Waterfall Detail: Ruisseau a Lavoie begins further up in the high mountains of Madawaska. The stream gathers strength from several lesser brooks on it’s run towards the Saint John River. The stream slices through steep sided valleys forming a series of cascades. It is important to note that there are numerous stream and brooks in the county with a similar disposition. Sept Chute cuts through private property in the Village of St. Basile. By request of the property owner I withheld the GPS coordinates and precise directions. Needless to say access to the waterworks can be achieved by walking up the stream.
Visit Detail: Our walk up through the lush forest is refreshing. Emerald trees drape over the narrow woods road forming a tunnel to an enchanting world. Spring rain gathers on the leaves before tumbling to the forest floor. Once over the hillside the road leads us down along the ridge to Ruisseau a Lavoie. The sound of water tumbling through the narrow chiasm is beckoning us to explore its hidden gem. I can tell by the tone of Allain’s voice that this is a special waterfall. He has been here on several occasions and is eager to show me. While we make ready to walk down into the ravine we hear the screech of an Owl off in the distance. We spend a few minutes trying to call back as well as deciding it sounded like a Great Horned Owl. A great addition to the outing.
It is a quick scamper into the ravine to this most magnificent waterworks. The ravine is covered in rich foliage and heavy with moist cool air. The harmonics of the cascade crashing through is both captivating and relaxing. For several minutes I stand on a mossy outcrop enjoying the moment. On this overcast day, the little light there is in the ravine is captured by the stream, forming a long undulating ribbon of whitewater. It is seems the stream and ravine are teasing each other in a playful display of nature. The light rain enriches the air, providing it with an earthy aroma. I spend the better part of an hour photographing Sept Chute. This is a spectacular Madawaska location and is one of my most enjoyable waterfalling excursions.
Waterfall Detail: The hamlet of Moulin Morneault was named for Pascal Morneault and is located alongside the Iroquois River just over a ridge of hills to the east of the Village of St. Jacques. Established as Plourde Settlement in 1789 under Free Grants Act. The first mill was built at this location in around 1814 by Peter Plourde. It was a gristmill used to make flour out of the wheat and buckwheat grown by local settlers. Later, machines were added to card wool for clothing and bedding. The Morneault family were not the original owners but held the mill within their family the longest, handing down the ownership from father to son for many years. Today, there is an idle mill powered from electrical grid, a sign of the many changes in the lumber industry were independents have difficulty competing.
The Iroquois meanders down through a beautiful valley towards the Saint John River. As the valley narrows so does the river and at Moulin Morneault it becomes constricted by a granite outcrop. Over time the river has carved a path through and it contorts around the rocks forming a wonderful waterfall. At the base is a large pool surrounded by rock and draped by mixed forest. The pool is open to daylong sunshine making the spot a haven for kids wanting to cool off.
To see these falls make drive to the Victoria Street Exit off the TCH highway in Edmundston. Head north away from Edmundston on Rue Principal, which is on the east side of the Madawaska River from St. Jacques. This street will come to a junction with a bridge across the Madawaska River to St. Jacques, East Madawaska River Road and to the right and upward, Chemin St. Joseph. Take this latter road up over the mountain and down into the Iroquois River Valley. On the map this area is known as Moulin Morneault.
Park near the country store just before the bridge. The waterfall is located 100 or so metres up from the bridge traversing the Iroquois River. There is an access road leading up from the road to home. One could either walk up along the river to the falls or drive in and ask the property owner to access the falls.
Visit Detail: It is early morning and I am meeting Allain Pelletier at the local McDonalds in Edmundston. Allain has a day of waterfalling planned around my book presentation at the Conway Public Library later in the day. Our first location to view is Chute Moulin Morneault. I have driven past this waterfall on several visits to the area to photograph Falls Brook Falls and Gagne Falls. Both located further north in Madawaska County. No sun, overcast and a light drizzle of rain, perfect weather to photograph waterfalls.
Allain stops at the closed home to the falls to ask permission to photograph the waterfall. Permission provided we park near the trail and follow the short trail down to the base of the falls. From our vantage point the waterfall is across a large dark pool. It is an excellent location to setup our camera. On this particular occasion there is a tree lodged between the rocks at the cascade. I imagine this must have been a real tough spot for lumbermen to work at. In the early morning the quiet is broken by the screech of Crows in the nearby trees. We finished our visit just before the rain began in earnest. Chasing us back to the SUV. We are off to a set of waterfalls on Ruisseau a Lavoie in St. Basile, which is just below Edmundston.
