Nashwaak Trail is part of the
Fredericton trails system, which joins the
Sentier New Brunswick Trails, which, in turn, joins the
Trans Canada Trail. Nashwaak, following the old railbed of the Northern and Western Railway, has essentially no grade, so is an easy walk or bike ride. Backtracking, or heading west, will take one over the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge, the old Northern and Western Railway bridge built in 1938 and part of the Fredericton trails system since 1997.
From near here at the Fredericton Trails Visitor Centre, there are actually five trails which head in various directions. Nashwaak, 7.9 kilometres, heads generally northeast; Gibson, 5.3 kilometres, heads generally east; Northside, 10 kilometres, heads generally north; Riverfront heads north along the St. John River for 4.4 kilometres; the Bill Thorpe Walking Bridge heads west across the river where it immediately joins three more trails. In total the Fredericton trails system has 85 kilometres of trails running throughout the city.
Nashwaak Trail
General Information
The Nashwaak Trail begins at the north end of the Old Train Bridge in Devon and extends towards the city limits in Marysville. It is a well-used link for those traveling towards the downtown core. The trail passes by the Trail Visitor Centre where you can pick up information on the trail system or other activities in the city. The trail is a two-hour walk each way or a 45-minute bike ride each way.
Parking
Parking is available at The Trail Visitor Centre on Station St. On Mill St. in Marysville and a designated parking area on Canada St. 2km above the Crockett St. and Canada St. intersection.
Accessibility
The trail has a smooth and level crusher dust surface which makes it easily accessible to all users. There are no grades on this trail.
Things to see and do
The trail travels through urban and rural settings with secluded woodland and scenic views of the Nashwaak River. It is an ideal cycling trail. One can also connect with the Gibson Trail and loop back towards the Trail Visitor Centre, for a 2.5 hour walk or 45 minute bike ride. Take a walking tour of Marysville Historic District.
Facilities (Bathrooms, Drinking fountains etc.)
There are bathrooms along the way at a coffee shop near Bridge St. in Marysville and at the Trail Visitor Centre. Follow the signs.
Natural Environment
The trail passes through a variety of settings where different species of plant and wildlife can be seen. Splendid views of the Nashwaak River can be seen from the upper portion of the trail in Marysville.
Length
7.9 km
From the City of Fredericton