Calvary River Wilderness Area protects old forest and river corridors in the Salmon River watershed, near Truro.
This includes the lower Black and Calvary rivers, and a portion of Salmon River into which they drain. With over 14 km of river and several large and small brooks, this wilderness area provides important habitat for Atlantic salmon and brook trout.
The old forest of this area is a remnant in what is predominantly a forestry and farming region of the province. The slopes and floodplains along Calvary and Black River harbour impressive stands of old hardwood forest, with large sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch, and white ash trees. Some stands on the lower slopes contain old red spruce forest.
At least 10 species of rare sedge and other rare floodplain plants occur along the rivers.
Protection of these provincial lands significantly improves representation of the Central Rolling Hills natural landscape in the provincial protected areas network.
Located near major communities, this wilderness area is used for walking, angling and hunting, and is suitable for cross-country skiing. The area offers opportunities for nature appreciation and wildlife viewing.
An off-highway vehicle trail passes through the western part of the wilderness area, mostly along an old forest access road. This section of trail is managed by the All-terrain Vehicle Association of Nova Scotia (ATVANS) under an agreement with Nova Scotia Environment. Bicycle use is also permitted on this trail.
Twenty hectares of the wilderness area overlap with Manganese Mines Wildlife Management Area. These lands have dual designation as wilderness area and wildlife management area. Wilderness area designation will not affect a Nova Scotia Community College lease here, nor the existing prohibition of hunting and trapping within the wildlife management area.