Highpoints of Canada

 

Mount Carleton

Picture
New Brunswick

Elevation 2,690 ft

Topo map 21 O/7 Nepisiguit Lakes

The highpoint of New Brunswick is Mount Carleton, a treeless rock summit rising well above the neighboring hills. It is the highest point in the Maritime Provinces. The lonely tower on top was home to men who operated the Mount Carleton fire tower from 1923 until 1968. To reach the trailhead, drive north on Highway 385, east of Grand Falls to Nictau Lake in Mount Carleton Provincial Park. After 2 miles along Nictau Lake, turn south on a dirt roan that leads 5 miles to the parking lot at the trailhead. The trail to the summit gains 1,300 ft in 2.8 miles through mature spruce and fir mixed with yellow birch. The final few hundred feet to the summit are steep and rocky, but not difficult.

The hike to the summit of Mount Carleton is reminiscent of a climb to the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont.