Newcastle Stream Trail
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | accessible/moderate |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 2.6 km mapped |
| Estimated Time | 1 hr 45 mins return |
| Surface Type | crushed rock, forested |
| Elevation Change | 34 metres |
| Features | stream |
| Trail Markers | none but easy to follow |
| Scenery Rating | special features |
| Maintenance Rating | poor |
| Cell Reception | not checked |
| Dog Friendly | yes |
| Fees | none |
Update
May 6, 2017 - I am pleased to announce that the main trail between Northside Dr. and Bridge St. has been re-opened since last September. The Village maintenance dept. are aware of the issues on the trail and will be doing work to it this summer to get it fixed up. The trail that starts at Gilbert Park will hopefully be open mid summer. There are some big trees down, remnants from hurricane Arthur that need to be removed, a board walk and a set of stairs that need to be repaired or replaced.
Map
Description
The Newcastle Stream Trail follows along Newcastle Stream. The section of the trail near Gilbert Park and the High School is called the Racoon Trail. The first 140 meters of the Raccoon section is crushed rock and wheelchair accessable. The crushed rock section ends at a picnic table and shelter overlooking Gilbert Park on the opposite side of the stream.
The trail continues to follow the stream. It then turns into the woods for a short distance before returning to the stream. The trail goes along the back of the baseball and soccer fields at Minto High, where it starts following the stream again. The trail travels around the end of the fields and away from the stream. There are two small sections of boardwalk here that are in a state of disrepair but easy to walk around. A small flight of stairs will take you to the sidewalk to Park Street, further down from where you started. There are a couple of benches at the top of the stairs where you can take a quick rest before returning on the trail.
From Northside Park the trail enters the woods and soon crosses a small covered bridge over a wet area. The bridge has seen better days and is probably part of the reason the trail is closed. After the bridge the trail climbs a hill and travels along the top of a ridge along the stream valley. It goes through a mainly softwood forest.
The trail drops down into a stream valley and crosses another covered bridge. This one is in a bit better shape but not much. After climbing up out of this valley the trail passes through a red pine stand. The trail then comes to a fence surrounding a pond. The pond is an old mine site that has filled with water.
Directions
From Route 10 (Corner near Tim Hortons and Town Hall) head north-west on Main street. After 400 meters turn right on Park Street. After another 450 meters you will pass Gilbert Park on your right. You can park here or continue across the bridge and you will find a small parking lot on your right at the trail head.
Other sections of the trail can be accessed by going through Minto on Main Street. Once through town turn right onto Northside Drive. After 1 km turn right onto Bridge Street. Cross the bridge over Newcastle Stream and you will find the trail on either side of the road.
If you continue on Northside Drive for another 3 km you will cross another bridge over Newcastle Stream. After crossing the bridge you will find Northside Park on the right and a rink on the left. The trail goes into the woods at the back of the park and into the woods beside the rink.
Other Trails in the Area
Trail Last Hiked: June 18, 2016.
Page Last Updated: November 17, 2016.