Freeze-Dried Foods and Other Reasons, Such As Accidents, Use Freezer Bags to Seal in Smelly We Strongly Suggest That You Do Not Leftovers

HIKING TRAILS OF

NEW BRUNSWICK

3rd edition

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced Eiselt, Marianne or used in any form or by any means, electronic or Hiking trails of New Brunswick / Marianne Eiselt, mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any H.A. Eiselt. — 3rd ed. retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher or a licence from the Canadian Copyright Licensing Previously published under title: A hiking guide to Agency (Access Copyright). To contact Access Copyright, New Brunswick. visit www.accesscopyright.ca or call 1-800-893-5777. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-0-86492-455-1 Central cover image courtesy of Service New Brunswick. Jewel images by H.A. Eiselt. 1. Trails — New Brunswick — Guidebooks. All interior photographs by H.A. and Marianne Eiselt. 2. Hiking — New Brunswick — Guidebooks. Base map images courtest of GeoGratis, copyright 3. New Brunswick — Guidebooks. © Department of Natural Resources Canada. All rights I. Eiselt, Horst A., 1950- reserved. II. Title. Cover design by Kent Fackenthall. GV199.44.C22N46 2007 917.15’1045 C2007-900457-1 Book design by Julie Scriver. Printed in Canada. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 Goose Lane Editions acknowledges the financial support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada The authors have made every effort to ensure that the through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program information contained in this book is correct. However, (BPIDP), and the New Brunswick Department of Wellness, neither the authors nor the publisher accept any responsibil- Culture and Sport for its publishing activities. ity, implied or otherwise, resulting from the use of this book or the trails described in it. Goose Lane Editions Suite 330, 500 Beaverbrook Court A Note on our Partners Fredericton, New Brunswick This book has been published in association with CANADA E3B 5X4 www.gooselane.com

with the support of Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you. — Frank Lloyd Wright Contents

9 Preface to the Third Edition

13 Introduction

27 The Regions

28 Trails at a Glance

33 St. John River Valley

71 Fundy Coast–West

123 Fundy Coast–East

187 Fundy National Park

231 Eastern Coast

273 aPPalachian Highlands

315 Bibliography

317 Index PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION

Like everything else, trails change The trails in the Big Pokiok over time. While some existing Nature Park (trails 2-4 in the third trails fall into disrepair or disuse edition) existed in large part due to due to neglect, loss of sponsorship, the sponsorship of the Nackawic or other factors, new trails emerge. Pulp Mill. With the demise of the This is a brief summary of some of mill, the trails have been neglected the changes that have occurred since for some time, so that only parts of the third edition was first published some of the trails can still be used. in 2007. Whether or not a local group can

Cape Jourimain Lighthouse

9 Last year’s leaves be found to maintain the trails, is Access should be similar to the way uncertain at this point in time. in which it is described in this book.

The Mount Douglas Bald Trail It is our pleasure to thank Mr. (trail 15) above the town of Wels- Dave Ward, who has hiked many of ford was one of the nicest short trails the trails described in our book, and in that area. However, a while ago, provided us with many important construction of a new highway com- updates. His assistance is much ap- menced. This highway led directly preciated. above Welsford and just below the summit of Mount Douglas, cutting Marianne & H.A. Eiselt off access. At present, (in January of 2011) the trail is no longer acces- sible. However, the New Brunswick Department of Transportation is fully aware of the existence of the trail, and has plans to renew access to it once the highway is completed.

10 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition Pokiok Stream

Preface 11 INTRODUCTION

Walking and hiking has rapidly multi-day hikes. There should be a increased in popularity in this trail here for everyone. province over the last two decades. Hiking is not about arriving at a This trend can be measured by the destination; it is about the experi- growth of new hiking clubs and ence of getting there. Hiking is the increasing numbers of hikers almost always combined with other in national and provincial parks. pursuits such as birdwatching, pho- And these trails are used not just by tography, or the plain enjoyment of tough and rugged types who hike the outdoors. Fresh air and fitness these paths in their entirety, but by are extra bonuses. There are many “regular” people and families, who questions a would‑be hiker is likely might spend only a few hours or to ask. In this book, we don’t discuss days on them. the how’s or why’s of this activity. One reason for the popularity of This book addresses questions such hiking is that, in its simplest form, it as does not require any special equipment. Walking trails (less than two • Where can I hike in the hours, easy going) can be attempted Province of New Brunswick? by all, including kids, while hiking and trails (up to a full day) are for rea- • Why should I go? sonably fit individuals. Multi-day backpacking trails (two to seven In order to get a feel for what can days) attract physically fit nature be expected on the hiking trails in lovers, and long-distance backpack- this province, it is useful to know ing trails are for those who seriously some basic facts about its geography. want to get away from it all. Clearly, New Brunswick’s surface is about multi-day hikes, particularly those 73,000 km2 (28,000 sq mi), 85% of over difficult terrain, do require which is wooded; and the elevation special and sometimes costly gear. ranges from sea level to 820 m (2700 In this book, we describe trails that ft). Even though most of the prov- run the gamut from light hikes to ince’s geologic structure was formed in the Paleozoic era (248-590 million

