Aspy Fault

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Please improve this article if you can. (September 2006)

Aspy Fault as seen from the Cabot Trail lookout.

The Aspy Fault is a strike-slip fault that runs through 40km of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia and is often thought to be part of the Great Glen Fault. Part of the fault runs through the Cape Breton Highlands national park. This fault runs southward from Cape North through the Margaree Valley. Evidence shows movement in this fault dating back to the Ordovician period when it was probably created when two continental plates collided and pushed the seafloor upwards, also creating the Appalachian Mountains. Erosion and the presence of this fault have created much of the scenery known today as the Cape Breton Highlands.

[edit] Observing

People wishing to see this fault can get good views of it along the Cabot Trail. There is one lookout looking directly over the fault. Also in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the Wilkie Sugarloaf trail; this trail heads up 3km and looks over the Aspy Fault plateau. This trail is very difficult and it is recommended you bring sturdy shoes and a fair amount of water.