Maccan Tidal Bore Wetlands Park
If you want to walk around on land included in William Ripley's original DesBarres Purchase, visit the Maccan Tidal Bore Park. In 2014, Art Ripley, an 84 year old descendant of William and Hannah Ripley (my second cousin once removed) was still living on William's original homestead. Art told me that the Ripley land was originally one big piece and it had been subdivided many times as the Ripley family grew. He told me that if I drove the short road to the Maccan River Tidal Bore Wetlands Park and hiked the trail along the river, I'd be walking through some of the Ripleys' original land.
The river was very important for transportation in the old days but the mud and tides were extremely dangerous. A hired hand working for Carl Ripley drowned in the river. The tides change so quickly and dramatically in the Bay of Fundy that a phenomenon known as the tidal bore is created when the tides rush in against the current of the river, actually forming a wave. There are several viewing points on Nova Scotia and New Brunswick tidal rivers, and the tidal bore times are posted on tourism websites. In July 2014 I was able to see the Tidal Bore and visit with a long-time resident who comes down to the park to chat with tourists who have come to view the Tidal Bore.
The river was very important for transportation in the old days but the mud and tides were extremely dangerous. A hired hand working for Carl Ripley drowned in the river. The tides change so quickly and dramatically in the Bay of Fundy that a phenomenon known as the tidal bore is created when the tides rush in against the current of the river, actually forming a wave. There are several viewing points on Nova Scotia and New Brunswick tidal rivers, and the tidal bore times are posted on tourism websites. In July 2014 I was able to see the Tidal Bore and visit with a long-time resident who comes down to the park to chat with tourists who have come to view the Tidal Bore.
Location:
From Amherst, head south on Albion Street, also known as Trunk 2 South, continuing past the shopping mall. After crossing Highway 104, turn right onto NS Hwy 302 South which goes through Nappan and Maccan. Turn right on Hwy 242 toward River Hebert and Joggins and immediately (before the bridge) turn right again onto a gravel road leading into the park. A large sign marks the park entrance.
From Amherst, head south on Albion Street, also known as Trunk 2 South, continuing past the shopping mall. After crossing Highway 104, turn right onto NS Hwy 302 South which goes through Nappan and Maccan. Turn right on Hwy 242 toward River Hebert and Joggins and immediately (before the bridge) turn right again onto a gravel road leading into the park. A large sign marks the park entrance.
Sources and other information:
Great photos of the Tidal Bore and high and low tide on the Maccan River in the blog post We Get Bored.
Geocache at the Maccan Tidal Bore Wetlands Park.
Great photos of the Tidal Bore and high and low tide on the Maccan River in the blog post We Get Bored.
Geocache at the Maccan Tidal Bore Wetlands Park.