The Eye of the Needle hike, accessed from the Fundy Trail Parkway, is a true adventure – and not just a simple walk in the woods. It links a short section of the famed Fundy Footpath with the Eye of the Needle itself, a narrow slot canyon carved by a branch of the Big Salmon River.
I joined In Step Adventures for an unforgettable day on this hike. One moment we were walking a beach, the next wading a crystal-clear river, then boulder hopping and weaving through a mossy forest. But the real highlight was wading through the Eye of the Needle itself, a canyon renowned for its high, frigid water. Soaking in cold water pools above a waterfall was an unexpected bonus on a hot, sunny afternoon.
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Location map of the Eye of the Needle Loop hike
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Guided versus a self-guided hike
I did the Eye of the Needle hike with In Step Adventures as a guest of Tourism New Brunswick. I think that’s a great option if you’re traveling alone, you’re uncertain about navigation on the hike, you’d love the company and expertise of a guide, or you’d just feel safer going through the Eye of the Needle with someone who has done it countless times.
Going with Marguerite from In Step Adventures also means that I was able to take advantage of her considerable knowledge of the area. We did make one small detour thanks to Patrick Candy, another one of the guides on our hike, to the Historic Oven (or former oven firebox for a steam boiler?) just off the Fundy Footpath near the Little Salmon River.
Tips for the Eye of the Needle hike
Best time of year to hike
Late spring into summer and fall are ideal for the hike. Water flow will likely be very high in spring, so extra caution is in order. (See below for more details.) In summer, it’s a lovely hike to do, especially on a hot day, because of all the opportunities for cooling down. Fall would be quieter and a very peaceful, beautiful time to hike.
In the spring and after a big rainfall, Walton Glen Brook often becomes impassable and you are unable to cross. Hiking up Little Salmon River can also be impossible with the strong currents, and water depth – so call the park before your hike (at 506-833-2019) especially in the spring and get a report on whether or not the loop is doable. If the loop is not doable due to conditions, you can still hike down the gorge to the river, and then go back up again the same way. It’s still an amazing experience with the water courses and falls.
Essential gear
You can count on getting wet on the Eye of the Needle hike – so I’d recommend quick dry fabrics for all layers.
Depending on the season, you may want to start with long pants and a long-sleeved tee over shorts and a t-shirt. Lightweight shorts or those with a liner than can double as a bathing suit are ideal for both river crossings and quick dips. I’d also suggest packing a quick dry towel.
Bring extra socks as the ones you’re wearing will get wet.
Water shoes are ideal. Marguerite swears by her Tropicfeel shoes – and I wore my Chacos – as they provide support and grip. Regular running shoes (as opposed to trail runners) with standard soles are slippery when wet.
A baseball cap or sun hat and sunscreen are a must.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket.
A waterproof bag or case for electronics is essential. You might want another waterproof bag within your daypack, so you have a dry pair of clothes to change into.
Apart from the 10 hiking essentials, some of you might like a pair of hiking poles, especially for the numerous river crossings.
Safety notes
There are slippery rocks, steep sections with chains, river crossings, cold water and of course the Eye of the Needle itself to navigate. Part of the hike feels remote – though there is one section near the pools where you can see people on the Walton Glen Gorge/ Falls Observation deck.
Take these hazards into consideration when you pack your daypack. Be sure someone in your group carries a good first aid kit. Let someone know where you’re going and when you are due back.
Eye of the Needle Loop hike summary
Distance: 12.2 km as a loop hike
Elevation gain: +210 m/-302 m
Level of difficulty: Moderate but if the water in the Eye if the Needle is cold and high it could be difficult. There is also a short chain section to navigate which is steep but not hard in my books. There are places with large boulders where you many need to tread carefully.
Time needed: 4 – 5 hours at a relaxed pace
Permits: You need a park pass to access the hike because of its location in Fundy Trail Provincial Park.
Dogs permitted: Yes
Don’t forget: Pack the hiking essentials and please practice the seven Leave No Trace principles. Include a locator device like a Garmin InReach Mini 2.
Finding the trailhead
Plan to park near the Walton Glen Reception Centre (shown here on Google Maps) – where you’ll find snacks and washrooms. The McCumber Brook trail is just 75 metres away to the southwest.
