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Irving Nature Park:
Gooby.ca:
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Irving Nature Park, Saint John, NBSheldon Point Trail
Sheldon Point Trail, the newer of the trails in the Irving Nature Park, winds its way 4 kilometers through mixed woods, along rugged Fundy coastline, through an alder grove and, finally, onto a sand and gravel beach backed by sandy cliffs. The trail is a little more undulating than the Taylor Island Trail but is still accessible for most. The trail is well-maintained but may need steps installed in a couple of places to prevent erosion. Sheldon Point itself offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Fundy and its rugged shoreline, as well as a view of the beach. It's a nice spot for a picnic (sheltered table available) or a short rest stop if you're doing the full Sheldon Point-Taylor Island loop. You can also go down to the rocks below although they can be quite slippery when yet, so use caution. The beach can, at certain times of the year, be impassable due to extreme high tides. Even during moderate high tides, the waves can wash up to the base of the sandy cliffs (wet feet are a possibility.) Be aware of the tides so you can avoid having to scramble up the cliff (although that's not so bad in itself.) 
The grove of alders are part of a regenerating landscape that used to be a gravel and sand operation. At certain times of the year (I really noticed it in late October until frost) the flies along that part of the trail can be thick. Walking through this part of trail with mouth firmly closed is recommended, unless you're needing a protein fix. If you have the time and energy, the trail is best done in conjunction with the Taylor Island Perimeter Trail. When you reach the end of the Sheldon Point Trail, continue along the beach until you reach Taylor Island and walk the perimeter trail, returning on the Sheldon Point Trail. This gives you a walk of approximately 16km and can be completed in 3-6 hours. Photos:
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| Copyright ©2004 Stephane "Gooby" Theroux |