Ice Caves In New Brunswick's Backyard

The Midland Ice Caves are located in Kiersteadville, New Brunswick, Canada. The trail to the ice caves follows an old road that travels along a fence line and climbs through a field towards the woods. After 1km, the trail climbs a steeper section into the woods. The caves are formed by an overhang in the rock where water flows to form icicles. The Midland Ice Caves trail is a family-friendly hike in southern New Brunswick. The second set of ice caves in New Brunswick is in Minto.

Midland Ice Caves Trail

The Midland Ice Caves Trail in Kiersteadville, New Brunswick, Canada, is a family-friendly hike that takes around 1.5 hours. The trail is 4.5 km long and is considered easy, with a total elevation gain of around 120 metres. The trail is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.

The trail follows an old road along the edge of a farmer's field, with a gentle incline. After about 1.5 km, the trail turns left into the forest, where you may spot squirrels and birds. Keep right at the next junction to access the ice caves. The ice cave viewpoint overlooks a small valley, and you can climb down with the support of guide ropes to see the frozen cave up close. The caves are formed by an overhang in the rock, where water flows to form icicles.

The trailhead is located on Upper Midland Road, which you can reach by driving east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) from Saint John towards Sussex. After about 45 km, take exit 166 toward Bloomfield and turn left onto Bloomfield Ridge South Road. Then, take the first right onto Centennial Road and turn left onto Bloomfield Station Road. Continue over the Kennebecasis River steel bridge and through the Bloomfield Creek covered bridge. After the bridges, turn right onto Route 121 and then left onto Route 855. Stay on Route 855 for about 8 km, then turn left onto Upper Midland Road. The trailhead will be on your right after about 5 minutes. Park on the right-hand side of the road.

Please note that the Midland Ice Caves are located on private property, and it is important to be respectful of the landowners and the environment. There are no toilet facilities or garbage bins along the trail, so please pack out what you bring in.

Devil's Oven Ice Caves

The Devil's Oven Ice Caves in Minto, New Brunswick, are a spectacular sight for adventurous hikers. This challenging hike is located near Hardwood Ridge and is approximately 4.7 kilometres long, taking an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete. The trail is generally considered moderately challenging and is best suited for the winter months, from December through March.

To reach the Devil's Oven Ice Caves, adventurers must embark on a journey that includes walking along and even crossing a frozen river. The access road to the caves can be treacherous, with icy and narrow stretches, so it is important to exercise caution. It is recommended to opt for the Newcastle Stream Trail instead if you are unsure about the road conditions.

The main "cave" features are situated about 200 metres from the trailhead, with the remaining portion of the trail offering a scenic winter hike. The highlight of the journey is a large ice cave adorned with colourful icicles. This natural wonder is accessible by walking on the ice of a river, with steep sides that require careful navigation.

It is imperative to check ice conditions before venturing onto the river, as falling through the ice can be dangerous. The best time to visit the Devil's Oven Ice Caves is from December through February, and occasionally into early March, when the ice is typically solid. Always prioritise safety and check for updates on ice conditions through reliable sources, such as the Devil's Oven Ice Caves Facebook Group.

The Devil's Oven Ice Caves trail is a popular choice for hiking and snowshoeing enthusiasts, offering a blend of natural beauty and challenging terrain. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be kept on a leash at all times.

Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail

The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail in New Brunswick is a popular winter hike that takes visitors through a valley with impressive ice formations. The trail is located near Sussex, New Brunswick, in the small community of Parlee Brook. It is about a 1-hour drive from Moncton, Saint John, or Fredericton.

The trail is about 7 kilometres round trip and is considered moderately challenging. It takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The trail is open year-round, but it is especially popular in the winter when the natural amphitheatre turns into an ice valley. The trail is also used for snowshoeing and walking.

To get to the trailhead, take Route 111 from Sussex Corner towards St. Martins. Keep left onto Dutch Valley Road/Waterford Road. After about 6 kilometres, turn right onto Parlee Brook Road and follow it for about 5 kilometres. The trailhead is just before the last house on the right, which is known as the "little abbey." There is very limited parking available near the trailhead, and there are no designated parking areas, toilets, or garbage bins.

The trail starts with a moderate incline for the first kilometre. At the top of the hill, there is a junction where you can turn left to take the Friars Nose Trail or continue straight to the amphitheatre. Along the way, you will pass a private cabin and eventually turn left into the forest, following Parlee Brook. The brook isn't very deep, but waterproof boots and merino wool socks are recommended.

As you follow the brook through the forest, you will reach the amphitheatre, which features a frozen waterfall and high cliffs topped with spruce trees. The thick walls of ice show tints of yellow and blue, creating a spectacular sight. You may also see ice climbers in the area.

The Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail is a magical winter hike that showcases the beauty of New Brunswick's natural ice formations. It is a popular destination for hikers and snowshoers, offering a rewarding experience for those seeking a fairly short and moderately challenging winter adventure.

Dunbar Falls

The waterfall itself is not very tall, at only 3 metres, but it crosses the full width of the wide stream, and usually has a good flow of water. To get to the falls, you can take the #8 from Fredericton to the Durham Bridge area and park at the start of Dunbar Road, next to the stone bridge. From there, find the trail heading down to the river's edge and follow it upstream for about 600 metres to the falls.

The trail crosses a small waterfall that flows into the main stream from the left, which can usually be crossed without getting your feet wet. After a bend in the stream, the trail crosses a powerline, and soon after, you'll get your first view of the main falls. Continue on the trail, and you'll come out into a clearing with a small beach just below the falls.

It is possible to climb up through the woods to the top of the falls, but it is treacherous and there isn't much to see from the top. It is also possible to access the falls from the powerlines, but this route is much less interesting.

Ice caves near Willow Grove

If you're looking for ice caves near Willow Grove, New Brunswick, there are a few options to consider.

Firstly, the Midland Ice Caves trail is a family-friendly hike in southern New Brunswick, located near Norton. The trail is approximately 4.5 km long and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. It takes around 1-1.5 hours to complete and offers impressive ice formations and a frozen cave to explore. The trail first follows an old road along a farmer's field and then enters a forest, where you can spot squirrels and birds. Guide ropes are available to help you climb down into the valley and explore the ice cave up close. Please note that the Midland Ice Caves are located on private property, so be sure to respect the land and the landowners.

Another option is the Devil's Oven Ice Caves in Minto, New Brunswick. To reach these ice caves, you will need to walk along and sometimes across a frozen river. The challenging hike is rewarded with a large ice cave featuring colourful icicles. However, the access road to the ice caves can be treacherous, so it is recommended to take the Newcastle stream trail instead.

Additionally, there are other frozen waterfalls and ice formations near Willow Grove that you may want to explore. These include Tracy Falls, New Brunswick's highest continual running waterfalls, and the Parlee Brook Amphitheatre Trail, which offers a moderate hike to see a giant ice wall.

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