Eye of the Needle hike description
Start out on the McCumber Brook Trail, enjoying an easy hike down to an intersection with the Fundy Footpath Connector and the Walton Glen Gorge main trail. Stick to the signed Fundy Footpath Connector, taking it down to the main Fundy Footpath trail.
Go left on the Fundy Footpath trail and follow it towards Little Salmon River.
At the end of the estuary, stay left and follow the Little Salmon River, hopscotching across the river where necessary. The hiking is fun and easy through here.
You will need to turn left at an unmarked intersection with Walton Glen Brook. (Have a look at the map at the top of the blog and it all makes sense!) Head up the brook and in short order you’ll see blue blazes on trees.
We took a lunch break beside the brook about 10 minutes up from the first of the blue blazes we saw before continuing on to the Eye of the Needle.
Lunch break on the hike
The day before the Eye of the Needle hike I had been out kayaking to Black Beach with Marguerite – so I had a pretty good idea of what was in store for lunch.
Note the gorgeous tablecloth on which I could lay my spread. In a three-part tiffin tin I was treated to a delicious sandwich on homemade bread, fresh vegetables with a dip and kiwi slices with a decadent brownie. To top it all off, homemade lemonade was provided with fresh mint from Marguerite’s garden.
The lunch alone is reason enough to sign up for a guided hike with Marguerite! And you can do it online via the In Step Adventures website.
The hike to the Eye of the Needle
From our lunch spot beside the brook we continued up on rougher terrain with more boulders compared to the section beside the Little Salmon River.
The Eye of the Needle comes into view, and I know Marguerite and Patrick are disappointed at how low the water level is. But wading through it, the icy cold water still came to the top of my thighs. It was both a refreshing and exciting experience all at the same time.
Looking back through the Eye of the Needle it looks wild and green. We’ve been especially lucky as we have only seen a few people up to this point on the hike.
Continuing, we have to work our way around massive roots and more boulders. Then there’s a steep climb with the help of chains. Near the top of that section you can look over to a couple of waterfalls flowing over colourful rocks.
A cooling dip in the pools
Before heading up to complete the loop we took about 30 minutes to scout out a couple of pools above the waterfalls. After changing into bathing suits, we all took turns wading through the deepest one. It was take-your-breath-away cold but also so refreshing. And best of all it was in cool location above the waterfall. (Don’t do this in times of high-water flow.)
The final ascent back to the Walton Glen Reception Centre
After one steep set of stairs near the McLeod Brook Falls and an easy stroll along the Gorge Rim Trail, we arrive back at the Walton Glen Gorge Reception Centre – the hike complete.
And what an amazing day it had been with a wild assortment of experiences, all of which were awe-inspiring – and best of all – a whole lot of fun.
Where to eat post hike
If you want something close, head to the Cookhouse accessed off the Fundy Trail Parkway. We finished the Eye of the Needle loop hike with a fresh lobster roll. That’s a massive win in my books – and made the day that much more memorable.
Where to stay nearby
You can camp on the Fundy Footpath trail by the Little Salmon River.
There are also three towns and cities that are close to the Eye of the Needle loop hike – Alma, St. Martins and Saint John.
Alma
In Alma, check out the Alma Shore Lane Suites & Cottages rated excellent.
The Alpine Motor Inn is also a solid choice.
St. Martins
The Beach Street Inn is rated as wonderful. It’s got an onsite restaurant and garden plus it comes with breakfast.
Saint John
I stayed in the Delta Saint John – which was walking distance to the waterfront and all kinds of restaurants.
Other options include A Tanners Home Inn Bed & Breakfast, just 450 metres from downtown and rated excellent.
Final thoughts on the Eye of the Needle hike
I may have missed the waist-deep cold water in the Eye of the Needle, but I walked away with unforgettable memories of a one-of-a-kind adventure in a spectacular corner of New Brunswick. What a treat it was to soak in cold pools above a waterfall, eat a delicious homemade lunch by a gurgling brook and experience this New Brunswick adventure.
Anyone looking for something offbeat will absolutely love this hike, especially with Marguerite as your guide.
More hikes in the Maritimes to try
- A 3 Day Hike on the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail
- One of Nova Scotia’s Great Day Hikes: The Hike to Cape Split
- The Island Walk in PEI: 5 Days From Kensington to St. Peter’s Bay
- Sagamook Peak Hike, Mount Carleton Provincial Park
- Cape Forchu Lighthouse & Leif Ericson Walk
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