Fundy National Park of Canada

Herring Cove on a foggy day.
© Parks Canada

Herring Cove

Hiking Interpretive Panel Dry Toilet Picnic Shelter Bench Lookout Interpretation Programs Parking Distance: 1 km loop
Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

A sign showing distances on the hiking trail © C. Van den Broeck
This short trail starts near the lookout and descends directly into Herring Cove. At low tide, one can walk to the rocky headland. Over time, the constant tidal action has carved a small sea cave accessible after a short scramble over rocks – watch your step as seaweeds make them slippery! You can return to the picnic area by the same route or cross the little stream at the upper beach and walk back through the forest. The trail parallels a brook and crosses a small waterfall.

National Park Interpreters often lead guided walks here in July and August. Check the schedule of events posted on the park bulletin boards.

Highlights Throughout the Year

  • There are many old apple trees at Herring Cove indicating that the area was once settled.
  • Old fields are now regenerating into a second growth forest. Alder thickets are home to the Alder Flycatcher. Many species of flycatchers look alike, so the habitat they occupy and the sounds they make are a good way to tell them apart.
  • At low tide, look for rock barnacles. They resemble tiny white volcanoes attached to rocks. At high tide, this close relative of the shrimp opens its top trap doors and kicks its feathery feet in the water to catch plankton.

Trail Index

Easy Trails
Moderate Trails
Difficult Trails
  • Coastal
  • Goose River
  • Marven Lake
  • Moosehorn
  • The Forks
  • Third Vault Falls
  • Tippen Lot
  • Upper Salmon River
  • Whitetail
Strenous Trails
  • Bennett Brook
  • Black Hole
  • Foster Brook