Paddling NB

Description

(part 1 of 2)

Note: Weather conditions can drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly.

My goal was to paddle downstream and come out into Magaguadavic Lake. I had been out to this bridge already twice. The first time I only had enough time to see if I could get here. The second time I put the kayak in the water and then sat under the bridge as I watched a thunder storm roll through the valley. Third time's a charm they say.

I put the boat in the water and started down stream. In less than 200 metres I went through a rocky area. At the far end of the rocky area was a small beaver dam. The dam was not developed enough to be blocking the stream but it was developed enough to be blocking my passage. I got out and pulled the boat over the dam. In another 100 metres the steam narrowed, and then got shallow as it poured out into a small pond. I had to get out and walk once again. I went around the next turn and came to a dead tree across the stream. I could probably get past it but it looked worse on the other side. The stream also took a hard turn to the left and I couldn't see around the turn. There was a small overflow stream that cut across the corner check that out. I drug the boat down through the alders, all the while very conscious that I had open sandals on. I was probably going to get a leech or two out of this adventure.

When I got to the far side of the alders I found that the stream had narrowed and was overhung with alders. There was at least two small beaver dams I could see. I wasn't quite halfway to Magaguadavic Lake and I still wanted to explore the meadows above the bridge but I was running out of time. I decided to abort my Magaguadavic Lake mission.

I paddled and walked my way back up the stream to the bridge. When I got to the bridge I found that the beavers had built a dam across the upper side of the bridge. I was starting to get discouraged. I pulled my boat over this small dam and then I was in deerer water. It was a good sign. I paddled up the meandering stream, trying to be as quiet as possible in case there was wildlife. I pictured a large moose around every corner. I came to a patch of large rocks that looked like they blocked the stream. They looked like some type of medeival gate. When I got close to them I was very happy to find that the stream went around them on the left.

Description

(part 2 of 2)

I paddled around a couple of more large turns and came to a place where the trees came close to the stream. Across from the trees was a stream that flowed into Meadow Brook. This was Mud Brook. From my map studies before the adventure I figured out that this stream came from Mud Lake. I had paddled around Clear Lake and Mud Lake the previous year. If I had time I would explore this stream on the way back.

I continued around a couple of more sharp turns and then the stream became very narrow and full of pickerelweed. I then ran into the largest beaver dam of the day. As I sat there figuring out my next move, I could hear splashing above the dam. I tried with all my might but I couldn't get up high enough to see what was splashing. I assume it was a large beaver working on the dam. The dam was steep and unstable, and the shore of the stream was hidden in the bushes that pushed out into the stream. I couldn't find a way to get over the dam without risking a swim, and this was not the type of water I liked to swim in.

I finally gave up and went down around the turn. When I did I saw a beaver swimming away down stream. I gave chase but the stream was too narrow to paddle quietly. He was not slowing down and I quickly lost track of him. I returned to Mud Brook and turned in. It was narrower and deeper than Meadow Brook. I came to a large boulder and there was just enough room to get around it on either side. I came to another medium sized beaver dam at the edge of the meadow. As I sat there I noticed a muskrat swimming towards me. I watched him as he swam straight towards me. I don't think he saw me at all. He reached the dam and climbed up over, almost on top of my boat. I don't think he realized I was there until he was back in the water and then splashed to swim under the boat.

What I learned from this trip is that Meadow Brook is an interesting place to paddle, full of wildlife, but you have to work for it. Maybe I will return when I get a pair of dry pants. Then I wouldn't have to worry about leeches when I climbed over the beaver dams. I ended up getting two small leeches on this trip.

Directions

Access to this stream is on mostly gravel road. The roads get progressively worse as you get closer to the stream. A vehicle with some clearance is recommended.

From Route 2 near Nackawic, take exit 231 and turn away from Nackawic. At the far end of the overpass you will come to an intersection (see Meadow Brook Access map). At the intersection turn left onto the gravel road. This is the Flattop Road. It is a forestry road so be cautious of trucking operations. After 10 kilometres you will come to a split in the road. At the split keep left and climb the hill. Drive for another 3.6 kilometres and turn left onto a side road. Drive for another 3.3 kilometres on this rough road and you will come to the bridge over Meadow Brook. Just past the bridge on the right is a wide spot. Park here. Right beside the wide spot is a rough trail down to the stream. The edge of the stream is rocky so use caution getting in.

Other Routes nearby

• Clear Lake and Mud Lake
• Charlie Lake
• Benton Deadwater Routes
• Town of Nackawic Routes
• Fredericton Routes

Trail Last Hiked: August 5, 2024.

Page Last Updated: January 12, 2025.