The Dutch Point Park Trail System includes 700
meters of new trail which travels throughout the Park and along the Ossekeag
Creek which is a part of one of the most diverse wetlands in the Province, the
Hampton Marsh. This trail system includes a 100' boardwalk to accommodate high
water, various look-out sites, rest areas and a scenic pond. These trails
assist in preserving the Hampton Marsh and surrounding area to ensure its
survival and habitat for wildlife.
The Kingston Trail begins in
Hampton and makes its way via Route 845 to Kingston. Here you will find one of
the oldest churches in New Brunswick which was founded in 1787 by Loyalists
from Connecticut. Also there is a museum in the basement of the MacDonald
Consolidated School.
From Kingston the trail follows
Route 845 towards the Gondola Point ferry and on to Westfield. This portion of
the trail treats you to the spectacular scenery of the lower Kennebecasis
River. You will pass, but not travel on, the Gondola Point ferry, where Captain
William Pitt invented and first introduced the cable ferry. Drive through
pleasant country communities such as Clifton Royal and Moss Glen which were
centres of shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries. Eventually you will
come to the Westfield ferry, the first of three cable ferries you will
cross.
After crossing the St. John River at
Westfield, you will turn right and follow, for a short time, Route 177. At a
short distance from the ferry you turn right onto Route 102. This is the St.
John River Road. You will travel this route until you reach
Evandale.
This section of the trail offers a view of the
St. John River called Long Reach. It was probably this section of the river
which gave rise to the term the "Rhine of North America". Most of the Loyalists
who settled this area in the 1780's were from New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut.
Just past Brown's Flat you will notice an
island covered with pines. This is Caton's Island. In the 17th century traders
and fishermen from France used it as a base of operations. In October 1611, the
first recorded church service on the St. John River was held by a Jesuit
missionary, Father Baird. The Island gained its present name in 1765, after two
traders from Philadelphia, Isaac and James Caton gained land in the
area.
A short distance from Caton's Island you will
see a sign for Oak Point Provincial Park. The park provides picnic, camping and
swimming facilities. Located adjacent to the park is achurch built in 1790 by
Loyalists from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Your second ferry ride will take you across the St. John River at Evandale.
Here you will find one of the few remaining riverfront hotels. They were
popular spots for the many people using the riverboats in the 19th and early
20th centuries.
After crossing the Evandale ferry your
trail takes you along the northern shore of the Belleisle Bay. The rolling
hills and blue water make for a relaxing drive. It is only a short distance to
your third and final ferry ride. This ferry takes you across the picturesque
Belleisle Bay. After crossing, you will turn right and return to Hampton where
our quaint bed & breakfast, quiet restaurants and helpful businesses are
waiting to be of service to you.
Legend says
these mountains are the Giant Glooscap who laid down to rest and sleep before
crossing the Kennebecasis River to fight the Ossekeag Indians. It is said the
Indians put a sleeping potion in his drink and he has never awakened from his
sleep. It you look at the hills from the top of the Highlow Hill on route 100
you can see his outline.
This is a Loyalist
Cemetery with plenty of old head stones. The old walkway the Loyalists used to
get to church from the Kennebecasis River where they tied their boats is still
present.
The house currently owned by
Stuart Ruddick and his wife Kay was originally owned by Gilford Flewelling of
the well-known G & G Flewelling Manufacturing Company. Some residents of
Hampton may still recall the days when the sawmill and match factory stood at
the foot of St. Andrews Street on the waters edge. In the early years of the
Industrial Revolution it was customary for factory owners to build their
residences close by if not over looking their places of
enterprise.
The building was constructed around the same
time that industry began here in the year 1862. Now that those days of heavy
industry have passed Hampton by, a peaceful silence has returned to this corner
of the village. The factory is long since gone, but the Ruddick home remains as
a testimony to the success of those early
entrepreneurs.
The house is beautifully furnished with
fine antique furniture. The grounds are an enriching addition to this gracious
home.
Nestled among the shady hills of Hampton, the
Lakeside Schoolhouse invites you to take a step into the past and visit our
19th century, one room schoolhouse. Browse among timeless and traditional New
Brunswick crafts in an atmosphere reminiscent of a simpler
time...
In the spirit of these bygone times, local
crafters combined their talents, time, and hard work and established "the
Lakeside Schoolhouse Craft Co-operative" in 1992. As a non-profit business, the
schoolhouse depends entirely on the participation and co-operation of its
membership. Our goal is to make available to you a unique variety of quality
crafts, at excellent value, and to continue in a co-operative effort to promote
local artisans.
The Lakeside Schoolhouse is located just
down the road from the Hampton Golf Course on the Lakeside Road of Route 121
(Main St.)
For more information on the Town of Hampton be sure to check out the official town site @ Town of Hampton
