Difficulty | Easy | Features | Historic Site, River | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Trail Type | Mixed | Trail Markers | None but easy to follow | |
Distance | 1.93 km total | Scenery Rating | Historical | |
Estimated Time | 45 mins return | Mainteance Rating | Variable | |
Trail Surface Type | Crushed Rock, Old Road | Cell Phone Reception | None | |
Elevation Change | 19 m | GPS file | Available on Request |
View Metepenagiag Heritage Park in a larger map
From route 8 near Renous turn north onto Route 415 towards Red Bank. After nine kilometers you will come to a junction with route 420 near the river. Turn left onto Route 420 towards Red Bank. Drive for five kilometers and you will find the sign and flags marking the entrance to the park on the right. The blue museum signs should lead you all the way from route 8.
The crushed rock trail enters the woods to the left of the visitor centre. The trail passes by a replica teepee camping site. A staircase takes you down into the river valley and soon you emerge onto the shore of the river. The bend in the river cuts into the tall gravel banks on the other side of the river. Follow the trail around the turn to explore the full oxbow.
To the right of the visitor center is a short trail that takes you to a lookout platform overlooking the river. Next to it is another, larger teepee. Make sure you stop into the visitor centre to learn all about the fascinating history of this site.
In ancient times our ancestors established Metepenagiag at the junction of the Northwest and Little Southwest Miramichi Rivers. It is the oldest continuously inhabited village in New Brunswick.
Come experience centuries of Mi'kmaq history and sample our rich cultural heritage.
Have a pleasant visit!
In 1977, Elder Joseph Augustine guided us to the ancient Oxbow site. This link to our past has helped us to rediscover who we are as a people. We continue our centuries-old connection with the world-famous Mirmichi River.
Stored supplies, ice fishing, and group hunts kept them active and healthy. The people also filled the hours making crafts, telling stories, and playing games. In good weather the frozen rivers made travelling to hunting areas quite easy.
When the river ice broke up and the spring high water dropped, the ancestors would again move to the Oxbow site.
Metepenagiag Heritage Park - Walking Trails
Trail last visited September 8, 2012.
Page Last Updated September 3, 2018.