was a colonel, The Forties was named as such because the land was deeded to soldiers of the 40th regiment.

For a few lucky, it's said to be possible to get keys and head out to see an old plane crash site and a steel ship, not near any water! Both of these are buried back in the woods away from most person's reach. The plane has been stripped many years ago by the folks at CFB Greenwood. It had issues and was crashed there. There's also an old turn table from when trains were used for logging.

There is an abandoned church on this road in the wilderness between Hwy 10 and Annapolis Royal too. There are tons of old sites and goodies to look at around the area. The gold mines in Brookville, and a cable car out south near the wildcat reserve.

Footnote: There is little to no information available online on the topic of the Old Annapolis Road. The preceeding was a compilation of posts on various local 4WD and GPS websites. It is intended as a source of information only.

Remember – Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints.