Although summer has ended, there is no better time than the present to go hiking. New Brunswick boasts some of the most spectacular Fall views and many of the trails are perfect for those who are new to hiking. We have selected 5 beginner friendly trails, as well as some tips for getting outside.
Williams Falls
Before jumping in, one of the most important parts of hiking is to be prepared. Planning your time in nature is what keeps you safe in the wilderness. Safety concerns can arise when folks are ill prepared for a hike. That is why we highly recommend you check out our previous blog on how to “Watch Your Paws” while in nature. This article dives into preparation for time spent in nature, as well as keeping yourself, others, and wildlife around you safe.
Aside from “watching your paws”, here is a list of some items we highly recommend you bring along with you for your time in nature:
Water – at least ½ a liter for every hour you will be outside
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
Sturdy shoes
First aid kit
Beaver Pond trail
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Emergency rain gear
If you plan on going to a beach, think about adding the following to that list:
Bathing suit
Towel
Water shoes or sandals
Keeping all of that in mind, here are 5 of our favourite beginner friendly hikes in New Brunswick.
1. Williams Falls – Mount Carleton Provincial Park
Kouchibouguac Bog Trail
Williams Falls is located in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. The park is home to the highest peak in the Maritimes and attracts many hikers. Mount Carleton is part of the Canadian Appalachian Mountains and is habitat for many New Brunswick animals. Williams Falls is a short 0.5km hike that leads to a beautiful view of the falls over a bridge and an additional platform for added views. This trail is noted to be accessible for some and takes around 20 minutes to complete out and back. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and the park entry fee for one vehicle is $13.04. This trail is a perfect opportunity to check out the natural beauty in Mount Carleton Provincial Park without embarking on a hike up the mountain!
2. Beaver Pond trail – Mactaquac Provincial Park
The Mactaquac Beaver Pond trail is a 1km loop around a beautiful beaver pond, and home to amphibians like bull frogs and green frogs, as well as breathtaking views of beaver lodges. Enjoy looking out onto Fall colours while walking the boardwalk along this trail. The walk takes roughly a half hour, and no park entry fees are required. Stop for a picnic at the shelter and be sure to take some time to listen to the ample bird calls around the pond. Dogs are welcome on a leash and this trail is noted to be accessible for some.
3. Bog trail – Kouchibouguac
Dickson Falls, by Kristen Hopkins
Kouchibouguac National Park is known for magnificent sand dunes off the shore of vibrant ocean waters, but the hike that we suggest highlights another neat feature: a peat bog. Peat bogs are often home to carnivorous plants like pitcher plants, as well as sphagnum moss. They also prevent flooding and store carbon dioxide, making them climate superheroes. The peat bog trail is roughly 2km out and back and takes between 45 minutes – 1 hour. Please note that dogs are welcome on a leash and there is a section of the trail that contains stairs leading to a lookout point. The daily park entrance fee for a family/group is $8.50 in the Fall season.
4. Dickson Falls – Fundy National Park
Dickson Falls is the most popular hiking trail at Fundy National Park. The trail is a 1.5km loop estimated to take 30 minutes. Fundy National Park is home to beautiful cliffside views of coastal forests and the renowned Bay of Fundy. The rich forests in the park are essential habitats for creatures like chipmunks, deer, and black bears. This particular hike follows the Dickson Brook and leads to a breathtaking lookout of the 9-meter-high falls over a stunning mossy background. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and please note this hike contains stairs. The fee for daily admission to Fundy National Park is $16.75 for a group.
5. Chitticks Beach Trail – New River Beach
Chitticks Beach, by Kristen Hopkins
The Chitticks Beach trail is a 2km loop and is part of the longer Barnaby Head trail where lookout points of the extraordinary Bay of Fundy are plentiful. Remarkable cliffside lookout points offer views of the bay, coastal forests and sea creatures like harbour seals and porpoises. This trail also features a stunning bog with a boardwalk. Chitticks Beach trail is a short drive from the main beach at New River Beach Provincial Park, the entrance fee for one vehicle is $13.04, and dogs are welcome on a leash.
Looking for a challenge? Perhaps you are feeling confident in your hiking and are looking for a longer trip. Consider hiking past Chitticks Beach to complete the entire Barnaby Head trail as a day trip! This 5km hike can take upwards of 2 hours and is perfect for ambitious novice hikers.
Fall is a perfect season to get outside and explore the beautiful scenery in New Brunswick. We hope that these suggestions inspire you to organize a hike this Fall season. Remember to select hikes that are at an appropriate level of challenge for you and to bring everything you will need along with you. We also recommend hiking with a buddy or group, and to stay tuned to our events page in the future for more nature walks led by CPAWS NB staff. Happy hiking!