13 years ago), its surface is astonish- the Fundy Coast West, life on the ingly diverse: it ranges from wide, Fundy Isles has a slower pace than sandy beaches to highlands to fertile it does on the mainland. Charming river valleys. In this third edition of fishing communities, the Franklin Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, we D. Roosevelt cottage on Campobello have divided the province into six Island, and whale-watching, hik- geographical regions where hiking ing, and ocean kayaking on Grand trails can be found. Manan attract local and foreign tourists. Fundy National Park en- compasses a diverse landscape: the The Regions Bay of Fundy with its giant tides and The first region is the scenic St. softwood-clad cliffs, and, in the up- John River Valley, a fertile area lands, roaring waterfalls and large where agriculture is one of the stands of maple, birch, and beech. economic mainstays. It extends The park is a haven for hikers and from the Madawaska region in the naturalists. Fundy Coast East is a northwest corner of the province zone of transition. While its west- through Fredericton to Grand Lake. ernmost reaches around Saint John The Fundy Coast is the region in and the coast between St. Martins which most of the hiking trails and Fundy National Park are still are located, so we have decided dominated by the rugged Fundy to subdivide it into three separate coastline, the geography changes chapters. There are many features markedly to the north and east of that these three sections have in the National Park. Wide stretches common. The entire Fundy Coast of marshes alternate with steep is dominated by the tides; rising cliffs, until they eventually vanish up to 15 m (50 ft), they are among and the coastline becomes gentle. the highest in the world due to These are the Eastern Shores, the funnel-like shape of the Bay of which are characterized by fish- Fundy. The weather and the tides ing villages, lighthouses, marshes, have formed a dramatic shoreline peat bogs, and sandy beaches. Salt of jagged cliffs and rocky beaches, marshes predominate along the and the forest often ends abruptly southern end of the Eastern Shores. at the steep cliffs. Forestry, fishing, The dikes and sea walls in this area and tourism are the main indus- are splendid examples of how the tries along the Fundy Coast. Along early Acadian settlers controlled the

14 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition Grand Manan, southwestern coast tremendous tides. The shores of the the heavily wooded basin. Going Northumberland Strait boast miles northwest, the land slowly rises of sandy beaches with the warmest towards the Appalachian High- salt water north of Virginia. The lands, the New Brunswick portion hinterland does, however, change of the range that extends from the gradually: it is fertile in the south southeastern United States to New- and increasingly barren in the north. foundland. The rounded shape of Bogs become more and more preva- the heavily wooded highlands sug- lent in and north of Kouchibouguac gests advanced geological age. The National Park, which features sandy major feature is Mount Carleton, the beaches, salt marshes, and lagoons. highest peak of the Maritimes and Farther north, the Eastern Shores the centrepiece of Mount Carleton melt into the Bay of Chaleur, where Provincial Park. commercial fishing is the mainstay for most Acadian residents. In New Brunswick’s centre, the Miramichi River and its many tributaries rule the landscape as they flow through

Introduction 15 What’s New? 26 km (16 mi) along the coast past Much has happened since the Martin Head to Dustin Brook near previous edition of this book was Little Salmon River. It has now been published eleven years ago. As was extended all the way to Big Salmon to be expected, some trails have River, connecting directly with the fallen into disrepair, and they are newly established Fundy Trail Park- no longer included in this volume. way, which not only provides good Nature has wreaked havoc on some access to the Fundy Footpath, but of the trails: the Richibucto sand also has a number of worthwhile dune, for instance, was reduced to hiking trails in its own right. Keep- little more than half of its former ing the Fundy Footpath and the size by a storm some years ago. well-established Dobson Trail open The trail system on Grand Manan, is a daunting task due to the sheer which showed vast improvements length of the trail and the vigorous the last time, has been taken over in growth that does its best to revert part by ATVers, so that some of the existing trails to nature. Edwin trails are no longer fit to hike. To be Melanson, Alonzo Leger, and many sure, there are still some good hiking volunteers of the Moncton Outdoor and even backpacking trails on the Enthusiasts have done a fine job island, but it is no longer the hiking establishing the trails and keeping haven it was a decade ago. them open. Similarly, the lack of public fund- As a commitment to protecting ing has caused a marked decline of the environment and allowing pub- trails in Mount Carleton Provincial lic access to scenic natural areas, a Park. While all existing trails are number of interpretive trails have still hikeable, some are partially been built along rivers and the overgrown with lots of deadfall, Fundy Coast and are maintained and route-finding ability may be by corporations. These include the required in places. Taylors Island Perimeter Trail and On the other hand, a tremendous Sheldon Point Trail in the Irving increase in new trails was experi- Nature Park on Taylors Island, near enced in the Fundy region. A decade Saint John, and the St. Anne Pulp ago, the Fundy Footpath extended and Paper Company’s Big Pokiok from the end of the Goose River Nature Park on the scenic Pokiok Trail at the southwestern boundary River near Nackawic. of Fundy National Park for some Other industry-sponsored trails

