Mount Douglas Bald Trail
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Quick Facts
| Difficulty | strenuous |
| Trail Type | linear |
| Distance | 1.1 km one way |
| Estimated Time | 1 hr 45 mins return |
| Surface Type | forested, rocky |
| Elevation Change | 201 meters |
| Features | rock face, rocky peak |
| Trail Markers | none but easy to follow |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | variable |
| Dog Friendly | yes |
| Fees | none |
Directions
Note: Access permits are required for this trail. To get an access permit drive to the Range Control office in Camp Petersville located approximately 12 km north of Welsford at exit 51 on route 7. Provided there are no existing restrictions in the training area a recreational day pass will be given to you.
Take route 7 between Fredericton and Saint John. At about 65 kilometres take exit 63 to Welsford. Turn left to cross the overpass and then turn right at a junction. Drive for 1.7 kilometres and you will come to a junction with route 101 to Fredericton Junction. There is an Irving gas station on the corner. Turn right onto route 101 and just after passing under the highway you will find a gravel road climbing the hill on the right. Turn into this road and park in the wide gravel spot at the end. The trail starts in the woods just off the back of the parking area.
If you are coming from Saint John drive for about 35 kilometres and take exit 71 towards Welsford. Turn right at the yield sign and then turn left towards Welsford. Drive for 6.7 kilometres and you will come to a junction with route 101 to Fredericton Junction. There is an Irving gas station on the corner. Turn left onto route 101 and just after passing under the highway you will find a gravel road climbing the hill on the right. Turn into this road and park in the wide gravel spot at the end. The trail starts in the woods just off the back of the parking area.
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Description
The Mount Douglas Bald Trail starts to climb as soon as it leaves the parking area. The trail is a steady climb that turns more rocky as you get near the peak. The trail travels through a mixewood forest and eventually comes out at the cliff face. The granite cliff face is worth exploring and is used by rock climbers to get to the peak. If you are not into technical climbing, or forget your ropes at home, there is an easier way to access the peak. You can find a trail on the left side of the cliffs. The peak of the mountain is solid granite that provides open views of Welsford and the valley below.
Just behind the peak there is a wooden platform. When we were there last we thought it might be a tenting platform but found out later that it is actually a helicopter pad. Remember that this trail is on military base land so make sure you check in with range control before hiking it (see details above).
Caution: The cliff is a high, straight drop as you probably seen on the way up. Stay safe, keep back from the cliff edge, and enjoy the view.
Blog Posts
Welsford Falls and Spending the Night on Mount Douglas Bald
Other Trails in the area
- Cochrane Lane Cliffs Trail
- Welsford Falls
- Blueberry Hill Nature Preserve
- Turtle Mountain Trail
Trail Last Hiked: March 3, 2016.
Page Last Updated: April 11, 2020.