General Hiking Safety Guide
Fundy Hiking Trail Association
General Hiking Safety Guide
Fundy Footpath | Dobson Trail
⚠ Warning
The trails managed by the Fundy Hiking Trail Association — including the Fundy Footpath and the Dobson Trail — are wilderness hiking trails. Both routes present significant physical challenges and should not be underestimated.
The Fundy Footpath spans 64.3 km of rugged coastal terrain, featuring relentless elevation changes from sea level to 300 metres and back, repeated throughout the entire route. The Dobson Trail offers 58 km of backcountry hiking through varied terrain with its own demanding sections.
Cell phone coverage is sporadic at best along both trails. In an emergency, it could take hours for help to reach you. Always inform someone of your planned route and expected return date before you set out.
Extreme high tides on the Bay of Fundy have been known to rise at tidal crossings — including the Little Salmon River crossing on the Fundy Footpath — without warning. Be aware of Super Moon tidal cycles and always consult tide tables before your hike.
Monitor weather closely before and during your hike. Conditions in this region can change rapidly.
HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK
🚨 Emergency Assistance
If you require emergency assistance, call 911 immediately. Inform dispatch of the trail you are hiking (Fundy Footpath or Dobson Trail) and your location in New Brunswick as precisely as possible.
On the Fundy Footpath: cell towers across the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia may pick up your signal if local coverage is unavailable. Try multiple locations and elevations.
On the Dobson Trail: cell coverage varies; attempt to reach high ground for a better signal.
Always carry a list of emergency contacts and share your itinerary with someone who is not on the trail.
Know Your Limits
Both trails should only be attempted by those who are physically capable and well-prepared. The Fundy Footpath in particular is considered one of the most strenuous hikes in Atlantic Canada.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consult your doctor before attempting either trail and always know your limits. Hikers have found themselves in serious difficulty due to poor planning and underestimating the demands of these routes. A thorough understanding of the trail you are hiking is essential.
Purchase our trail guides to help plan your hike safely.
Potential Dangers
Be prepared for the following hazards on both trails:
- Wildlife — including black bears, moose, and other native species
- Dehydration — carry more water than you think you need
- Exhaustion — pace yourself and allow adequate rest time
- Insects — black flies, mosquitoes, and ticks are present seasonally
- Injury — remote terrain means long response times for medical help
- Extreme tides (Fundy Footpath) — tidal crossings can become impassable quickly
- Rapidly changing weather — fog, rain, and wind are common in coastal areas
Recommended Travel Time
Fundy Footpath (64.3 km)
The Fundy Footpath runs from Fundy National Park (FNP) in Alma to Fundy Trail Provincial Park near St. Martins (or vice versa).
Hiking east to west:
- FNP Visitors Centre to FNP boundary — 21.3 km
- FNP boundary to Little Salmon River — 25.8 km
- Little Salmon River to Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre — 17.2 km
- Total: 64.3 km
Hiking west to east:
- Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre to Little Salmon River — 17.2 km
- Little Salmon River to FNP boundary — 25.8 km
- FNP boundary to FNP Visitors Centre — 21.3 km
- Total: 64.3 km
Recommended minimum: 4 days, due to elevation gain and loss, potential wait times at tidal crossings, and other trail conditions. Always prepare for one additional day beyond your planned itinerary.
Dobson Trail (58 km)
The Dobson Trail runs from Riverview (near Moncton) to Fundy National Park in Alma, passing through varied backcountry terrain. Recommended minimum hiking time is 3 to 4 days. Always allow for extra time and be prepared for changing conditions.
Purchase our trail guides to help plan your hike.
Essentials to Carry
Never set out on either trail without the following:
- Sufficient water and a means to purify additional water
- Enough food for your planned trip plus one extra day
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter (tarp, bivy, or tent)
- Cell phone (charged) and a backup power bank
- Relevant FHTA trail guide for your route
- Extra clothing layers suitable for wet and cold conditions
- List of emergency contacts
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Navigation tools (map and compass — do not rely solely on GPS)
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY
Permits, Passes & Park Fees
Both access points of the Fundy Footpath require permits and entrance fees:
- Fundy National Park (Alma) — entrance fee and backcountry campsite reservation required
- Fundy Trail Provincial Park (near St. Martins) — entrance fee required
If you plan to leave your vehicle at either park, overnight parking fees may apply. Notify park staff of your plans so they can advise you accordingly. Backcountry campsites must be reserved in advance — availability is not guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For the Dobson Trail, check with local trail associations and municipal access points regarding any required permits or parking arrangements.
Purchase our trail guides for the most current information on fees and access points.
Bay of Fundy Tides
The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world. Tidal crossings along the Fundy Footpath — including Goose Creek and Little Salmon River — can become dangerous or impassable at high tide. Always consult the Bay of Fundy Tide Table to plan your crossings in advance.
Extreme high tides can arrive at the Little Salmon River crossing without warning. Be particularly vigilant during Super Moon events, which amplify tidal extremes. If in doubt, wait for the tide to drop before crossing.
Forest Fire Watch
Before departing on either trail, check the current New Brunswick Forest Fire Watch status. Open fires may be restricted during periods of high fire danger. Always follow all current fire restrictions and practice Leave No Trace principles throughout your hike.
Pets on the Trail
You are fully responsible for your pet at all times on both trails. Under local and provincial law, you are required to collect and carry out all pet waste and dispose of it in designated bins.
For waste disposal in the Fundy region, use bins managed by the Fundy Regional Service Commission.
Leave No Trace
All hikers are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles on both the Fundy Footpath and the Dobson Trail. Pack out everything you pack in. Leave the wilderness as you found it — or better.
Leave No Trace — Nothing Left Behind
Fundy Hiking Trail Association | fundyhikingtrails.com