16 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition Hopewell Falls on the Little Sheephouse Falls Nature Trail are Sadler’s Nature Trail in Plaster Lamèque, have built short nature Rock, a joint project by the village trails as well. of Plaster Rock, the Department of To this day, government policy Advanced Education and Labour, favours multi-use trails. These trails and Nexfor Fraser Papers. Similarly, are designed to be shared by vari- the Little Sheephouse Falls Nature ous groups of users, such as walkers, Trail in the Miramichi region was hikers, bikers, and horseback riders sponsored by the UPM Kymmene in the summer, and cross-country Miramichi, Inc., and the New skiers and snowmobilers in the Brunswick Power Corporation and winter. However, different groups the city of Miramichi cooperated have very different needs. Whereas in opening up and maintaining the cyclists need a sufficiently wide Millbank Power Plant Nature Trail. trail with a solid surface, hikers get Adair’s Wilderness Lodge maintains a much better walk and cause only a number of trails in the vicinity of minimal erosion on a trail with a their wilderness lodge, while some solid surface. Also, as unpleasant communities, most prominently as it is for hikers to be on the alert Quispamsis, Riverside-Albert, and for cyclists, it is no less irritating for

Introduction 17 bikers to have to be on a permanent long and often unnecessary board- lookout for hikers. As usual, the walk sections through woods. Such stronger crowds out the weaker. overdevelopment is particularly ob- Furthermore, all the multi-use trails vious in New River Beach Provincial that we have seen are wide and level Park and on most trails in Herring gravel roads that are perfect for bik- Cove Provincial Park. Why not leave ing and maybe short walks, but not a little bit of the natural in nature? very exciting for hiking. For this For trails to be included in this reason we do not include them in book, they had to be designed as our book. For similar reasons, we do hiking trails boasting beautiful not include the International Appa- vistas, scenic and important natural lachian Trail from Mount Kathadin, features, such as waterfalls, lakes, Maine, to the Chic Choc Mountains beaches, tidal salt marshes, bogs and in Quebec, as most of its sections are other eco-systems. We also included either multi-use trails or stretches short nature trails that educate the leading along paved roads. public about the flora and fauna in We have also noticed the ten- a hands-on approach. Most hiking dency to make trails “nice” with trails chosen in this guide also have some historical and cultural signifi- cance, not only for our province, but for the history of Canada and its close neighbour, the U.S.

Before You Start Out The tourist season in New Bruns- wick is concentrated between mid-June and late August. Many attractions and provincial campsites open in mid‑to-late June and close around Labour Day. The hiking season is, however, considerably longer. Personally, we prefer spring and fall for hiking, to avoid crowds as well as heat, humidity, and biting insects. Pitcher plant In particular, the cool days of April

18 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition to mid‑May and September to the end of October (and sometimes even into November) make for excellent hiking. Mid‑May is usually the time when bugs start to appear in large numbers. This onslaught lasts for some four to six weeks but does not totally vanish until the first frost. Fortunately, blackflies and horseflies do not carry diseases, whereas mos- quitoes may carry the dreaded West Nile disease. Cases of ticks carrying Lyme disease in New Brunswick are rare, but not unheard of. As a precaution, we suggest you always wear protective clothing such as First frost long sleeves and long pants and, if bitten by a tick, see a doctor. Along the Fundy Coast and in the northern Trail Safety part of the province, the fly season As with any other activity, safety is can start a few weeks later. In the crucial. Although hiking poses rela- fall, Indian summer is a particularly tively few hazards, it pays to know beautiful time to hike. This usually about them and take appropriate lasts for about two weeks in early precautions. Usually, “trail safety” October. But remember: the popular brings to mind hazards such as deer-hunting season in the province falling off a cliff or the remote risk starts about mid-October and lasts of being mauled by a bear. Another for roughly a month. If you decide to problem may actually exist, even hike outside provincial and national though it has not crossed the line parks during that time, wear bright from nuisance to hazard. While easy clothing (preferably hunter orange) access to trails is generally a good to alert hunters who may mistake thing, it also provides everybody you for deer, moose, or other game. with an opportunity to reach just about any point in the woods with relative ease. While this has fortunately resulted “only” in illegal and

