The Moss Glen Nature Trail was established as a joint venture with the New Brunswick government, JD Irving Ltd. and Kingston Peninsula Heritage to preserve a unique wooded area of the Kingston Peninsula.
You will see most of the tree species found on the Kingston Peninsula on this trail, including red spruce, balsam fir, yellow birch, beech, white cedar, sugar maple, and white pine. Woodland plants abound, including starflower, Mayflower, goldthread, bunchberry, clintonia, cinnamon and hay-scented ferns. Bird sightings will include chickadees, downy woodpeckers, nuthatches, thrushes, white-throated sparrows, kinglets, and brown creepers.
History:
Logging was an important activity on the peninsula. All this area has been cut at one time or another. There is evidence that cuttings happened over 100 years ago, mostly to provide lumber for housing and the mills in the area.
In more recent years (1996), there was select cutting near the end of the loop of the trail. Note the low impact of the tree harvesters as they select some trees to harvest and leave others as seed trees and protection for the forest from wind and the elements.
A portion of this trail area contains uncommon species of plants and has thus been designated as a ‘unique area’. It is now enjoyed by hikers who can explore a mature New Brunswick Acadian Forest and its common inhabitants.
Nature trail hikers are encouraged to come back often and try the different seasons. We ask that you take only pictures and leave only footprints on the trail.
Directions from the Gondola Point Ferry:
Turn left onto Highway 845, then turn right on Williams Road just past the Moss Glen Legion. Go down the road 800 metres, and the trail starts on your left and is marked by a green sign. Once on the trail, please follow the looping route counter-clockwise to avoid crossing paths with others.
