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Split Rock Falls Trail, Prince William

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Hearst Lodge Historic Footpath

Gallery

Hearst Lodge Historic Footpath

Store

Store Fundy East

Quick Facts

Difficulty moderate
Trail Type linear
Distance 2.4 km one way
Estimated Time 2 hrs 45 mins
Surface Type forested
Elevation Change 54 meters
Features river, lodge
Trail Markers green paint
Scenery Rating beautiful
Maintenance Rating well maintained
Cell Reception none
Dog Friendly on a leash
Fees yes

Description

At the start of the trail there is a small field with a monument in memory of James Catt. He was the Regional Supervisor of Fish Culture. He was responsible for re-establishing the salmon run, and did more than any other man to re-establish salmon angling on the river. He died in 1959 while fishing the river. The monument was erected as a tribute by the Saint John Anglers' Association. There are also several imterpretive signs around the field describing the plants and animals native to the area.

The Hearst Lodge Scenic Footpath follows along the banks of the Big Salmon River. On its way to the Hearst Lodge it passes by several deep salmon pools. There are several places comes out by the river and provides amazing views of the deep valley. The trail eventually comes out on the lawn of the Hearst Lodge. Continuing past the lodge will take you to the Rody Bar Lookout. This lookout overlooks the point where Rody Brook flows into the river.

Rody Brook Lookout

The Hearst Lodge was built around 1961 and named after newpaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. He came to the area in the early 1900's to build a sawmill at the mouth of Big Salmon River and harvest the surrounding timber to feed his newpaper and magazine business in the US. The fishing lodge was popular with many famous people. Prime Minister Diefenbaker often fished here. Frank Sinatra and Donald Sutherland have also fished here.

The land was bought by the New Brunswick government in 1994. For a period the lodge was open to the public as a bed and breakfast but had not been sufficiently maintained so closed around 2015. There are plans for the lodge to once again be open to the public in the near future (2020).

Hearst Lodge

Map

Advertising Main

Directions

For directions to the park go to the Fundy Trail Parkway page.

From the west gate drive for 10 kilometres. At the bottom of the hill, just before you cross the large bridge over Big Salmon River, turn right into parking lot P8. Park in the parking lot and take the trail along the river back towards the bridge. Go under the bridge and you will come to the footbridge. Cross the footbridge and you will find the start of the Hearst Lodge Scenic Footpath on the left.

Trail Start

Trail Last Hiked: October 7, 2012.

Page Last Updated: December 14, 2019.