Introduction 19 unsightly dump sites in the woods, could cause the olfactory senses of one should be cautious about pos- opportunist omnivores to tingle with sible bad encounters. For those and joy. Consider freeze-dried foods and other reasons, such as accidents, use freezer bags to seal in smelly we strongly suggest that you do not leftovers. Many authors suggest hike alone. Theft on the trail is not hanging bags of food or even entire a problem at present, but it does backpacks in trees, but we have not hurt to be careful. Vandalism at found such suggestions impractical the trailhead, particularly directed if the campsite does not provide a against vehicles that are parked scaffold (such as the one in Head- overnight, does, however, exist. waters Wilderness campground on Whenever possible, a well-lighted the Mount Carleton Trail). Inter- area should be chosen for parking esting smells will cause squirrels, (maybe even coupled with a short raccoons, mice, rats, and other ani- ride in a cab to the trailhead, though mals to chew holes in packs to get that may not always be possible). at the delicacies inside. You really needn’t worry much If you must bring your dog into about four-legged animals. Wild the wilderness, have it on a leash all animals generally avoid humans. the time. Dogs, when not on a leash, However, if a hiker enters an ani- may (and often do) remember their mal’s fear circle, its response may be half‑buried hunting instincts and go fear — the animal runs away — or after deer and squirrels. Moreover, anger — the animal attacks. Don’t dogs may actually sometimes attract try to find out which response an bears and attack them or their com- animal will choose! As a general panions — you. rule, signal your presence by talking One of the most feared dangers is or by making any other noise. If you getting lost in the woods. The worst see an animal, give it a wide berth. enemy in such a situation is panic. These rules are particularly import- There are reports of hunters who ant in the spring, when mother bears got lost, panicked, and shot them- nurse and guard their January-born selves in their confusion. In New young, and in the rutting season of Brunswick, you can always reach deer and moose in the fall. some outpost of civilization within One way to avoid uninvited a couple of days and usually much visitors at night is to avoid carry- sooner — provided, of course, that ing smelly food or other items that you are able to use map and com-

20 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition pass. It is not smart to undertake a multi-day trip without some basic training in their use, and such training could even come in handy on long day hikes. All better compasses (and other kinds are worthless at best and at worst outright danger- ous) come with reasonably detailed instructions. Most books on hiking cover this subject (see bibliography). All maps in Hiking Trails of New Brunswick include an arrow point- ing to true north. There is roughly a 22-degree difference (declination) between true north and magnetic north, to which every compass needle points. Failure to observe this declination results in consider- able error: for every three miles hiked, you will deviate from the Fundy Footpath, looking back on Goose true course by more than one mile! Creek and Centurion Point In addition, hikers are advised to provided they function properly, carry a topographical (or “topo”) have been programmed with the map of areas where trails are less appropriate map datum, and are groomed. Some local libraries and fed with reasonably fresh batter- stores carry topos; if you cannot ies. Do not rely on them. While it find them locally, contact one of the is possible to program a GPS with Topographic Map Regional Distribu- waypoints, we never do it, as this tion Centres such as Federal Maps playing with electronics seriously Inc., 425 University Ave., Suite interferes with the true wilderness 401, Toronto, ON M5G 1T6, e-mail experience. Another electronic tool [email protected] or shop on- that has become a fixture in some line, e.g., at www.maptown.com. people’s packs is cellphones. While Global Positioning Systems (GPS) it may sound appealing to have such are widely available and can be used a tool ready for emergencies, its uses to pinpoint your present location — are severely limited. Examining the

