The best walks and hikes around Bright Parish
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14
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Hiking around Bright Parish offers a network of trails primarily located within Mactaquac Provincial Park. The landscape features varied terrain, including forested areas and paths alongside water bodies. The region provides opportunities for both easy and moderate hiking experiences.
Best hiking trails around Bright Parish
- The most popular hiking route is Mactaquac Provincial Park loop via Scotch Lake Road Trail — New Brunswick, a 5.1 miles (8.2 km) trail that takes 2 hours 6 minutes to complete. This moderate…
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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(1)
9
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
6.20km
01:36
30m
30m
Hike the easy 3.9-mile (6.2 km) Little Mactaquac Trail Loop in Mactaquac Provincial Park, featuring a beaver pond and forest paths.
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4
hikers
5.66km
01:28
30m
30m
Hike the easy 3.5-mile (5.7 km) Little Mactaquac Trail loop in Mactaquac Provincial Park, featuring boardwalks, a beaver pond, and stream vi
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hikers
7.14km
02:01
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
3.79km
01:00
40m
40m
Hike the easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) Obsession Trail in Woolastook Park, gaining 126 feet (38 metres) in about one hour.
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Popular around Bright Parish
Tips from the Community
This pond brings a picturesque setting to Mactaquac Provincial Park. As you hike the surrounding trail, you’ll get an up-close look at the vibrant wetlands and the winding creek that links this area to neighbouring ponds. It’s a good spot for observing local wildlife.
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Quilli’s Family Fun Waterpark is a seasonal inflatable water park on the Saint John River. In the summer, kids run around on a floating obstacle course, slides, bridges, and a separate toddler area in a natural lakeside setting. For those looking to hike in Woolastook Park and enjoy the trails, there are two large parking lots at Quilli’s Family Fun Waterpark with restrooms.
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From this tight curve, enjoy a glimpse of Kelly Creek Basin from between the trees, especially in late fall when the trees are bare, there is more of a window to see the water.
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Kelly's Creek Lookout is one of the best viewpoints in Woolastook Park. This viewpoint looks over an awesome S-shaped curve in the St. John River, with thick forest surrounding it. The forests turn vibrant orange, yellow, and red in the fall. There are two benches, a yellow and a green bench, for visitors to sit and take in the scenery.
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Woolastook Campground offers visitors full-service RV hookups, partially serviced sites, and tent-only sites with flush toilets, showers, laundry, and a dump station. The eastern end of the campground has Campground Loop Road around an area called "Fox's Den" that hikers can walk to link up trails in the Woolastook Trail system.
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This stream flows through Mactaquac Provincial Park and is a popular spot for hiking and fishing. There's also a small 3-sided shelter right next to the stream for hikers to rest at.
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The Scotch Lake Road Trail extends the Little Mactaquac Trail, offering visitors a longer walk through the wilds of Mactaquac Provincial Park.
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This small wooden bridge crosses Alex Creek. The Alex Creek Trail itself features several boardwalks and bridges that guide visitors around the beaver pond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Bright Parish?
Bright Parish, primarily centered around Mactaquac Provincial Park, offers a network of over 10 hiking trails. These routes cater to various preferences, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate excursions through forested areas and along water bodies.
Are there easy hiking trails in Bright Parish suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Bright Parish has a good selection of easy trails. Out of the 14 available routes, 12 are rated as easy. A great option for a shorter outing is the Little Mactaquac Trail Loop, which is 3.9 miles (6.2 km) long and offers a pleasant walk through the Little Mactaquac area.
Are there any challenging hikes in Bright Parish?
While most trails in Bright Parish are easy, there are a couple of moderate options for those looking for a bit more challenge. The most popular route, Mactaquac Provincial Park loop via Scotch Lake Road Trail — New Brunswick, is a moderate 5.1 miles (8.2 km) trail with some elevation changes, taking around 2 hours to complete.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Bright Parish?
The best time to hike in Bright Parish generally aligns with spring, summer, and fall. During these seasons, the weather is most favorable for enjoying the forested paths and water views within Mactaquac Provincial Park. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while spring and summer provide lush greenery.
Are there any circular walks in Bright Parish?
Yes, several trails in Bright Parish are designed as loops, offering convenient circular walks. The Little Mactaquac Trail Loop and the Little Mactaquac and Scotch Lake Road Loop are excellent examples of circular routes that allow you to start and end at the same point.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Bright Parish?
The hiking experience in Bright Parish is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful forested sections, and the overall accessibility of the trails within Mactaquac Provincial Park, making it a pleasant destination for outdoor activity.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails in Bright Parish?
Policies regarding dogs can vary within provincial parks. It's generally advisable to check the specific regulations for Mactaquac Provincial Park before bringing your dog. Often, dogs are permitted on trails but must be kept on a leash.
Is there parking available at the trailheads in Bright Parish?
As the trails are primarily located within Mactaquac Provincial Park, parking facilities are typically available at designated areas within the park. It's recommended to check the park's official website or signage upon arrival for specific parking locations and any potential fees.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the hikes in Bright Parish?
Hiking in Bright Parish offers scenic views primarily characterized by dense forested paths and sections alongside water bodies. The trails provide a natural setting, allowing hikers to experience the local flora and fauna of the provincial park environment.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Bright Parish?
The duration of hikes in Bright Parish varies depending on the trail's length and your pace. Many easy trails, like the Little Mactaquac Trail (3.5 miles / 5.7 km), can be completed in about 1 hour 28 minutes. Longer, moderate routes, such as the Mactaquac Provincial Park loop, might take around 2 hours.
Are there any trails suitable for a quick walk in Bright Parish?
Yes, if you're looking for a shorter, quicker walk, the Obsession Trail is an easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) route that can be completed in just over an hour, offering a pleasant experience without requiring a significant time commitment.
Most popular routes around Bright Parish
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