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Little Sheephouse Falls Nature Trails

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Sheephouse Falls Trail

Map

Quick Facts

Difficulty easy
Trail Type linear
Distance 1 km total
Estimated Time 1 hour return
Surface Type crushed rock
Elevation Change 27 meters
Features waterfall
Trail Markers signs
Scenery Rating beautiful
Maintenance Rating well maintained
Cell Reception none
Dog Friendly yes
Fees none

Description

The Sheephouse Falls Trail is bunch of short trails that loop through a beautiful pine stand and extend downstream on both sides of the valley. A sign and picnic table with shelter greets you at the start of the trail. Two trails enter the woods forming a small loop that includes a small covered bridge. The part of the loop that follows the stream first comes to a bridge over the stream on the right. Crossing the bridge will take you to a trail on the other side of the stream that eventually leads to a lookout over the basin that holds the falls. Continue on the trail and it turns into a really rough trail that fishermen use to access further downstream.

Sheephouse Falls

Return to the bridge and the loop trail, and turn right to continue downstream. Climb up over a small hill and you will come to a lookout directly over the falls. Just past this you will find the stairs down to below the falls. There is also a trail past this that continues downstream to several lookouts overlooking smaller waterfalls and the deep ravine below the falls.

Sheephouse Falls

Sheephouse Falls is a 60 foot (20 metre) high waterfall that flows over a plated rock face into a beautiful pool below. The plated rock is carved out underneath on the left making it possible to climb up underneath the falls but use caution because of the loose rock. The pool makes a beautiful place to swim but only comes up to about waist deep.

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From the sign

Little Sheephouse Falls Nature Trail has become a popular destination for Miramichi residents and visitors to the region. Forest managers have known for some time the recreational potential of the Little Sheephouse Falls area. In 1989 the company decided to develop a simple trail along Little Sheephouse Brook so visitors would have easier access to the falls. According to New Brunswick's Dept. of Energy and Resource Development, this initial work made the site the first company-developed tourist facility on Crown Land. In 1995 the initial trail system was expanded to accomodate an increasing number of visitors including many seniors who are able to enjoy the easily accessible tails and in 2017 a stairway was added to provide visitors safe access to the bottom of the falls. Chaleur Forest Products often use the site as a lunch stop for school and public tours of the company's forestry operations and is pleased to maintain this beautiful trail for the enjoyment of all visitors.

Sheephouse Falls Trail sign

Directions

Drive north on Route 430 (Chaplin Island Road) from Miramichi. After 25 kilometres cross the bridge in Wayerton and continue north. After another 3.5 kilometres turn left onto the Fraser Burchill Road. The Fraser Burchill Road is a gravel road and a main forestry haul road so use caution, especially if visiting during a weekday.

Drive for 10 kilometres and turn left, following the signs for Sheephouse Falls. After another 4.6 kilometres take another left. Drive for another 2.7 kilometres and just before a small bridge you will see the parking lot for Sheephouse Falls on the left.

Sheephouse Falls Trail

From the sign

Eastern White Pine

This White Pine started growing in the 1860's, around the same time Canada started growing as a nation. White Pine is a long lived tree for this area, reaching over-maturity at 160 years old. Balsam Fir, on the other hand, reaches old age at 70 years.

The White Pine is the tallest conifer in Eastern Canada. For this reason, pine were in great demand by the British Royal Navy for sailing ship masts. William Davidson, a Miramichi pioneer, supplied masts for the British from 1779 to his death in 1790. In the 1800's masts contined to come from the Miramichi as well as complete ships built at various shipyards on the river. Today this tree is sawn into valuable lumber.

Loggers must take special care to leave the younger undersized, White Pine trees to grow for the future.

Eastern White Pine sign

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Store Miramichi Region

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Trail Last Hiked: September 17, 2022.

Page Last Updated: November 1, 2022.