Introduction 21 coverage maps provided by the Campfires must be put out be- three cellphone providers Aliant, fore you leave your campsite. That Rogers, and Telus, you will discover doesn’t mean they should die down that most backcountry areas are not to just a few embers or a little smoul- covered. In that sense, a cellphone dering. It means OUT COLD. The may actually provide you with a danger of forest fires in many parts misplaced sense of security. of New Brunswick is amplified by Other hazards exist, among them the extensive planting of softwood unstable cliffs along Fundy coast- monoculture forests. Actually, on lines and at some summits in Mount day hikes fires are not needed at all, Carleton Provincial Park. Also haz- and on longer backpacking trips, ardous are the high tides along the lightweight white gas/naphtha or Fundy Coast. There are places where butane stoves are vastly superior hikers may get trapped between an to campfires as they cook much unscalable cliff and the rising water. quicker and cleaner. We strongly None of these places are included in recommend them. this book. However, for some hikes along the coast, you should carry tide tables, available on the Web at What to Take Along www.waterlevels.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide- Many books have been written shc.cgi?queryType=showRegion& about hiking equipment, and this is language=emglish®ion=5. not the place to repeat their valued Another problem should be advice. Some well-known references mentioned here, even though it is are Fletcher and Rawlins’s classic not so much a hazard as a nuis- The Complete Hiker IV, as well as the ance. In the spring, there may be a books by Hall, Manning, and others significant amount of deadfall even (see bibliography). Here, we list only on maintained trails. Typically, this a few items that we consider a must is the result of storms the previous on any but the shortest hike: fall, and it usually takes a while for the cleanup crews to finish their • Fly dope. Muskol and Off! work. For safety’s sake, follow the have an excellent reputation. old-time lumberman’s rule: don’t Be careful, though: their active step on anything you can step over, ingredient, DEET, is said to and don’t step on anything you can soften the brain, and it surely step around.

22 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition dissolves plastics. Keep it away drops that are provided in two from your eyes! separate bottles, whose liquids • First-aid kit. Knowing some have to be mixed and have to basics about first-aid is always react (which normally takes handy, but a first-aid kit is no more than seven minutes) utterly useless if you don’t before they can be added to know what that funny looking the water. Many backpackers stuff is for. rely on water filters such as • Map. A topographical map, Katadyn, MSR, PUR, First usually 1:50,000. Sometimes Need, or similar products. specialized hikers’ maps are • Sunglasses. Glasses with UV available, and they may be blockers are useful every- preferable as long as they show where, but are essential in contour lines — a seemingly higher elevations. short distance can be very • Sunscreen. Ointment with strenuous if it leads up and a factor of at least SPF 15 is down steep hills! recommended. • Compass. Get a trustworthy • Extra clothing: Socks and rain one and learn how to use it. gear along with plastic bags Good brand names are Brun- and freezer bags to protect ton, Silva, and Suunto. items, such as cameras, IDs, • Canteen with water. The 1-litre etc., that should not get wet. (1 quart) size is the best all- • Extra food. High-calorie snacks around bottle. For longer trips, such as trail mix or trail bars you can take two bottles, or are best. rely on a Platypus bladder-type • Pocket knife. A sturdy folding system that is easy to carry knife, such as the Swiss Army and very useful, as long as it is knives, or mini-tools, such as not punctured. An alternative Leatherman or Gerber. is to use existing sources of • Waterproof matches. Better yet water and purify it. In a pinch, a transparent Bic lighter (so iodine-based purification you always know how much tablets are all right, but the fuel is left). taste of the treated water is • Daypack or “fanny pack” quite awful. Much better are (more correctly, belly bag). chlorine-based water treatment Lightweight, to carry the rest

Introduction 23 of the items. Some of the more elaborate bags incorporate bottle holders. • You may want to invest in a very practical headlight, whose LCDs (at least three, better five) are bright and provide light for many hours on a set of batteries. Dog spray is an item that may be handy as a last resort in cases of Canada goose and goslings unavoidable confrontations. deep (any deeper and the waste will not decompose quickly). When Wilderness Etiquette you’re finished, cover the hole and We’ve all heard the slogans “Take its contents, including the paper, only pictures, leave only footprints” with soil. (Some authors suggest and “If you pack it in, pack it out.” carrying the paper out, but we can- They basically say it all. Even not bring ourselves to it.) We saw “small” items such as candy wrap- one of the worst violations of this pers and cigarette butts are eyesores simple process at a small campsite at and will soon give your fellow hikers a river next to a nice stand of trees. the feeling of hiking in a dump. Fol- Nice it was, but closer inspection lowing the “broken window theory,” revealed that it had been used as an some garbage on the trail will invite extensive on-ground outdoor facility. others to add their own junk to it. Camping nearby must have felt like Another problem is human waste, sleeping and eating in a sewer. which may not only be a disgust- ing sight but may also pose a health risk. When you have to go, get away About this Edition from any body of water, at least 30 m Finally, a few remarks about the (100 ft) but preferably much further. information in this book. We re- Otherwise, you may contaminate the hiked all the trails included in the water and spread diseases such as second edition plus quite a few giardia. With a knife or trowel, dig new trails in 2005 and 2006. The a “cat hole,” a small hole 4-8 inches descriptions and maps represent an

