The route runs from Highway 104 exit 3 at Amherst to the rotary at Pictou, a distance of 136 kilometres (85 mi).

[2] For most of its length Trunk 6 is a two lane highway with a speed limit of 80 km/h (50 mph).

In communities, villages or towns the speed limit may drop to as low as 50 km/h (30 mph).

From Amherst, Trunk 6 goes in an easterly direction to the village of Port Philip, where it meets the Northumberland Strait.

The route then follows the strait's shoreline through Pugwash, Wallace and Tatamagouche to the town of Pictou.