Some trails are rich in history. Sometimes the history is many centuries old. The Oasapegal Heritage Park in Pabineau First Nation is a small park near the mouth of Pabineau River where it flows into the Nepsiquit. Historically Pabineau River was called Oasapegal which means “flowing brightly” in Mi’gmag. The site of the park has been a sacred heritage site for the Mi’gmag for many centuries. For more information go to Pabineau First Nation – Oasapegal Heritage Park.
I first saw the sign for Oasapegal Park in January on my way to Pabineau Falls. I am always amazed that after all these year’s I continue to find more trails around the province. I took a picture of the sign but couldn’t see any sign of the trails under all the snow. I continued on to photograph Pabineau Falls under ice. I noted the location of the new park sign for my next visit.
I was driving from Bathurst to Miramichi on Friday and had a bit of time. I decided to check out Pabineau Falls and the park. The snow was still melting so I figured Pabineau Falls would be flowing full. I went around the turn on Pabineau Falls Road that’s just before the bridge that crosses Pabineau River. The park sign was still there and I could now see trail signs and benches. I parked in front of the start of the trail.
The trail split in 3 different directions so I chose the one to the left that went down towards the river. The river was high and you could see it was over its banks, but the trail was still above the waterline. The other side of the river was a steep hill. I followed the trail along the river passing several new benches made out of Aspen logs. Just around the turn I came to a trail junction.
I continued for a short distance and came to a floating boardwalk. It was tied to two trees that crossed a small side stream that came from the overflowing river. I had to jump onto the floating boardwalk but it kept me above water. I also had to jump off at the other end. After a short distance the trail crossed back through the small stream to a staircase up and out of the floodplain. This time there was no floating boardwalk and I couldn’t cross without getting wet so I had to turn back.
I returned to the trail junction and went back towards the car. There were several small bridges built over wet parts of the trail. Once back at the car I took the trail farthest to the right. It was on an old road or ATV trail. It returned back towards the stream to the other side of the trail underwater. There were several piles of poplar logs piles in neat piles across the trail. It looked as though someone had piled there firewood in the trail. I assume it was to keep ATV’s out.
Once I got closer to the stream I noticed that there was another trail on my left between the ATV Trail and the stream. I mapped it all out with the GPS and then continued on the trail upstream. I stopped to take pictures of a small greyish-brown bird. He would pose for me on a branch but always with his back to me.
I continued on and soon came to the end of the trail where a steep hill on my right came to meet the stream. Either the trail climbed up the steep hill or it was the end of the trail. As I got further I found out that it was the end of the trail. At the end of the trail there was a small set of stairs that descended the river’s edge. At this location there was a small rock shelf that crossed the river making a small waterfall. Above the rock ledge the river meandered around a turn to the left going out of site.
I took several pictures of the river and the rock shelf and then I was on my way. I was happy to see the small bits of green poking up through the old dead leaves. It meant that spring had finally arrived. In another week or two this river valley would be lush with green and spring would be in full bloom.
I returned to the car and headed to the Miramichi to pick up the kids. Pabineau Falls would have to wait for another day. I was lucky to find some time on this beautiful, warm, spring day to take a walk in this steep river valley. Thinking about the deep history of the area made it all the more special.