Moncton 
The Lower Saint John River Valley in southern New Brunswick is full of natural wonders and hidden gems – if you know where to look. The rural farmlands around the river valley, the rolling hills, and the covered bridge crossings all combine to create picturesque scenery for a drive, a hike, and a day of sightseeing.
The Saint John River creates a broad branch of water and marshlands that stretch out into the Midland area. Here, the hills and valleys have creeks and other rivers criss-crossing throughout, as well as dense forests. And when you venture out from the scenic drives or roads in the area and onto the hiking trails, there is much more to uncover.
The area has a handful of small waterfalls created by the changing elevations and creeks or rivers, plus one feature utterly unique to Midland: the ice caves. The Midland Ice Caves trail is one of the top hikes in southern New Brunswick and for clear reasons, is one of the best winter hikes in the region.
Hiking to the Midland Ice Caves
The start of the trail is a former road which leads from Upper Midland Road and into the forested areas of Midland. This first section of the hike, which follows a private property’s fence line, is where much of the elevation is gained and turns into a bit of a climb. Keep in mind, too, that this is also a snowmobile trail with the vehicles having the right of way. Luckily, the trail is nice and wide!
- At the top of the hill, from where you’ll get exceptional valley views with snow-covered hills, is where the forest and treeline start. Take the left turn at the top of the hill to continue on to the Ice Caves. As the trail winds through the trees, it eventually stops at views looking out and over the Midland Ice Caves. From here, it is a simple climb down the hill to get up close with or inside the caves.
- At any given time, the Ice Caves and formations will look different. And if you make the hike every winter, the Ice Caves are sure to change year after year. For some visits, it may be possible to walk behind the wall and into the caves, while at other times, the back cave area might be completely enclosed in ice.
- Remember to be respectful of the fact that part of the trail runs along private property: stick to the trail and always take out whatever you bring in!
Winter Walks, Waterfalls, & Covered Bridges
The picturesque farmland, rural areas, hills, and valleys, of the Lower Saint John River Valley and Midland areas provide the perfect backdrop for winter sightseeing. The area is also worth a drive or road trip through as there are provincially maintained wooden and covered bridges crossing several creeks. The historic wooden bridges, now rare or nonexistent in major cities or urban areas, undoubtedly add a certain charm to the scenery and landscapes; and there are over a dozen in the region. There are 58 in total across New Brunswick.
- There are two quick hikes near the ice caves, which lead to waterfall views! The Smith Falls Trail is a short but steep 0.3km climb down to view the Smith Falls and is the closest of the two waterfalls to the Midland Ice Caves trail. The Peakaboo Falls trail, a bit further east near Norton, is also a 0.3km trail to view the waterfall.
- Take a slightly longer hike to access the nearby Reddin Falls. The 5.1km out-and-back trail leads mostly through forested areas at the bottom of a valley with a slight climb to start the hike.
- While wandering around and exploring the Lower Saint John River Valley, be sure to pass over as many of the historic covered bridges as possible. These old wooden structures create beautiful winter backdrops or photo ops.
- The Saint John River creates a large branch and marsh near Midland and Hatfield Point. The Belleisle Marsh Land trail is a simple 2.1km out-and-back trek where you’ll have a great chance to watch for birds around the shallowest parts of the waters.
Dining in Hampton or Sussex
The small towns of Hampton and Sussex are both about the same distance from the Midland Ice Caves with Sussex the larger of the two, and Hampton the closer of the two to Saint John.
- Anyone visiting Midland from Saint John can conveniently stock up or fuel up with great local eats in Hampton at places like Hampton Brewing Co., Beer Daddy BBQ & Gridiron Brewing, Berc’s Cookhouse, Station 33 Café, or A1 Curry.
- Sussex, to the east of Midland, has several options right along Main Street and the highway central to town. Try out places like The Mule Bar & Grill, Picadilly Coffee Roasters, Greco Pizza, Sushi Jo, Kwan’s Cantonese Restaurant, Kocks Café, or The Falafel Spot!
Planning your Trip – Midlands Ice Cave Trail
What: The 4.8 km round trip Midlands Ice Cave Trail is partially along an old road that is no longer in use until it enters the woods. The well-marked trail eventually leads to the Midland Ice Caves, created by the ice that forms over the large overhanging rocks. The caves are formed by the tall rock walls on one side, and the ice walls that freeze over, often from the top all the way to the ground.
Location and how to get there: 55km northeast of Saint John via Highway NB-1
Trailhead and limited parking are located on Upper Midland Road.
Midlands Ice Cave makes for a wonderful winter day trip from Sait John (~60 km/40 min drive), Fredericton (~ 1 hr drive/98 km), and Moncton (115 km/75 min drive).
Best time to go: December to February
Cost: free
For more information:
Midland Ice Caves Trail