So many hikes were available to us in the park that it was hard to choose. But the woman in the visitors center suggested we take the Dickson Falls hike, so here we go. Hope you have your hiking shoes on!
Here’s where we’re headed.
overview
See the bay off in the distance?
Here it is.
Fundy is where the ocean meets the forest.
We took the longer loop. We’ll start with the brook that leads to the bay and then walk to the falls.
starting to walk
Barn’s in the lead.
First we see the brook and the stairs we’ll take to the falls.
So many steps.
Looking up at the tops of the trees is so inspiring—always good to look up. The trees are so tall.
And the roots are so strong.
More stairs take us to the falls.
the falls
Dickson Falls is the most visited waterfall in the park and is part of the Dickson Brook, which is completely contained within the boundaries of the park. The brook begins from springs close by, pours off the rock face, winds its way through the park’s golf course (yes, golf!), and empties into the bay.
These are the 3 falls in the park. From left to right: Third Vault Falls, Laverty Falls, and Dickson Falls. The first 2 falls require strenuous hikes.
As we were coming up to the falls, this view to our right showed water dripping off of the ferns—probably from the rain we had last night that is still percolating through the rocks. Reminded us of what we saw at Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado for the early inhabitants living in the side of the rocks.
And here’s our only picture of the falls! Thought I had clicked another one, but guess not.
And this is the water coming to the edge of the falls ready to “fall” over.
Along the side of the stream, we saw these rocks stacked on each other. Someone was creating art for us to see!
At one point the trail just “disappeared,” and we had to walk on rocks on the side of the stream to get back to the trail.
This beautiful red rock ledge was along the side of the stream as we walked along.
And I’m following along trying to keep my shoes dry. You can see the stairs at the back of the picture leading us into the stream.
info about the forest
Two key tree species are in the Acadian forest: balsam fir and red spruce. So how to tell them apart? If the branch is soft to the touch and has flat needles, it’s a fir. “flat soft fir” If the branch is prickly and the needles roll easily between your fingers, it’s a spruce.
So many trees in this forest have fallen down because of insects and high wind. To my way of thinking, downed trees should be cleared out, but not so. They open up space in the canopy for light to reach the forest floor, allowing seedlings to begin growing. These new trees provide food and shelter for such animals as the snowshoe hare. Dead trees become homes for many insects, fungi, and bacteria that feast on the rotting wood and recycles its nutrients back into the soil. Okay, okay, messy forests can stay that way.
This is the tree that was toppled by high winds.
Real story behind spraying for insects: The park used to be sprayed with insecticide against spruce budworm in order to save trees. However, they learned that these outbreaks are a necessary part of life in the forest and so now are left alone to do their work. Outbreaks create patches of different aged trees, an essential part of a healthy forest.
What a great walk in the forest. Almost wish we had walked the other way so we could have followed the flow of water. Oh well.
Tomorrow we’re off Hopewell Rocks that is at the top of the curve in Bay of Fundy to see an even greater difference in the tides.
