Date Acquired: 2013

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Address: 200 Red Bridge Road, New Brunswick

Trails: Purple Trail, VanDine Falls Extension

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          VanDine Falls, home to the Purple Trail, is a 14-hectare property contains a mature tolerant hardwood stand and a riparian ecosystem shaped by the seasonal flooding and ice-scouring of the Meduxnekeag River.

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          Beginning from the Wilson Mountain trail system, the Purple Trail departs the mixed-wood forests of Wilson Mountain and enters a riparian forest characterised by eastern white cedar, eastern hemlock, and eastern white pine. As the trail follows exposed rock faces overlooking the Meduxnekeag River, numerous scenic viewpoints provide opportunities to appreciate the river below. Towering eastern white pine emerge above the forest canopy as super-canopy trees, providing nesting and perching habitat for bald eagles that patrol the river in search of fish and other prey.

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           As visitors enter the VanDine Falls property, the forest transitions into a tolerant hardwood stand dominated by sugar maple. Along the river's edge, an ice-scoured floodplain supports a variety of riverside grasses and ferns. Stinging nettle is also common in this area, serving as a reminder for visitors to remain on the designated trail.

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          The Purple Trail forms a loop through the hardwood forest before reaching a tributary stream of the Meduxnekeag River. At this junction, visitors may choose to continue along the VanDine Falls Extension for a view of the property's namesake waterfall or return to the trailhead by following the main loop.

Due to its steep terrain, exposed roots, and rocky sections, the Purple Trail is rated as difficult and is not recommended during wet conditions.

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          Written by Devon Bustard