Waterfall Detail: There is no access trail leading from the old woods road to the falls. The community of Sproul Settlement is long gone. Taken back by nature. All that is remaining of its existence is the waterfalls. It is difficult to fathom that a small settlement once existed. It is an epitaph to the determination of our early ancestors. The settlement was named after the first postmaster, Arthur Sproul.
From the community of Elgin, drive out the River Road following the beautiful Pollett River to Church Corner. Turn right and drive west 5.6 Km on the Church Hill Rd. At N 45 44’ 34.3” / W 065 07’ 59.3” turn left on Sproul Settlement Road, and drive 1.5 Km and at N 45 43’ 53.4” / W 065 07’ 33.2” turn right and drive out this rough road approximately 2.3 Km. At N 45 42’ 39.7” / W 065 07’ 8.1” park. There is an old road on the left with trees beginning to grow up along its length. Walk up this old road about 450 metres until reaching another road on the right. Walk down this road about 375 metres until ends.
From this point head into the woods on the left side for about 30 metres, then turn and head down into the ravine. Be careful it is rather steep and there is no trail. This will bring you to the stream above the waterfall. Head down stream towards the falls. There is a narrow trail around a rock outcrop that eventually leads to a series of rock steps twisting and leading to the base of the waterfalls. The waterfall is only metres away from where the stream confluences with the Pollett River.
Visit Detail: It is early Sunday morning and there is no traffic on the Trans Canada Highway. I am heading for the community of Elgin in Albert County to meet up with Terry Gallant. Terry contacted me last autumn about scouting out some waterfalls in Albert County, so today we are heading for Sproul Falls. Our rendezvous point is at the Pollett River Bridge.
The early morning drive up the steep sided valley is beautiful. We drove out to Church Hill and parked near a large blueberry plantation, which is between Church Corner in Albert County and Mechanic Settlement in Saint John County. After parking we unloaded two ATV’s. It has been long time since I drove one, so I was looking forward to the outing. The road is good enough for a truck, but we opted for this method. The drive out took about 30 minutes. Along the way we met a father and his two young lads fishing.
Terry Gallant scouted the waterfall the week previous so, after we parked I follow his lead into the brush that eventually leads downward towards the stream. The brush is thick making for tough going but quickly enough we emerged at the stream several metres up from the waterfalls.
Unfortunately we are on the wrong side requiring a cross over to the east side of the stream and then along the edge towards the waterfalls. The day started off promising. Promising from a waterfall photography standpoint; overcast. Standing at the precipice I can only curse the sun above. As I climbed down along the edge of the ravine my only thought was about the clear sky and brilliant sunshine and it effect on my photographs.
This is a real special waterfall. I definitely plan on another trip here. I hope it is over cast.
Matt Quigley, a University of New Brunswick Business student and waterfall enthusiast developed this time lapse waterfall sequence. About a month ago Matt contacted me about the project he was undertaking and wanted suggestions of a few waterfalls for the time lapse.
Last night I received an email from Matt with the following link. I urge you to take a few minutes to view his work. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Thanks Matt.
Nick as promised here is the link to the timelapse video of the waterfalls: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUL0Qfj3YHs
Waterfall Detail: Forged by the eternal churn of the river, Quisibis Falls carves an impressive ravine. Located in the shadow of the mountain of the same name, this waterfall is one of the crown jewels of Madawaska County wilderness. Because of its location deep in rich timber country, the falls is relatively unknown to many except folks living in nearby communities.
Getting to the falls is relatively easy but takes a bit of driving. As with much of New Brunswick the area is littered with numerous logging roads. Some of which are no longer in use and can easily lead people unfamiliar with the area astray.
To visit the waterfall, take the Trans Canada Highway exit at the Village of Green River. Drive out the Davis Mill Road heading northeast away from the village. Turn right crossing over the Green River and follow the Quisibis River Road driving approximately 9.5 km until reaching Roy Road at (N 47 21’ 22.7” / W 068 02’ 18.8”). Turn left and drive out Roy Road. It will turn to gravel but continue for approximately 10.5 km turning off this road to the right at (N 47 25’ 38.2” / W 068 00’ 20.4”). Drive out this road and turn right at (N 47 25’ 38.2” / W 068 00’ 06.0”) continuing a short distance and turn left at (N47 25’ 16.5” / W 068 00’ 15.7”). Head out this road and stop at (N 47 24’ 59.7” / W 068 00’ 00.8 ‘). From here, it is a ten-minute walk out the road on your left a distance of approximately 800 metres. Look for the trail on the right heading into the woods towards the Quisibis Falls.
