Happy Trails to You!
If you’ve read any of our blogs, you have no doubt come across references to our awesome trail system in Fredericton: 120 kilometres of partially paved trails that are incredibility scenic. With varying distances; it caters to walkers, runners, bikers, inline skaters and more! Using the trail system is a great way to sightsee and get to know a place. It is Fredericton’s crown jewel.
I’ve had the pleasure of biking, walking and running various legs of the trail system and beyond! I’ve outlined a few routes you can check out if you are looking to venture beyond the Fredericton Trail System proper and explore a bit more of the capital region.
If you have a few hours to spare, consider these:
1. Northside towards Mactaquac
On the Fredericton trail map, look for the Northside Trail (#10). This route will have you travelling on the trail that runs parallel to Route 105 towards Mactaquac. Expect the trail to be packed gravel for most of it. A good place to take a break is at the junction of Route 104 and 105. If you want to carry on, you will eventually cross the Mactaquac Dam and end up on Route 102 back towards Fredericton. Should you mention time frame / km to get there, like you do below for Oromocto?
Before you head back to Fredericton, spend a little time in Mactaquac Provincial Park! There are so many trails with distance and skill level to please many a hiking shoe! Some of my faves:
Scotch Lake Road Trail – Easy 5 km loop; this is an “out and back” trail and great for bird watchers!
Little Mactaquac Trail – Easy 2.28 km loop; to get there you will walk on the Beaver Pond Nature Trail (keep an eye out for beavers!) This is a great trail for little ones!
Alex Creek Trail – Easy 2.14 km loop; keep an eye out for a hut equipped with a bench and BBQ pit! Perfect spot for a picnic!
Pro tip: My personal “go to” website is the Hiking NB site. There are way more trails listed than what I’ve mentioned, with skill level, distance, features, time and more! It is a great planning tool!
2. Lincoln Trail to Oromocto
The Point B on this trek is Oromocto! On the Fredericton trail map, look for the Lincoln Trail (# 7). If you begin downtown, the Lincoln Trail is paved until the experimental farm. From this point the trail runs alongside the Saint John River on one side and some pretty spectacular and well-manicured back yards on the other. Follow this trail for approximately 5 km then you will be required to cross the road where the trail continues to the fenced perimeter of the Fredericton airport. After this point, the trail will continue to Hazen Park in Oromocto.
Estimated time (round trip): 3.5 hours//Estimated distance: 51 km. For more detailed information on this route, visit the Hiking NB site.
Once in Oromocto, check out the Lindsay Valley Trail and the Green Trail. In the winter, Lindsay Valley Trail is a popular location for sliding!
3. Valley Trail towards Nackawic
On the Fredericton Trail map, look for the Valley Trail (#3). Starting from downtown head west towards the Small Craft Aquatic Centre and continue on the trail that runs parallel to the Saint John River. When you reach the Delta Fredericton, the trail will end for a bit which requires you to navigate on Highway 102. Cross the road to connect with the paved trail system when you see Golf Club Road. You will then need to cross the road once again, to ride alongside the river. The trail ends at Hartt Island RV resort; this is a good time to take a break, take in the gorgeous views this area and its surrounding islands.
Estimated time (round trip) 1 hour//Estimated distance: 20 km.
If you are looking for more adventure, consider continuing down the highway (Trans Canada # 2 West) towards Nackawic! There are some pretty incredible hiking trails in this area:
Split Rock Falls Trail – not only do you get to hike the trail, there is a prize at the end! The waterfalls that greets you is the perfect ending to this moderately difficult 1.1 km trail (the views are amazing!)
Hiker’s Dream Trail – As the name implies, this easy 3.39 km trail meanders along Pokiok Stream, with some great vantage points along the way.
Maliseet Trail – One of my favourite hiking trails, this one is an easy 1.5 km jaunt. It is well marked, and you end with a spectacular waterfall! (Best to go in late spring or early fall).
Need some guidance to extend your hiking or biking options? The Trans Canada Trail, or the “Great Trail” as it is known now, is a cross-Canada system of greenways, waterways, and roadways that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic oceans. It’s pretty cool to think that this trail helps to show off this great country of ours!
The Trans Canada Trail enters New Brunswick from Quebec on the Petit Témis, a 135 km trail from Rivière-du-Loup. From Edmundston the trail will follow the Saint John River through Grand Falls, Hartland, Fredericton and Saint John. It will then skirt the shore of the Bay of Fundy to Moncton and cross the Nova Scotia border near Sackville.
Whatever path you decide to take, be sure to have your camera ready to capture some great scenery and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or a beaver! Be adventurous, take the path less travelled, and you will be surprised at what you will find.Be sure to check out the Great Trail website for more ideas on how you can explore this amazing region!
What are your favourite trails in the Capital Region? Did we miss any that you’d like us to include in future blogs? Be sure to tell us in the comments section and check out our other blogs on our website!