24 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition accurate account of the trails at that time. However, trails — particularly those outside parks — may change course or become obscured because they are subject to alterations due to logging, one of New Brunswick’s key industries. When lumbermen move their trucks and other heavy equipment into an area, trails and other distinctive features are invari- ably destroyed. On the other hand, Driftwood on the Fundy Footpath once the forest in a logged‑over area recovers over the years, old logging a general precaution, hikers should roads may become new hiking trails. not only carry a map and a compass Beaver dams, forest fires, and other but use them frequently. natural causes alter the landscape over time. Although this edition of Hik- How to Use This Book ing Trails of New Brunswick is as Distances in the Hiking Trails of New up-to-date as we can make it, trail Brunswick have been obtained from features change constantly. The various sources, including a ped- climate and soil conditions of the ometer. Hiking times are, of course, Atlantic Northeast generate vigorous highly personal. Our times are based growth, such that trails can become on a somewhat relaxed pace with quickly overgrown and impassable a few short breaks. We know that if not properly maintained. Part of many trails could be “done” in con- the maintenance is actually done by siderably less time, but after all, this the hiking public. Using a trail keeps book is about hiking, not running. down the growth. As in many other Once, when we remarked to a fellow instances, the saying “Use it or lose hiker about someone who had hiked it” applies. In this book, we have not through the Grand Canyon from the included trails that have deterior- North to the South Rim in a single ated below a certain level, where the day (it took us four, plus two for side hiker will have arduous climbs over trips), he replied: “So what? The massive deadfalls or will need rub- mountains don’t care.” This pretty ber boots to cross swampy areas. As much reflects our attitude. We sug-

Introduction 25 gest that individuals hike some of hiking time, the difficulty of a trail is the shorter trails first, keeping track personal, so we recommend that you of their own times. They can then check your own ability and rating find an appropriate multiplier before against ours. Information concern- attempting any of the longer hikes. ing the trail condition points out The description of each trail in some of the obstacles found along this book starts with a heading with the trail, such as wet spots or rough some shorthand information about sections. Again, trail conditions the trail. The hiking time and the change with the seasons: water lev- topo maps have already been dis- els tend to be higher in spring, and cussed. Sometimes, other useful deadfall is likely to be gone from maps exist (especially in parks); in park trails by mid-season. such cases we have indicated this. We sincerely hope that our read- We generally distinguish between ers will have as much fun hiking two types of trails: linear and loop New Brunswick’s trails as we had trails. In the case of a linear trail, when writing this book. There’s a hikers must retrace their steps (or lot to discover, and we wish you find some other way out); loops “Happy Trails” as you explore this end at the trailhead. The lengths of diverse, beautiful province holding the trails are always the distances Hiking Trails of New Brunswick in back to the trailhead; for linear hand. trails, they are twice the one‑way — M. and H.A. Eiselt distance. This way, hikers can see at a glance if a trail is suitable for them. Measuring the ascent of a trail is difficult: ideally, hikers would like to know the total ascent they have to climb. Here, however, we can only provide the vertical distance between the lowest and the highest elevation of a trail. The difficulty of a trail is measured on a scale from easy (e), to moderate (m), to strenuous (s) with intermediate de- grees easy-to-moderate (e-m) and moderate-to-strenuous (m-s). Like

26 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition The Regions

Quebec

Appalachian Highlands (16) Eastern Coast (22)

Prince Edward Island United States

MAINE St. John River Valley (18)

Bay of Fundy East (17)

Fundy National Bay of Fundy Park (23) West (19) Nova Scotia

27 TRAILS AT A GLANCE

ST. JOHN RIVER VALLEY

Trail name km (mi) Difficulty Time (rtn. or loop) Page

1. Maliseet Trail e 3.4 (2.1) 1 hr rtn 35 2. Lookout – Partridge – Beechnut e 3.2 (2.0) 1 hr 39 Nature Trail 3. Streamside Nature Trail e 1.2 (0.75) 20 min 41 4. Hiker’s Dream Nature Trail e 3.4 (2.1) 1 hr 42 5. Nackawic Nature Trail e 4.0 (2.5) 1 hr 15 min 43 6. Boulderwalk Trail e 4.0 (2.5) 1 hr 15 min 45 7. City Camp Nature Trail e 3.2 (2.0) 1 hr 49 8. Beaver Pond Trail e 4.0 (2.5) 1 hr 15 min 53 9. Alex Creek Trail e 2.2 (1.4) 45 min 55 10. Maple Sugar Trail e 1.8 (1.1) 20 min 56 11. Jones Field – Marina Trail e-m 2.0 (1.2) 45 min 57 12. Odell Park Loop e 5.0 (3.1) 1 hr 30 min 59 13. Fall Brook Falls Trail e-m 1.6 (1.0) 45 min 61 14. Dunbar Falls Trail e 1.0 (0.6) 30 min 62 15. Mount Douglas Bald Trail m 2.5 (1.6) 1 hr 63 16. Turtle Mountain Trail m 24.0 (15.0) 7 hrs 65 17. Hammond River Nature Trail e 1.7 (1.1) 45 min 68 18. Mud Lake Nature Trail e 1.0 (0.6) 30 min 70

