Fundy Foot Path a strenuous but rewarding adventure

The Fundy Footpath is a demanding42-kilometre hike with strenuousascents and descents and rugged, rootyterrain.

Information Morning Moncton outdoor adventure columnist Calixte LeBlanchiked the trail recently from St. Martins all the way to Fundy National Park, and then walked another eightkilometresfrom Goose River to his car. Most people take between three and five days for the hike. LeBlancwanted to take his time to capturephotos, shoot video and enjoy the trip.

LeBlancsays people warned him the trail is 80 per cent mental effort and 20 per cent physicaland he didn't train much ahead of time, aside from his usual hiking.

"You're going up and down, up and down like 15 times these elevation gains of almost 250 metres, so it's really hard to prepare as far as hiking similar trails," said LeBlanc.

"The better waywould be to just train at the gym or go up and down stairs every day."

Planning is everything

LeBlanc says the hike took a lot of planning. Because the trail is on the coast, it's important to prepare for rain. LeBlanc made sure to have dry clothes to change into when he was done hiking for the day and ready to camp to keep warm.

"The next morning, if you're clothes are still wet, you have to be mentally prepared to use your clothes from yesterday that are still wet and kind of keep going, because that's the kind of system you need, because you can't bring a change of clothes for every day."

LeBlanc's group didn't encounter any rain, but one person got his feet wet and had to dry his sneakers by the fire.

LeBlanc also called other people who hadhiked the footpath for tips such as what to bring for food, how many pairs of socks to bring and how to treat blisters.

"You want to enjoy yourself out there, and if something happens, if you're prepared for it, then you can deal with it and then move on and have an enjoyable time."

There are several camp sites along the way, so people can be flexible with daily hiking goals, setting a minimum and maximum goal each day.

LeBlanc says it's one of the best trips he's ever done, and he credits the members of his group who each brought different strengths to the trip.

"If you do it with the right people, you get to enjoy it much more."

Getting there

The Fundy Footpath - From Saint Martins to Point Wolfe, Fundy National Park

Length: 42 kms (Fundy Footpath)/7.9 kms Goose River Trail (Fundy National Park)

Difficulty:Extremely strenuous

Hiking Time:Most people take 3 - 5 days, 24 - 34 hours of actual hiking

Trail Condition:Well-marked with white blazes painted on trees, many strenuous ascentsand descents ranging inelevation from sea level to nearly 250 metres, switchbacks, oftenrugged and rooty terrain, narrow in places bordering steep banks, several river crossings,wet, boggy areas depending on recent weather. Cumulative elevation gain is 1700 meters

Access: The Fundy Footpath extends from Goose River, on the edge of Fundy National Park,to the suspension bridge, near the Interpretive Centreon the Fundy Trail Parkway in SaintMartins but can be hiked in either direction. To access the Footpath from Fundy, begin atPoint Wolf and hike in the Goose River trail.

The Fundy Footpath in now designated as a part of the Trans Canada Trail and it uncoversa wealth of geological, human and natural history but it is not a trail for the inexperiencedhiker. It requires a great deal of both physical and mental endurance and it is essential thathikers know the challenges they will face on the trail in terms of terrain, elevation gain aswell as equipment and supply necessities. Detailed information about this hike can befound at http://fundyfootpath.info/ or by calling 1-506-386-2867.

A guide book is available for purchase and it is recommended that anyone interested inexperiencing this trek purchase this book at least four weeks prior to their departure. Itcontains information on many important details that must be considered while planningfor this challenge such as emergency protocols, rules and regulations for camping, rivercrossings as well as tide schedules and climate considerations. The Fundy Footpath is onaverage 20 kms from the nearest residence and as such offers hikers an opportunity toexplore pristine, untouched wilderness and peaceful, backcountry camping. However, inorder to have the most enjoyable experience possible, hikers must ensure they are wellinformed on all aspects of this rugged trail and be prepared to test their endurance on alllevels.