Hiking Eye of the Needle Loop | Fundy | New Brunswick

If you enjoy the outdoors and live in New Brunswick or anywhere on the East Coast... Chances are you have heard of the Fundy Footpath due to its amazing views, torturous hills and beyond beautiful and remote campsites.... Well this is my absolute favourite area and trail within the 60km of the Fundy Footpath! Why is this my favourite trail in Fundy you might ask? Many reasons, but mainly due to it's exceptionally unique, diverse and ability to inspire the whole trail long. I challenge you to find a hike in New Brunswick as unique and diverse as this one...

This is... Eye of the Needle Loop!

Featuring ‪@walktherockies-withzach.3125‬

The Eye of the Needle Loop hike is comprised of a few trails... The McCumber Brook Trail (3.2km), a section of the Fundy Footpath (3.0km), Little Salmon River Trail (2.0km), Eye of the Needle Trail (2.8km) and finally the Walton Glen Gorge Lookout Trail (1.5km). These trails combine to make The Eye of the Needle Loop Trail; a 12.5km trail with the beach being accessible on low tide and a lovely 2.0km in and out excusion from camp.

Each section of this trail offers something truly unique and unforgettable. There is so much crammed into every section unearthing new challenges and beauty around every corner. From the beginning you are hiking in a beautiful forest with canopy overhead and soft pine needle floor beneath your feet. This leads you the the Fundy Footpath where you continue left along through the forest and begin your steep ascent down Heart Attack Hill (be happy that you are going down and not up!). At the bottom of the hill the trail opens up to the Little Salmon River (which is tidal all the way upto the camp area) to your right is the beach and the Bay of Fundy. To the left is the camp area. If this area is already full, do not worry! Follow to the right after crossing the river and head to the white buoy. Behind the buoy is a staircase which leads to a fantastic and luxurious pit toilet and another area to setup camp, enjoy a fire, and the stars before getting a good nights rest.

In the morning you will be heading up stream through the Little Salmon River... Thats right... through... not along! So be prepared to get your feet wet for the rest of the hike. Follow the river until you come to a fork right past a deep pool.. You will find blue trail markers on the trees to the left. Follow them to the other side which takes you just below The Eye of the Needle where you prepare to take a brief swim through the eye (my favourite part!) The right is more shallow and about waist deep where the left will be more along the lines of chest deep and if you keep on the lookout you will likely see many 6"-8" trout swimming around your feet! From here you begin your steep incline up a very narrow and rocky trail, so be extremely cautious. There are chains on the more difficult and sketchy areas. After you pass the waterfall you come out right at the Walton Glen Gorge Lookout where you can see your whole days trail beneath you. Now just follow the signage and manicured trail and it will lead you right back to your vehicle which should be full of snacks for the long drive home!

I cannot recommend this trail enough as it is one of New Brunswick’s claims to fame and perhaps even the best, if not most diverse trails in the province!

I hope that this video serves as a trail guide and provides motivation for others to get out and explore the beautiful trails along the Fundy Coast!

Happy Hiking 🥾