Visit Detail: I met up with my friend Jason Bennett who was in the area on business and with Allain Pelletier, who has graciously spent the day guiding me to waterfalls. By the time we leave the Village of Green River it is approaching 5 pm. Combined with heavy skies it feels like twilight. Thankfully it is June and we will have enough time to visit Quisibis Falls and make it back to cars before sunset. It is a long drive, but the time slipped by as we conversed about several topics and before long Allain announces that we will park and walk the remaining distance to the falls.
When I planned my trip to Madawaska, I was concerned that the early spring and lack of snow this winter would reduce the river to just a trickle, but the overnight rain and showers throughout the day arrived just in time. It has brought the forest to life with rich scents of cedar and balsam fir. The aroma permeates the air as we walk into the waterfall.
Rappelling down into the ravine, I realized that sometimes things are worth waiting for. This is just the case with Quisibis Falls. Standing at the transition between ropes I decided to stop and enjoy the waterfalls from well above the dark pool. The river amazes me as it crashes across the rock face in a rhythmic dance. Poetry to my senses. My first impressions is that it is much higher than I expected and more engaging. This is a wonderful natural site and I am thankful that Allain has taken the time to scout out the waterfall.
Waterfall Detail: The origin of the North Branch Nashwaaksis Stream is pristine and runs well all year due to the large wetlands called Seymour Meadows. The stream cuts though the plateau and about 2.5 kilometres up from Estey Bridge it drops over a shear rock face transforming into a beautiful waterfall that captures attention. The geology of the area is predominately conglomerate and sandstone. Because of this the stream cuts into the rock developing a large circular basin at its base. The ravine at the location below the falls is about 20 meters deep at a 60% slope producing a sheltered area. Further up the stream approximately 500 metres or so there is a secondary set of waterfalls. These are slide falls that are laden with a carpet of moss. In this area the escarpment disappears and the stream slips over a series of shale ledges producing a dramatic and surreal location.
Many folks in Fredericton used to visit the waterfall in summer to swim or in winter to climb in behind the ice. This is all changed since the property near the falls is privately owned. The best method to see the falls is to walk up the stream from Estey Bridge.
Visit Detail: Along the Royal Road evidence of the last ice age can be seen where an escarpment has been formed. I would have stopped to take a better look but I was running late to meet up with Terry Connolly of Kingsley Road. As scheduled he was waiting near the Recreation Center in Estey Bridge. From here Terry and I drove up to about 200 meters of the waterfall using his ATV. The old logging road is pretty rough and in places and we had to traverse large puddles and one pond. Once parked we cut through the woods, down into a relatively steep sided ravine to the stream. With Terry in the lead we sloshed in and up along its northern edge to the falls.
This is a very beautiful location. This waterfall is very similar to Lower Henderson Brooks Falls. In fact the geology is very similar. Since the property adjacent to the falls is private I will not post the GPS coordinates. I hope these photographs illustrate it beauty. After photographing the waterfalls we returned to the ATV and drove further up. From here we walked again in the stream to the smaller set of falls. Terry’s description was bang on. Rivulets of water creep along the edges of the shale, seeping over the thin layer of moss before catching in a pool at the waterfall’s base. We saw several trout catching the insects at the waters surface. This was an amazing location. After spending 30 minutes or so we decided to head back as the day’s light was failing quickly as night approached.
This Holiday weekend I led a group of particpants at the Nature NB Annual General Meeting being held in the Village of Gagetown on a waterfall tour. We spent four hours visiting Smith Falls, Jones Mills Falls and Lower Henderson Brook Falls (picture). We had a wonderful time driving through the countryside to these various locations.
I want to thank the organizers of the AGM for the invite to lead an outing. It was a real HOOT!! As well thank you for allowing me to give the keynote address at your banquet.
Waterfall Detail: This waterfall is located on Route 127 five and half kilometres south of Lawrence Station. The Route 127 follows alongside the Digdeguash River before veering off towards Waweig and eventually St. Andrews. In addition to the highway the North West Digdeguash is traversed by an old abandon railroad bridge before it empties into the larger river. The old bridge and foliage provide a nice quite location to get off the highway and relax.
There is a parking area just off to the side of the highway. Nearby, there is an old road leading to the old railway that is used both as an ATV route and walking trail. Follow the trail towards the river. Just before the bridge, cut into the woods and down alongside the river. There are several locations to photograph this charming little waterfalls.
