This post by Hiking NB bloggers James and Vicki Donald was originally posted on the Tourism New Brunswick blog.
Waterfalls have been drawing onlookers for millennia, and it isn't hard to see why: The water cutting its way through rock shows us the true power of nature; the pools at their base provide a unique habitat for critters and can be an exciting place to go for a swim; and there's nothing more relaxing than the feeling of the mist on your face and the sound of rushing water.
New Brunswick has many amazing waterfalls and most of them are easy to access. The following are our top 10 waterfalls to visit in the province. We hope they'll become your favourites too.
1. Pabineau Falls
Pabineau Falls is the point where the Nepisiguit River is forced through a narrow opening in the surrounding rocks. The power of the water has carved out many rounded rocks and holes around the falls, including one hole big enough for a person to fit inside. The large flat rocks that surround the falls provide endless viewpoints, but be cautious - this is not a waterfall you want to swim in. The current from the full force of the river is just too strong.
Access this waterfall by driving through Pabineau First Nations, near Bathurst. Continue along the river until you see the parking area near the falls.
2. Fall Brook Falls
At 33 metres high, Falls Brook Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in New Brunswick. A deep pool at the bottom makes for an excellent place for a swim. Floating on your back in the pool and looking straight up at the falls in an experience that we have found nowhere else.
Access for this waterfall is a short walk down a road to the river, then a moderate walk up a short trail along the stream to the falls. An access fee is required at a gatehouse on the way to the falls. For more information go to Fall Brook Falls Trail Info.
3. Walton Glen Falls
There are two options to view this waterfall and we recommend them both, if you have the time and the courage. The first is from the lookout on the edge of Walton Glen Gorge, which is known as the 'Grand Canyon of New Brunswick.' The stream cuts a deep valley through the forest on its way to Little Salmon River and the Bay of Fundy. The second option is to climb down into the gorge to the bottom of the falls. You will pass by another amazing waterfall on the way. Be careful as the terrain is steep, treacherous, and difficult. The waterfall plunges off a rock-face across from the lookout and is an amazing site to see.
This waterfall is reached through ATV trails in the woods south of Sussex, making it the most difficult on the list to access. For more information go to Walton Glen Gorge Trail Info.
4. Third Vault Falls
Fundy National Park boasts several of the most impressive waterfalls in the province, the highest of which, with a drop of 16 metres, is Third Vault Falls. The falls split near the top with one stream coming straight over the rock and another at an angle, giving them a unique look. Dropping into a deep rocky valley that's always shady and cool, you'll be able to spend your summer days exploring large rocks at this base of this natural wonder.
The trail to the falls is mostly flat, but there is a drop as you get closer. For more information go to Third Vault Falls Trail Info.
5. Hays Falls
As you descend into the valley near Hays Falls, you'll hear the roar of the water before you can see it. The top of the falls will poke out through the trees before coming fully into view around a rocky outcrop. This impressive 20-metre waterfall has a sharp rocky face that spreads the water into many streamlets before it reaches the shallow pool at the bottom.
One of the easiest falls to access, the trail gradually climbs through a beautiful forest over a distance of two kilometres before dropping down to the stream at its base. For more information go to Maliseet Trail Info.
6. Dickson Falls
If you've seen pictures of Fundy National Park, you've probably seen Dickson Falls. After climbing down a good number of steps, you'll reach the valley bottom and emerge onto a boardwalk. The boardwalk climbs slowly up through the deep, mossy ravine, crisscrossing a stream. The roar of the water and the mist on your face will soon follow, as you reach a lookout platform just below the main falls. Dickson Falls flows into a small pool before spilling out over some smaller waterfalls and into the valley below. Enjoy a close-up view before climbing back up the same stairs that brought you here.
For more information go to Dickson Falls Trail Info.
7. Sheephouse Falls
This is one of the first waterfalls I remember as a child growing up in Miramichi. My father used to take our family there for picnics. Found in the middle of the woods to the north of Miramichi, reaching the falls requires a 17-kilometre drive on a gravel road, but only a short hike into the falls.
You'll actually come to a bridge over the smaller Lamb Brook Falls first, after which you'll reach a lookout platform far above the Sheephouse Falls valley. Continue along the same side of the stream to reach a lookout at the top of Sheephouse Falls. If you're adventurous you can climb down into the valley below the falls where rocky beach surrounds the large deep pool -- a great place to take a swim.
For more information go to the Sheephouse Falls Trail page.
8. Dry Brook Falls
Williams Falls tends to be the star of the show in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. But deeper in the woods and harder to access, Dry Brook Falls is worth the hike. You'll pass many beautiful waterfalls along the way, but they're all far smaller than your target. The top of Dry Brook flows through what looks like a water slide before plunging the rest of the way into a pool below. After enjoying the view, you should continue on the Dry Brook Trail to Mount Carleton Peak.
The Dry Brook Trail is accessed from Bathurst Lake.
9. Tetagouche Falls
Tetagouche Falls is located at a site once blocked by a dam. From a viewing platform above the falls you can actually still see a large, old pipe along the edge of the river -- a remnant of this history. A steep climb will take you down to the river's edge below the falls to get a different view. A great place to explore, a beautiful place to swim, and a bit of history make this a unique waterfall to visit. This waterfall is also accessible in winter and makes for a beautiful frozen landscape.
For more information go to the Tetagouche Falls Trail page.
10. Fuller Falls
This unique waterfall is probably the most visited site in the Fundy Trail Parkway. There's an easily accessible lookout platform below the falls, but you can also hike down for a more intimate experience.
There are so many other waterfalls throughout the province that could be on the list. If you're looking for information on other waterfalls throughout New Brunswick, visit the Hiking NB trail list and search for waterfalls. You can also look for the waterfall symbol on any of the region or park maps.
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