Sports: Hiking
[ Background | Equipment | Where ]
Background Hiking is a popular recreational pastimes, as a get-away from the hustle and bustle of urban living, while enjoying the beauty and wildlife of nature. Hiking season runs mid-May until October, thorough the snow-free season. Of course, with unpredictable weather, trails may be closed anytime during the season. The provincial or national park wardens will inform you of any closures or cautions.
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Equipment Day hike, where you expect to return home before evening, doesn't require as much equipment as an overnight hike. You should wear a good pair of hiking boots (sturdy running shoes will do), and clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions. Because weather conditions can change quickly in the outdoors, it is safer to overdress, in layers, than to be under-dressed. For a day hike bring water, food, sunscreen, a map, a compass, a rain coat, knife, matches, and of a hiking buddy.
For an overnight hike, you'll also need a tent, food bags, a change of underwear and socks, and standard camping supplies. Check with your hiking partner to prevent packing duplicate gear, to minimize gear weight.
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Where
Hiking can be done almost anywhere, but the best scenery and terrain is in the provincial and national parks.
These parks provide marked and mapped trails to avoid getting lost.
Fredericton has over 60 kms of multi-purpose trails to explore on the south
and north sides of the city. Fredericton's trail system connects with the
greater Trans Canada Trail system, and visitors will find a Trans Canada
Trail pavilion on The Green, in Downtown Fredericton. The city also features
a unique trail bridge, which is the longest bridge in the trail system
in New Brunswick!
In the city...
- Trans-Canada Trail (along Saint John River)
- Odell Park
- Currie Mountain
- Mouth of Nashwaak Stream
- Nashwaak River Flood Plain
- University of New Brunswick Campus,
Nearby...
- Acadia Forest Experimental Station / Bull Pasture Plains
- Carman Creek
- Fredericton Wildlife Management Area
- Keswick Islands
- Lower St. John River (Maugerville / Jemseg / Gagetown)
- Mactaquac Provincial Park
- Portobello Creek National Wildlife Area (French Lake)
- UNB Woodlot
Fredericton features over 60 kilometres of walking trails. See the sections in this guide related to parks and The Green or pick up a Fredericton Trails pamphlet.
You should also check out the Walking Club ("Volksmarch") in Oromocto
(506)446-6979. The Canadian Volksport Federation organizes
self-guided 5 and 10-km walks. They have four start points. Go to the main desk at each location. Ask for the "walk box" which includes a self registration and a self guided map.
- Lord Beaverbrook Hotel, (South).
- Brookside Irving, (North).
- Waasis Road Irving, (Oromocto).
- Gagetown Irving Convenience, Village of Gagetown (Hwy 102).
Other organized groups to contact include the Outdoor Enthusiasts of Fredericton -
Gretchen Gilbert , Pres., (506) 454-1707, Fredericton Foxes Orienteering Club
Gary Daneff, (506) 457-2217.
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