LOCATION: Walton Glen Gorge, Fundy Trails Provincial Park
DISTANCE: 4.8 km round trip to the Eye and back
DIFFICULTY: Short but steep. You need to be steady on your feet to navigate the rocks and walk the riverbed.
HOW TO PREPARE: Prepare to get wet. Wear water shoes, and bring a dry-bag if you want to pass through the Eye. It’s not river “crossings” on this hike — the trail IS the river! And I found a hiking pole indispensable. And of course, bring all the regular outdoor safety essentials.

On my way to visit family in New Brunswick, I decided to spend a day hiking. I chose Walton Glen Gorge because I had heard about the Eye of the Needle, a section of “trail” where you are passing through a canyon in the river.

I read some reviews before going, and it was actually shorter and easier than I expected, although I didn’t do the longer loop. I didn’t find it challenging, but it is definitely a trail for people who are steady on their feet. It is rooty and rocky, and there are some short-but-steep sections with chains to hold.

The trail starts at the Reception Centre where there are toilets and a little gift shop. Right beside the trailhead, there’s a bin full of nice sticks for walking, so if you didn’t bring hiking poles, make sure to grab one from the bin before you head out.

This is a trail that has something for everyone according to ability. The first section of the trail is really just a gravel road, and that takes you most of the way to the Observation Deck where you can see the gorge and waterfalls from above. You can’t see the trail, though, because it is obscured by trees. If you’re not up to hiking to the Eye, it’s worth the easy walk to the Observation Deck.

After viewing the gorge from above, backtrack a little to the Eye of the Needle Trailhead. The first section of this trail will still get you to a great view of the waterfall. From there, it’s a steep descent into the gorge along the waterfall.

I found the view of the waterfall much better on the way back because you’ll be facing the falls, so you might want to head straight for the Eye, and take photos of the waterfall on the way back (you might need the excuse to take a rest anyway!)

Eventually the trail levels out at the bottom of the gorge and follows the river for a bit before abruptly ending at a sign stating “no maintenance beyond this point.”

Here’s where you get your feet wet. Cross the river here, and there is another short section of trail, but it won’t be long before you have no option but to continue in the river. It was more or less ankle deep for me most of the way to the Eye, but the current was fast in places and it’s a slow walk on the uneven rocks. I was glad to have the walking stick I picked up at the visitor’s centre.

And then there’s the Eye of the Needle itself. I thought that perhaps because I was going in early September, the water would be low enough to simply wade through, but I was wrong. Although most of the river is only ankle deep, the actual Eye of the Needle is 4 to 5 feet deep – and there is no way scooch along the sides – if you want to pass through the Eye to continue the trail, you must swim or wade chest-deep.

I didn’t bring a dry bag, and I still had some driving ahead of me, so I opted to go for a quick dip and turn back, rather than continue through the Eye without my pack. The water was cold, but as a notorious cold-water-hater, I was pretty proud of myself for taking a dip. Aside from being freezing, it is a beautiful swimming hole with easy access and crystal clear water.

In short, it’s a spectacular hike, and I would definitely do it again.