Chitticks Beach Trail
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | accessible-easy |
| Trail Type | loop |
| Distance | 2.1 km |
| Estimated Time | 45 minutes |
| Surface Type | forested, boardwalk |
| Elevation Change | 24 metres |
| Features | bay, beach, rocky shore |
| Trail Markers | signs |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | medium |
| Dog Friendly | on a leash |
| Fees | yes |
Description
Trail Update (July 2024) - A loop has been developed to make most of this trail accessible. (see map)
The Chitticks Beach Trail starts at a field overlooking Carrying Cove. The trail then travels through a mostly softwood forest to Raspberry Cove. At Raspberry Cove there is a lookout platform with an interpretive sign and beautiful views of New River Island. The trail continues through the woods to the next cove, passing by a unique bench in the middle of the boardwalk. The trail soon comes out to the top of an exposed cliff face overlooking the bay. At the next point of land there is a side trail that takes you down onto a lookout platform on a white, rocky outcrop. After this lookout the trail continues along the shore, overlooking the rocky outcrops that make up the point. The trail then comes to Chittick's Beach where there is a small field and picnic site. From here you can access Chitticks Beach or read the interpretive sign on the history of the area.
From Chitticks Beach the trail continues along the shore on the Barnaby Head Trail. The Chitticks Beach Tral continues at the back of the small field. The trail enters the woods and then turns back in the direction of the parking lot. It soon comes to a cross trail. Turn right at the junction and you will come out onto a lookout platform overlooking a bog. Turn left and you can go back to the trail along the shore. Past the junction the trail continues to travel through the woods. It passes by some rocky cliffs and a small covered bridge before returning to the parking lot.
Map
Podcast
Episode 11: Being Dramatic at New River Beach
Directions
For directions to the park see the New River Beach Provincial Park page.
At the far end of the parking lot you will find a road down to Carrying Cove on the right and a trail head for the trail on the left. The trail forms a loop so you can either start at the trail head or go down to the other trail head down in Carrying Cove.
From the Sign
NUTRIENT-RICH WATERS
The churning waters of the Bay of Fundy stir up millions of microscopic plants and animals. This nutrient-laden soup supports one of the richest marine environments in the world.
INTERTIDAL LIFE
Some ocean life is uncovered on shore at low tide. This area is called the intertidal zone. Intertidal animals and plants are designed to survive dramatic changes in conditions - wet or dry, cold or hot, waves or wind.
Walk along the beach at low tide. You can see many different types of creatures. Some animals hide in small rocky pools. Others cling under rocks and seaweed or burrow into the sand.
From the Sign
NUTRIENT-RICH WATERS
This spot has often been struck by heavy storms. Look at the trees along the cliff edge for evidence of the harsh weather. The trees are small and lean toward the land. No branches grow to face the ocean because of fierce winds and heavy salt spray.
THE SAXBY GALE OF 1869
The Saxby Gale was the cruelest storm of the century. Hundreds of vessels were wrecked in the Bay of Fundy. Across from Barnaby Head, eleven lives were lost with the wreck of the barque Genii. On shore, buildings were destroyed and trees were uprooted.
DEADMANS COVE
When you leave Raspberry Cove, you may continue along the trail to Deadmans Cove. This cove was named for one of the most unfortunate sailors of the barque Genii, whose body was washed ashore there.
From the Sign
CHITTICKS BEACH IS NAMED AFTER EARLY SETTLERS
Look carefully among the gooseberry bushes in the field behind you. You will find a shallow hole in the ground and the remains of a rock foundation. This is the site of a house built over 150 years ago. The house belonged to an Irish family called the Chitticks. William and Alice Chittick were among the first Europeans to settle in the area. They came as refugees, escaping starvation in Ireland. In 1845, disease destroyed Ireland's main crop, the potato, leaving thousands without food.
THE CHITTICKS DEPENDED ON THE OCEAN FOR SURVIVAL
If the Chitticks had dreamed of an easy life in the New Land, they were bitterly disappointed. The winters were probably harsher than they could have imagined. They were isolated with no roads, and few if any neighbours. The ocean provided them with an essential transportation route to nearby communities. For the Chittick family, travelling to Pennfield meant a 3 kilometer sail or row.
Alice, William and their six children survived off the rich sea life in their front yard, the Bay of Fundy. They supplemented fishing with a little gardening, some livestock and berry picking.
Other Trails in the Park
Trail Last Hiked: May 17 2020.
Page Last Updated: July 9, 2024.