Are you looking for a place to stretch your legs near Saint John? Head over to Split Rock Trail not too far from Lorneville and hike along the Bay of Fundy coastline. In my view, there’s nothing quite like a coastal New Brunswick hike on a bright summer’s day (or even in the fog!). The Split Rock hike is a true paradise along the Musquash Estuary, one of the only Marine Protected Areas in the entire Bay of Fundy.
Last Updated: January 25, 2024
A few years back, in the summer of 2020, I was spending time in New Brunswick and feeling restless after a long road trip from Calgary to Saint John. After days spent behind the wheel, I wanted to find a trail nearby to burn some energy. That’s when I discovered the spectacular Split Rock Trail. I decided to hike point-to-point starting with Split Rock and ending up at Black Beach via Troy’s Trail. Keep reading to find out more!
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About Split Rock Trail (& Troy’s Trail)
Location: Lorneville, New Brunswick
Distance: 7 km point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate (due to length and some rugged / steep sections)
Elevation: 173 metre gain
Time: Approx 2 – 3 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes
Features: Split Rock Trail is a rugged and beautiful coastal trail along the Musquash Estuary, one of the only Marine Protected Areas on the Bay of Fundy. Along the way, you’ll find several scenic lookoffs with views of the Musquash Head Lighthouse, a cave, and beach access. Split Rock and Troy’s Trail are both highly maintained with fantastic Bay of Fundy views, but the trail is certainly not an easy stroll. Be prepared to stretch your legs and muscles as you venture up and down the rugged coastal trail.
Split Rock Trail Map
Finding Split Rock Trailhead
Split Rock Trailhead is fairly easy to find. If you’re coming from Uptown Saint John, follow the main Highway 1 west for about 11 km, then take the exit toward Lorneville. Turn left from the ramp onto King William Rd and follow for about 14 km. You’ll need to take a slight right onto Black Beach Rd (dirt road) beside the Coleson Cove Generating Station. There’s a large parking area with Split Rock Trail signage on the left. The entire drive should take between 20 to 30 minutes. Find Split Rock Trailhead on Google Maps to make things easier.
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Split Rock Trail — One of the Best Hikes in New Brunswick
If you’re near Saint John, don’t miss the chance to experience Split Rock Trail. When I got out, this 7 km point-to-point coastal route was exactly what I needed. Starting at Split Rock Trailhead, I followed the Bay of Fundy coastline to Musquash Head Lighthouse, then hopped on Troy’s Trail to end at Black Beach. If hiking one way (point-to-point), you’ll need to organize a vehicle shuttle or pick-up. I was surprised to find such a quiet trail, only crossing paths with one other hiker on Split Rock Trail.
At the Split Rock Trailhead, hikers will start off through thick alder bushes, down an old dirt road, and into a grassy meadow on the coast. Bring gaiters if you want to keep dry pant legs on a foggy and dewy morning. Then continue on the coastline and find several lookoffs with views of crashing waves against the rocky shore, with the faint blow of the foghorn off in the distance. Bring a day pack with a water bottle and snacks for the journey. I was hiking in 20-degree weather in June and luckily no rain! On the East Coast, I always pack my rain jacket just in case.
Note: Split Rock Trail is exposed in areas and comes close to the cliff’s edge. Exercise caution when hiking near the cliffs, especially when hiking with young children.
Hiking Troy’s Trail
After reaching the Musquash Head Lighthouse, one of the features of this hike, it was time to hop onto Troy’s Trail toward Black Beach. At the lighthouse, I crossed paths with a few people hanging out as there’s road access to the lighthouse. You could choose to turn around or continue onto Troy’s Trail. If you have time, why not keep going to Black Beach?
Once past the lighthouse, pass by the rock shelf with top-notch views of the Musquash Estuary. Troy’s Trail follows a well-maintained forest route for over 2 km to Black Beach. As you might suspect, Black Beach is full of unique black sand caused by the graphite deposits. I was happy to take off my hiking boots and walk barefoot in the cool Bay of Fundy waters.
Note: Can’t arrange a pick up at Black Beach? No problem! Follow Black Beach Rd for about 2 km back to your vehicle at Split Rock Trailhead. That way, you can turn this hike into a nice loop.
Know Before You Go
Parking: You’ll find a free parking area at the Split Rock Trailhead.
Toilets: No outhouses along Split Rock, Troy’s Trail, or any of the Musquash Estuary trails.
Water: Bring enough water for your hike. I typically carry a 2-litre water reservoir and a water bottle, just in case. There are some freshwater streams, but you should filter or purify before use.
Navigation: These trails are well maintained with navigation markers to keep you on track, similar to Five Fathom Hole. Always a good idea to bring a map and compass along.
Weather: You never really know what the weather will be on the coast. Prepare for anything and always bring that rain jacket.
Safety: Hikers should exercise caution around exposed cliffs. You’ll also find a couple of roped areas to support you through steep hiking sections. Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail runners. Highly suggest trekking poles when hiking up and down these trails. With my poles in my pack, I ended up on my butt shortly past the trailhead…. Needless to say, I used trekking poles for the rest of the day!
Leave No Trace: Please respect the area and the many people who contribute to keeping these trails maintained and clean. If you pack it in, pack it out; do not leave anything on the trail (even fruit peels). Learn more about Leave No Trace principles here.
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Split Rock and Troy’s Trail Review
In my humble opinion, Split Rock Trail is easily one of the best New Brunswick hikes around. I highly suggest Split Rock and Troy’s Trail together and then hike back on Black Beach Rd if you don’t have a pick up option. Remember, this isn’t considered an easy hike — basic hiking skills and physical fitness are required. When it’s raining, these trails can become quite muddy and even more difficult (don’t forget your hiking poles). Join the Explore Lorneville Inc: Musquash Estuary Coastal Trails Facebook group and find out more.
One more thing I really like about this section of trails: You can choose your own adventure! Short on time? Enjoy the Split Rock hike to the Musquash Head Lighthouse and then return the way you came. Prefer to hike a loop? Enjoy Split Rock and Troy’s Trail together and return along Black Beach Rd. I would like to return for a longer trip, hiking from Split Rock Trail, Troy’s Trail, Lorneville Link, and Five Fathom Hole as a short thru hike. No matter what you choose, if you’re like me, you’ll truly enjoy this slice of coastal paradise!
More New Brunswick Hikes
Are you looking for more New Brunswick hikes? Here are more trails to add to your list:
- Ministers Island Loop Near St. Andrews, New Brunswick
- Pea Point Lighthouse Hike in Blacks Harbour, New Brunswick
- Turtle Mountain Hike Near Saint John, New Brunswick
- Barnaby Head Trail in New River Beach Provincial Park
- Sam Orr Pond Trail in the Caughey-Taylor Nature Preserve
Have you hiked Split Rock and Troy’s Trail? Do you have other favourite New Brunswick hike? Drop a comment below. Thanks for reading!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
Excellent suggestion, i just completed both trails. Since I wasn’t sure if I was able to do the entire back and forth of 14 kilometers I started on Black Beach and once at the lighthouse I continued on Split Rock trail and hiked back to Black Beach. No hitchhiking possible, I was the only person on the trail.
Hi Werner, thanks for your comment! Glad to hear you were able to hike both trails – beautiful spot!