FUNDY COAST – WEST

19. Herring Cove Loop Trail e-m 6.6 (4.1) 2 hrs 30 min 74 20. Eagle Hill Nature Trail e 1.0 (0.6) 20 min 78 21. Upper Duck Pond Trail e 4.8 (3.0) 2 hrs 15 min 79 22. Lower Duck Pond Trail e-m 6.0 (3.7) 2 hrs 30 min 81 23. Sunbury Shores Nature Trail e 0.8 (0.5) 15 min 83

28 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition Trail name Page Time loop) (rtn. or km (mi) Difficulty

24. Sam Orr’s Pond Nature Trail m 5.6 (3.5) 2 hrs 30 min 85 25. Taggarts Brook Trail e 1.6 (1.0) 40 min 87 26. Net Point Trail e 1.4 (0.9) 30 min 91 27. Ross Island Perimeter Trail e 9.0 (5.6) 3 hrs 15 min 93 28. Long Pond Trail e 0.7 (0.45) 20 min 95 29. Bagley’s Trail e 0.7 (0.45) 20 min 96 30. Great Pond Trail e 0.5 (0.3) 15 min 97 31. Red Point Trail e 3.0 (1.8) 1 hr 99 32. Flock of Sheep Trail e-m 6.0 (3.8) 2 hrs 30 min 101 33. Lighthouse Trail m-s 37.9 (23.7) 3 days (one way) 103 34. Money Cove Loop m 13.8 (8.6) 3 hrs 30 min 115 35. New River Beach Trail e 5.0 (3.1) 1 hr 30 min 119

FUNDY COAST – EAST

36. Taylors Island Perimeter Trail e 6.3 (4.0) 2 hrs 124 37. Sheldon Point Trail e-m 8.0 (5.0) 1 hr 20 min 126 38. Rockwood Park Loop e-m 8.0 (5.0) 2 hrs 30 min 129 39. Flowerpot Rock Footpath e 2.6 (1.6) 55 min 133 40. Hearst Lodge Footpath m 2.6 (1.6) 2 hrs 134 41. Fauna and Flora Interpretive e-m 1.6 (1.0) 45 min 137 Trail 42. Fundy Footpath s 40.8 (25.5) 3 days (one way) 138 43. Sussex Bluff Trail e-m 5.0 (3.0) 1 hr 15 min 151 44. Walton Lake Trail e-m 6.1 (3.8) 2 hrs 15 min 154 45. Ida’s Garden e 1.4 (0.9) 30 min 156 46. Wallace Falls e 0.5 (0.3) 30 min 157 47. Irishtown Nature Park e-m 4.4 (2.75) 1 hr 30 min 158 48. Centennial Park Loop e 4.0 (2.5) 1 hr 160 49. Dobson Trail m 58.9 (37.0) 3 days (one way) 162 50. Hayward Pinnacle m-s 4.2 (2.6) 1 hr 30 min 177 51. Crooked Creek Trail m 3.2 (2.0) 1 hr 30 min 179

Trails at a Glance 29 Trail name Page Time loop) (rtn. or km (mi) Difficulty

52. Marys Point Nature Trail e 0.75 (0.5) 20 min 181 53. Marys Point Peninsula m 6.5 (4.0) 2 hrs 30 min 182 54. Sackville Waterfowl Park e 3.5 (2.2) 1 hr 184 55. Westcock Marsh e 5.3 (3.3) 1 hr 30 min 186

FUNDY NATIONAL PARK

56. East Branch e 5.6 (3.5) 1 hr 45 min 188 57. Bennett Brook m 15.4 (9.6) 5 hrs 30 min 189 58. Caribou Plain Trail e 3.4 (2.1) 1 hr 15 min 191 59. Kinnie Brook Trail e-m 2.8 (1.8) 1 hr 15 min 192 60. Whitetail – Coastal – Tippen m-s 10.6 (6.6) 4 hrs 30 min 193 Lot Loop Trail 61. Coastal Trail m 20.2 (12.6) 7 hrs 196 62. Matthews Head e-m 4.5 (2.8) 1 hr 30 min 199 63. Dickson Falls e 1.0 (0.6) 30 min 201 one 64. Foster Brook Trail m 4.4 (2.75) 1 hr 45 min ( way ) 203 65. Shiphaven Trail e 1.0 (0.6) 30 min 206 66. Coppermine Trail e-m 4.4 (2.8) 1 hr 45 min 207 67. Goose River Trail m 15.8 (9.8) 4 hrs 30 min 209 68. Marven Lake Trail e-m 16.0 (10.0) 5 hrs 210 69. Point Wolfe Beach Trail e 0.8 (0.5) 30 min 212 70. Third Vault Falls Trail m 7.4 (4.6) 2 hrs 15 min 213 71. Tracey Lake e-m 5.6 (3.5) 2 hrs 215 (from Laverty Lake) 72. Tracey Lake e 8.4 (5.2) 3 hrs 216 (from Bennett Lake) 73. The Forks Trail m 6.8 (4.2) 3 hrs 218 one 74. Moosehorn Trail m 4.8 (3.0) 1 hr 45 min ( way ) 220 75. Laverty Falls Trail e-m 5.0 (3.1) 2 hrs 15 min 222 76. Dobson Link e-m 2.6 (1.6) 1 hr (one way) 224

