18 Amazing New Brunswick Hiking Trails You Can't Miss

This post is sponsored by Destination New Brunswick but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

One of the reasons that Daniel and I were so excited to head to Canada? We were thrilled to hear that there was some pretty amazing New Brunswick hiking! The province has some pretty incredible options that you are going to want to make sure to add to your New Brunswick road trip itinerary!

New Brunswick hiking options you need to check out

You’re not going to want to miss New Brunswick hiking on your trip to Canada!

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Fundy Footpath

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 29 miles

This trail is gaining more and more recognition as one of the premier hikes in Canada, but it should only be considered if you have some experience hiking and you are willing to take on a multi-day trip. There are a few other trails available if you only want to do a section! One of the main reasons to attempt this trail is to get a spectacular view of the Bay of Fundy from the Fundy Trail Parkway, and you’re led right to Fundy National Park for additional hiking trails.

Matthews Head

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 2.9 miles

This loop features some stunning wildflowers and an opportunity to really reconvene with nature! Located in Fundy National Park, on good days you can get some stunning views of the Bay of Fundy, while you can also bring your leashed dog if you would like. Make sure to watch your step as there are a number of exposed roots and it can be easy to trip!

Dickson Falls

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.5 miles

Another trail located in Fundy National Park, Dickson Falls offers a lot of payoff for a very short and easy hike. The trail leads to one of the most amazing (and photographed) New Brunswick waterfalls on a boardwalk, making it a perfect option for kids or the elderly. Be on the lookout for a number of bird species that like to call this area home!

Coastal Trail

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 12 miles

Following along the coast of the Bay of Fundy, this tough trail winds its way through Fundy National Park with an opportunity to stop and enjoy some really beautiful views of the ocean. Expect a lot of up and down with some tricky footing, but it’s well worth it to experience both a forested area and the smells of the sea at the same time.

Mount Carleton

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 5.8 miles

Mount Carleton is the highest point in New Brunswick and you can reach its summit via this lightly-trafficked trail. Do keep in mind that it is closed seasonally, so you will have to attempt this trip into the New Brunswick mountains during May through October. You’ll also gain 1,414 feet in elevation, meaning you’re going to want to take plenty of breaks on your way up. You’ll want to do this anyway in order to get some of those amazing views!

Hopewell Rocks Park

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 1.5 miles

There are a few trails located in Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, so you have a lot of choices depending on how difficult you want to make your trip. Regardless, it’s best to visit this park in the summer (as you would most New Brunswick hiking) since it can get rather icy and you do want to be careful. Also, keep an eye out for the tides. Since the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, you need to plan your hike accordingly so that you don’t end up underwater!

Maliseet Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 2 miles

Want to see a lovely waterfall without much effort? This might be the perfect place for hiking in New Brunswick when you have those requirements! Gaining only 324 feet of elevation, this trail can get a little muddy, but the trailhead is easy to find and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way to Hays Falls, one of the most beautiful New Brunswick waterfalls. During the summer, you can even take a dip in the small pool.

Sentier Nepisiguit Mi’gmaq Trail

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 89.9 miles

Looking for some epic NB hiking trails? This one is not for the faint of heart! This single track trail starts near Mount Carleton and extends all the way to Bathhurst. It’s the longest thru-hike on the East Coast of New Brunswick. With three different zones, Mountain, River Valley, and River Delta, even those who choose not to do the whole thing can choose which type of environment they want to explore.

Swallow Tail Lighthouse and Long Eddy Lighthouse

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 0.4 miles

You’re going to have to get on a boat in order to get on this trail! Grand Manan Island has some of the best hiking trails in New Brunswick, and there are a few other options you might want to check out while you are there, as well. This specific trail is special because it leads to the most-photographed lighthouse in Canada: the Long Eddy Lighthouse. You’ll follow a boardwalk right to the lighthouse, where you can visit the interior and get your own photograph!

North Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 7.2 miles

Another one of Grand Manan’s gems, this is one of the best New Brunswick hiking trails that you can explore all year round! With 856 feet of elevation gain, you have a fairly easy hike that is perfect for families or if you are looking to have a little adventure on your vacation on the island. You have two options for this trail: most hikers opt for the blue route which loops you back to the start of the trailhead.

Osprey Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 3.1 miles

You can find this trail near Kouchibouguac National Park, where the trail begins at the available group camping parking lots. Dogs are welcome on this trail that gives you a chance to scope out some of the local wildlife and provides one of the quieter options for hiking in New Brunswick. During the right time of year, you might even be able to pick some blueberries to take home with you!

Kouchibouguac River Trail

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 11.5 miles

While you do have some distance when it comes to this trail, you don’t have any elevation gain until the end, making it the perfect weekend stroll and a chance to really escape into Kouchibouguac National Park. For those who want to make it a bit more exciting, strap on your running shoes and use it as an introduction to trail running. This is one of the more leisurely New Brunswick trails, so those who are looking for a bit more of a challenge might want to look elsewhere.

International Appalachian Trail

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 170 miles

Remember when I said that you might want to try something a little more challenging? The International Appalachian Trail is just that. Starting in Maine and ending in Newfoundland, you’ll start the New Brunswick portion of the hike at the border of Maine. From there, you’ll continue on a tour through the province and up to Mount Carleton before reaching Quebec. Tired of hiking? You can take the last section by canoe!

Herring Cove Provincial trail network

Difficulty: Easy

Length: Varies

This isn’t one singular New Brunswick hiking option but a number of trails you can explore in Herring Cove Provincial Park. You have three different choices that you can make, but the Herring Cove Loop Trail is the most popular for good reason. You’ll spend a lot of time exploring a rock-covered beach where you can often spot seals. Once you have transitioned to the forest, you have an easy walk along a boardwalk near where American President Franklin D. Roosevelt spent much of his time.

Friar’s Head

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.5 miles

Speaking of FDR, you can find one of the most historic hiking trails in New Brunswick on Campobello Island where he had his summer home. You’re welcome to bring your canine friend as long as they are on a leash, and you also get some wonderful opportunities for views of the Bay of Fundy and the wildlife that calls the area home. Make sure to check out the Roosevelt Cottage and Visitor Center before you head out on your hike.

Cape Enrage

Difficulty: Easy

Length: .07 miles

While Cape Enrage is known as one of the best things to do in New Brunswick for its ziplining and rappelling, it also has a nice little trail perfect for kids and excellent views of one nicest New Brunswick beaches. The loop often features some beautiful flowers during the warmer months and can be added as an extra activity while you are in the area. It’s hard not to get a good picture of the Cape Enrage Lighthouse once you have reached the end.

Walton Glen Gorge

Difficulty: Hard

Length: 2.4 miles

You don’t cover a lot of distance in this hike on the border of the Fundy Trail Parkway, but that doesn’t mean it won’t test you! When it comes to challenging hiking trails in NB, you’ve found a good one in the Walton Glen Gorge Trail. Keep in mind that you will be attempting this hike at your own risk since it is off the premise of the Fundy Trail Parkway. The trail has a steep descent and you’ll have to pass the infamous Eye of the Needle stream. Make sure you have on a pair of solid boots and be prepared to wade through four to six feet of water depending on the time of year.

Grand Falls Gorge

Difficulty: Easy

Length: 1.7 miles

This scenic trail offers plenty of gorgeous views without much work! With only a slight elevation gain of 278 feet, you have a few stairs taking you down to the river and a lot to see along the way. If you are looking to start out on one of the New Brunswick hiking trails for the first time, then this is a great option. You can even camp nearby and then make the hike from there!

Have you ever checked some of these New Brunswick hiking trails? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more information on Canada? Check out these articles:

18 Amazing New Brunswick Hiking Trails You Can’t Miss

New Brunswick hiking options you need to check out