Mount Carleton Provincial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Carleton Provincial ParkParc provincial du Mont-Carlton (French) |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category II (National Park)
|
|
Fire-spotting hut on Mount Carleton
|
|
| Location | Mount Carleton, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Nearest city | Saint-Quentin |
| Area | 174 square kilometres (67 sq mi) |
| Established | 1970 (provincial park as of 2008) |
| Visitors | 26,373 (in 2009) |
| Governing body | Government of New Brunswick |
Mount Carleton Provincial Park is the largest provincial park in New Brunswick, Canada. It was created in 1970. This park covers about 174 square kilometres (67 sq mi) of wild, hilly land in north-central New Brunswick. It is a special, less-known place in the Atlantic Canadian wilderness. Many outdoor lovers call it the "Algonquin of New Brunswick."
Contents
Exploring Mount Carleton's Nature
This park is home to some amazing natural spots. It has the highest mountain in the Maritimes, called Mount Carleton. There are also several large freshwater lakes here. These include Nictau Lake, Little Nictau Lake, Bathurst Lake, and the Nepisiguit Lakes.
Mountains and Rivers
The lakes in the park are at the start of the Nepisiguit River and the Tobique River. Long ago, these lakes were a good way to carry canoes between the Nepisiguit and Saint John River systems. The Canadian part of the International Appalachian Trail also goes through the park.
The mountains you see in the park are very old. They are made of strong rocks that have been shaped by wind, water, and ice over millions of years.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Mount Carleton Provincial Park has lots of ways to explore nature. There are 11 hiking trails for you to discover. The park also has four main mountain peaks you can hike to.
Mountain Peaks to Climb
- Mount Carleton: 820 meters (2,690 feet) tall
- Mount Head: 792 meters (2,589 feet) tall
- Mount Sagamook: 777 meters (2,549 feet) tall
- Mount Bailey: 564 meters (1,850 feet) tall
Staying Overnight
You can stay in newly fixed cabins near Nictau Lake and Bathurst Lake. These cabins offer a comfy, rustic experience in the wilderness. The park also has three camping areas. Many family activities happen throughout the season.
A Look at Mount Carleton's Past
Mount Carleton has a rich history, both natural and human. Along the shores of Nictau Lake, people have found items from First Nations people. These items are thousands of years old. Signs at the start of hiking trails tell you more about the park's history.
Protecting the Night Sky
In 2009, the park was named a Dark Sky Preserve. This was done by Parks Canada and the Royal Astronomy Society of Canada. Being a Dark Sky Preserve means the park works to keep its night sky free from light pollution. This helps you see the stars much better!
Stargazing and More
The night sky at Mount Carleton Provincial Park is one of the darkest in all of Canada. This makes it a perfect place to look at stars.
Annual Stargazing Event
Every year, usually in late July or early August, the park holds a special stargazing event. It's a great chance to see countless stars and learn about the night sky.
