Wilderness Safety Advisory: The use of this primitive footpath is at your own risks, do not attempt alone or without adequate backcountry experience, skills, and awareness of the dangers of the Bay of Fundy tides, some sections of the Footpath border 100 metre cliffs, be aware of coastal climate variations. This wilderness trail is not groomed to Provincial or Federal Park standards. At certain points there are no residences within 20 kilometres. We recommend a trip plan of 4-5 days for this rugged 49.3 km trail, the Trail guide which includes maps and tide chart, regional map. Include in your kit a compass, backpack stove, first aid kit, light footwear for camp or river crossings, hiking poles, a friend; and a trip plan at home. Do not attempt this trail in the winter seasons as dangerous conditions are increased due to river crossings, the descent in 100 meter deep ravines may be ice or snow covered. Blazes may also be obscured by snow and ice. Rescue attempts will also be time consuming and complex. Hypothermia is the greatest danger in the colder seasons from October 15th to April 30th. Wilderness safety advisories are updated and based on recommendations and experiences of past hikers.
Leave No Trace : Respect the land . Carry -in Carry- out. Mother Nature is not cleaning up after you. You will notice this is not always pristine wilderness, encourage leave no trace practices
Recommended travel time: the total distance you will cover is 49.3 kms. (Goose River Trail 7.5 km + FFEast 23.5 km+ FFWest 17.9 km =49.3) The recommended travel time is a minimum of 4 days, due to countless ups and downs (0 meters at sea level ascents to 300 meters ,descend to 0 meters and back up to 300 meters). You may have to add in the wait time at the two tidal rivers for crossing if your arrival does not coincide with low tide.
Tidal rivers: The Goose River and Goose Creek are tidal rivers and crossings are only feasible during low tide. The other watercourses where the footpath crosses are above the tidal water zone. However; Rapidy Brook, Quiddy River, Wolfe Brook, and Little Salmon River have been rendered impassable in heavy rainstorms or spring run- off. There are no bridges with the exception of the Big Salmon River. Hikers should always carry a day of extra supplies, and have an alternate exit route plan in case the rivers are overflowing. The trail conditions can become extreme due to weather conditions, in all seasons.
Weather: The giant tides of the Bay of Fundy generate a unique microclimate, dress for wet-dry conditions, usually good weather, however can be fogged -in, rain or local thundershowers. The temperature varies between 10-28-8 degrees centigrade spring, summer, and fall. The cooler coastal climate is ideal for hiking and backpacking.
Climate Change and the Fundy Footpath: According to Environment Canada the year 2005 was the wettest in Canada in six decades. The Fundy Footpath did not escape the effects of increased rainfall. Once the ground is a saturated some river and creeks are quickly rendered impassable, this has occurred occasionally in all seasons.
Access Points:
Eastern Access: Fundy National Park (paved highway) -use of parking or camping facilities is not allowed within the Fundy Park boundaries unless registered. The Goose River Trail which leads to the Fundy Footpath is accessed at Point Wolfe in Fundy National Park.
Central Access PLEASE NOTE 2 CULVERTS ARE OUT ON LITTLE SAL DUSTIN BROOK ACCESS AS MAY 27th (seasonal wood roads after the junction of Shepody Road and Cross Road) - From Sussex Corner proceed to Poley Mountain (Route 121) past the village of Waterford, Walton Lake, Adair's Wilderness Lodge, turning right at the Shepody Rd Junction, onto Cross Road, and continuing to the Dustan Brook -Little Salmon River side trail .Verify road conditions or shuttle availability at Adair's Wilderness Lodge.
Western Access: Big Salmon River Interpretative Center (paved highway) the footpath can be accessed from the community of St Martins (route 111), via the Fundy Trail, and starts at the Interpretive Centre. Check for season (mid-May to early October) and hours of gate opening, entrance fees , extended parking. When the entrance gates are closed this adds another 11 kms to your trek for a total of 60.3kms .
