Third Vault Falls: Fundy's Majestic Cascade

Third Vault Falls is a perennial favorite destination within Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and invigorating outdoor activity. The falls themselves are an impressive 16 meters (52 feet) high, plunging down a rocky ravine into the Upper Salmon River. The surrounding high cliffs create a small but interesting space to explore.The journey to Third Vault Falls is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. The Third Vault Falls Trail is a 7.4 km (4 km blue singletrack) return trip that meanders through a diverse Acadian forest of spruce, birch, and maple. The well-marked trail presents a mix of terrain, with a mostly flat and wide path for the initial section that gradually descends. The last 20% of the hike becomes more challenging, involving a steep decline with some questionable footing and exposed roots and rocks.One of the most unique aspects of the Third Vault Falls Trail is the final approach to the falls, which requires entering Upper Vault Brook. Hikers must navigate a rocky streambed, sometimes walking on slippery, wet rocks or wading through shallow water. Trail markers painted on the rocks guide the way. The effort is well worth it, as the reward is a breathtaking view of Third Vault Falls cascading down the rocks.While the pool at the base of the falls may be inviting, swimming is not always possible, especially during colder months. The trail can be icy and treacherous in winter, so appropriate footwear with cleats or crampons is essential.