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Wilderness hiking along the Atlantic Seaboard is hard to come by...but the 41 km Fundy Footpath offers physical challenge, spectacular views, and a chance to pitch your tent alongside the highest tides in the world. |
| This coastal trail follows the uninhabited
and rugged Bay of Fundy coast from the Big Salmon River (at the
termination of the Fundy Trail Parkway near St. Martins) all the way
to Goose River, at the western boundary of Fundy National
Park. At Goose River, there is an additional 8km hike through
an established Fundy National Park trail to the Point Wolfe drop-off
or pick-up point.
The trail is blazed according to Appalachian Trail standards, but even so, hikers should have a good knowledge of backcountry camping, navigation, first aid and safety practices, as well as information on tides as there are many river crossings. There are designated campsites long the route, some with privy toilets. Water must be treated and backpacker stoves are recommended. Beach camping should be done with full appreciation of the tidal heights. Pitch WELL beyond the last high tide mark as tides heights vary according to the phases of the moon. Hikers should register with the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre at the Fundy Trail Parkway (tel: (506) 833-2019; fax (506) 833-2028 or email fundytp@nbnet.nb.ca) regardless of their direction of travel. It is recommended that first-time hikers plan for 4-5 days to complete the hike. Fundy Footpath Map Kits and Emergency Maps with GPS co-ordinates
and Emergency Waypoints are available at the Interpretive Centre on
the Fundy Trail Parkway or by ordering by emailing leger@nbnet.nb.ca
or writing to: |
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Hugging
the coastline, the footpath challenges the most hardened backpacker
with switchbacks through ravines up to 300 metres deep. The
path winds through lush boreal forests, crosses rushing creeks and
waterfalls, and affords several worthwhile side trips, so acquiring
trail descriptions and map is recommended. Explore abandoned
homesteads, mining and logging communities, pebbled beaches, and
sheltered grottos and caves.|
© 2002 Deborah
Carr, all rights reserved |