30 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition Trail name Page Time loop) (rtn. or km (mi) Difficulty

one 77. Upper Salmon River Trail m-s 8.8 (5.5) 3 hrs 30 min ( way ) 226 78. Black Hole Trail e-m 11.0 (6.8) 3 hrs 229

EASTERN COAST

79. Gaspareaux Heritage Trail e 1.6 (1.0) 30 min (one way) 232 80. Red-Winged Blackbird Trail e 2.0 (1.25) 45 min 234 81. Gunning Trail e 1.1 (0.7) 30 min 237 82. Lighthouse Trail e 1.6 (1.0) 30 min 238 83. Trenholm Trail e 4.8 (3.0) 1 hr 30 min 239 84. Bouctouche Sandbar e-m 22.6 (14.2) 5 hrs 30 min 241 85. South Richibucto Sandbar e-m 9.0 (5.5) 2 hrs 30 min 243 86. Tweedie Trail e 1.2 (0.7) 20 min 248 87. Osprey Trail e 5.1 (3.2) 1 hr 30 min 249 88. Claire Fontaine Trail e 3.0 (1.8) 50 min 250 89. Pines Trail e 0.8 (0.5) 15 min 251 90. Beaver Trail e 1.0 (0.6) 25 min 252 91. Cedars Trail e 1.3 (0.8) 15 min 253 92. Salt Marsh e 0.7 (0.5) 15 min 254 93. The Bog e 1.9 (1.2) 40 min 255 94. La Source – River Trail North e 2.0 (1.2) 40 min 257 one 95. Kouchibouguac River Trail m 9.7 (6.0) 2 hrs 30 min ( way ) 258 96. Point Escuminac Beach Trail e 12.4 (7.8) 2 hrs 30 min 261 97. French Fort Cove Trail m 8.0 (5.0) 2 hrs 30 min 262 98. Millbank Power Plant e 4.0 (2.5) 1 hr 30 min 267 Nature Trail 99. Lamèque Ecological Park e 1.8 (1.1) 45 min 269 of the Acadian Peninsula 100. Daly Point Reserve e 5.0 (3.1) 1 hr 30 min 270 Nature Trail

Trails at a Glance 31 APPALACHIAN HIGHLANDS

Trail name Page Time loop) (rtn. or km (mi) Difficulty

101. Sugarloaf Summit Trail m-s 5.1 (3.2) 2 hrs 275 102. Prichard Lake Trail e-m 6.4 (4.0) 2 hrs 276 103. Hiking and Snowshoe Trail e-m 2.5 (1.6) 45 min 278 104. Mount Bailey Summit Trail m 9.1 (5.7) 3 hrs 284 105. Bald Mountain Brook Trail m 5.5 (3.5) 2 hrs 30 min 287 106. Mount Sagamook Trail s 8.1 (5.0) 2 hrs 40 min 290 one 107. Mount Head Trail m 4.5 (2.8) 1 hr 30 min ( way ) 293 108. Mount Carleton Trail m 9.9 (6.2) 3 hrs 30 min 296 109. Big Brook – Dry Brook Loop m-s 19.6 (12.2) 7 hrs 30 min 299 110. Caribou Brook Trail e 8.6 (5.4) 4 hrs 303 111. Pine Point Trail e 2.0 (1.25) 45 min 305 112. Williams Falls e 0.5 (0.3) 15 min 306 113. Sadlers Nature Trail e 2.6 (1.6) 1 hr 307 114. Maggie’s Falls e 1.6 (1.0) 45 min 309 115. Big Bald Mountain Trail m 3.2 (2.0) 1 hr 310 116. Little Sheephouse Falls e 0.8 (0.5) 30 min 313 Nature Trail

32 Hiking Trails of New Brunswick, 3rd edition