Visit Information: This spring Marlaine and I decided to take a day trip to St. Andrews, www.townofstandrews.ca. While driving along the highway this picturesque waterfall caught my eye, so I slowed and drove back to check it out. After a few minutes Marlaine joins me alongside the river, where we bask in the warmth of the spring sunshine. A treat after winter. As the picture illustrates the waterfall is located just off the highway.
Satisfied with my interpretation of this picturesque waterfall we quietly walked back to the SUV and continued on our way. While driving along we comment on how we are so fortunate in New Brunswick to have these charming roadside attractions.
Waterfalls Detail: Open Sky Falls, a combination tiered & cascade waterfall drops over 25 metres and is located along the eastern flank of the Saint John River just kilometres south of Grand Falls. The stream has it origin in the rich fertile potato country of Drummond near Grand Falls and drains several wet areas that dot this rural countryside.
The property belongs to Raymond Paquet who has established an adventure business called www.openskyadventures.com His business features excursions up into the magnificent Grand Falls Gorge. Raymond welcomes visitors to stop at his property and spend time enjoying the Saint John River, the wildlife and his very own waterfalls.
Opensky Adventures is located approximately 3.5 kilometres south of Grand Falls on Route 105. The easiest way to find this property is to drive into Grand Falls and then head towards Drummond and Plaster Rock. Heading southeast and just before entering Drummond look for Route 105 on your right. Turn here, this area is known as the Undine, and I believe there is a sign to indicate this.
Visit Detail: It is Easter Monday and I am standing at the base of this spectacular waterfall. I once read that the interest which any place holds for us is a combination of physical and it’s history. The physical is the handy work of nature and the history a creation of man. With this in mind I can fully understand why Raymond has chosen this place to call his home and I am very appreciative of the fact that he is willing to share its beauty.
The physical beauty of Open Sky Falls is very evident as it crashes and glides over the multifaceted rock formation that forms this escarpment. The cascading water captivates me, as it appears to paint an ashen ribbon across the dark bedrock. I was provided information about the waterfall by Jason Bennett. Jason insisted that I take a run up to Opensky Adventures to see the falls first hand and I am glad I did.
NOTE: These are HDR photographs, which enhances both colour and tone.
Waterfall Detail: Third Vault Falls is located at the confluence of mountain ridges that rise up precariously from the ravine. The area is remote and rugged. The falls drops into an amphitheater of rock, almost cloistering the rushing water as it drops into the basin. From the top of the falls looking out over the rim is an awesome rush of excitement. The waterfall is nestled by large hardwood and softwood trees that maintain moisture rich air. When the late afternoon sun penetrates the forest, lighting up the ravine, the brook sparkles, the waterfall comes to life as the water dances over the rock face, and it is easy to understand why it is so popular.
Although the guide information at the trailhead states 7.3 km round trip it feels more like double this length when you consider the steepness of the trail into the ravine and rock hopping required to find the best vantage point for viewing the falls. The trail is well maintained, but may be closed in a wet season. The last bit of the hike leads to a steep declining trail, filled with rocks and switchbacks alike. Near the ravine, rushing water and the sound of the waterfalls can be heard from a distance. The moisture-rich air from the cool waters of the Bay of Fundy influences the landscape. This influence is evident deep in the basin of the ravine.
Visit Detail: This is our third waterfall of the day and our energy is beginning to ebb. The trail to Third Vault meanders through a mixed hardwood and softwood forest. Many small brooks, gathering water from wetlands further up the ridges accompanied us along the way eventually making way to the ravine further on. We met several groups of hikers on their way back from falls. All bubbling with excitement of the waterfall and this lifted our enthusiasm to pickup the pace. As we began the decent into the ravine we decided to head toward the sound of the water to our left.
This track led directly to the brook where we emerged unknowingly up stream from the waterfall. Unsure of its exact location we decided to head down stream until it dropped completely out of view. The sheer mountain ridge opposite the waterfall was all that could be seen. At the crease in the ridge we found ourselves looking straight down into the ravine 20 metres below. Watching the brook plunge downward, crashing into the rocks below was just awe inspiring.
Tracking up and over the ridge we eventually made our way down into the ravine, where we looked directly into the gorge that wraps the falls. We are both totally captivated by this amazing waterfall. Our intention was to spend 30 minutes but this stretched to almost 60 minutes. Dusk was slowly creeping through the forest as we hiked out of the ravine. Entering the parking lot near darkness, two adventurers were both elated with our day of waterfalling as well as weary.