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Split Rock Falls Trail, Prince William

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Mount Douglas Bald Trail

(Bald Peak)

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Mount Douglas Bald Trail Gallery

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Quick Facts

Difficulty strenuous
Trail Type linear
Distance 1.1 km one way
Estimated Time 1 hr 45 mins return
Surface Type forested, rocky
Elevation Change 201 meters
Features rock face, rocky peak
Trail Markers none but easy to follow
Scenery Rating beautiful
Maintenance Rating well maintained
Cell Reception variable
Dog Friendly yes
Fees none

Directions

Note: Access permits are required for this trail. To get an access permit drive to the Range Control office in Camp Petersville located approximately 12 km north of Welsford at exit 51 on route 7. Provided there are no existing restrictions in the training area a recreational day pass will be given to you.

Take route 7 between Fredericton and Saint John. At about 65 kilometres take exit 63 to Welsford. Turn left to cross the overpass and then turn right at a junction. Drive for 1.7 kilometres and you will come to a junction with route 101 to Fredericton Junction. There is an Irving gas station on the corner. Turn right onto route 101 and just after passing under the highway you will find a gravel road climbing the hill on the right. Turn into this road and park in the wide gravel spot at the end. The trail starts in the woods just off the back of the parking area.

If you are coming from Saint John drive for about 35 kilometres and take exit 71 towards Welsford. Turn right at the yield sign and then turn left towards Welsford. Drive for 6.7 kilometres and you will come to a junction with route 101 to Fredericton Junction. There is an Irving gas station on the corner. Turn left onto route 101 and just after passing under the highway you will find a gravel road climbing the hill on the right. Turn into this road and park in the wide gravel spot at the end. The trail starts in the woods just off the back of the parking area.

Road in to the Mount Douglas Bald Trail

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Description

The Mount Douglas Bald Trail starts to climb as soon as it leaves the parking area. The trail is a steady climb that turns more rocky as you get near the peak. The trail travels through a mixewood forest and eventually comes out at the cliff face. The granite cliff face is worth exploring and is used by rock climbers to get to the peak. If you are not into technical climbing, or forget your ropes at home, there is an easier way to access the peak. You can find a trail on the left side of the cliffs. The peak of the mountain is solid granite that provides open views of Welsford and the valley below.

Just behind the peak there is a wooden platform. When we were there last we thought it might be a tenting platform but found out later that it is actually a helicopter pad. Remember that this trail is on military base land so make sure you check in with range control before hiking it (see details above).

Caution: The cliff is a high, straight drop as you probably seen on the way up. Stay safe, keep back from the cliff edge, and enjoy the view.

Looking up at the cliffs near the peak of Mount Douglas Bald in Welsford

Blog Posts

Welsford Falls and Spending the Night on Mount Douglas Bald
Welsford Falls and Spending the Night on Mount Douglas Bald Blog Post

Other Trails in the area

Trail Last Hiked: March 3, 2016.

Page Last Updated: April 11, 2020.