Shogomoc Cove Loop
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Quick Facts
| Features | footbridge, cove |
| Access | boat launch |
| Route Difficulty | easy |
| Water Body Type | open lake |
| Current Type | minimal |
| Route Type | loop |
| Route Distance | 2.4 km return |
| Portage Distance | none |
| Estimated Time | 1 hour return |
| Elevation Change | none |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Cell Reception | Strong |
| Fees | none |
Description
Note: Weather conditions can drastically vary the speed and difficulty of your trip. Please plan accordingly.
Shogomoc Cove is an interesting place to explore along the Wolostoq/St. John River. The most noticeable thing is the long suspension/walking bridge that joins up both sides of the old highway, serving as part of the Trans Canada Trail. You can find more information about the trails around the bridge on the Hiking NB's trail page. Depending on the water levels you will see what remains of the old cement highway bridge under water, or just below the surface, beside the walking bridge. There are also large boulders poking up out of the water along one edge of the outer cove.
We put in at the boat launch and were soon surrounded by many very friendly black ducks. Someone has obviously been feeding them. They would almost jump in the boat. They kept crossing over in front of the boats so close that you couldn't see them. I have never seen this behaviour before. We made our way under the walking bridge and along the shore. A short distance around the turn we came to the point where the rocky Shogomoc Stream flows into the cove. At this point we left the black ducks behind and soon saw five mergansers sitting on a rock.
After taking a few pictures of the mergansers, we made our way back out to the bridge. We were soon greeted by our friends the black ducks. I am guessing the different types of ducks are a bit territorial. We went under the walking bridge, and checked out the old highway bridge sticking up about a foot out of the water. We continued out to the Wolostoq/St. John River just in time to catch the sunset.
We paddled down river (to the right) a bit, and then returned near the large boulders as it was getting dark. I loaded the boats on the car while Vicki talked to ducks. She had to cut her conversation short when the mosquitos set in and drove her into the car. On our way home I lost a cover for one end of my roof rack. I went back the next night looking for it but no luck. If you happen to find it I would like it back.
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Directions
From Route 2, take the exit 231 for Nackawic. Turn towards Nackawic and drive down over the hill for 1 kilometre. Just before an overpass turn right towards Route 102 (Pokiok Road). At the stop sign turn left onto Pokiok Road. Drive for 4.5 kilometres, and just before the end of the road, turn left into an old paved road that has a Dead End sign. Continue on this road for 2.3 kilometres and you will come to the boat launch next to the suspension bridge. Use caution on this last section. This section of road used to be the highway before the Mactaquac Dam was built. It is an old road and is grown in on both sides making it narrow.
You can also access the cove from the Ritchie Road on the other side but there isn't a boat launch on this side, making it a little harder to put in. To get there take exit 212 at Meductic and then go down over the hill towards Meductic. At the stop sign turn right onto the Temple Road. Drive for 8.5 kilometres and turn left onto the Ritchie Road. Continue on Ritchie Road for 3.5 kilometres and you will come to the supsension bridge. The best place to launch is back from the bridge a bit where the road comes close to the river.
Trail Last Hiked: September 11, 2022.
Page Last Updated: October 1, 2023.