East River

The property at East River was purchased in 2012 after Council assessed the land to have exceptional recreation qualities and beauty. The land totals 13.6acres, but approximately 5.3 acres of that is on floodplain and the remaining 7.3 is upland forest. It is bounded to the west by private property, to the south highway 3, and to the east the flowage of the East River. At the northern end, it is separated from the Chester Connection Trail by a narrow (6m) stream, Barry’s Brook which flows from Labrador Lake. A small parcel of land is included on the northern side of the rail-trail.

Shortly after the purchase, Rec Department staff began construction of a primitive standard footpath. The trail begins at the driveway off highway 3 and skirts the western edge of the floodplain to the pond. At this junction hikers can proceed upstream to Barry’s Brook, or return through the floodplain which is comprised of alders and some mature pines and maples. Although wet underfoot much of the year, the floodplain is traversable with proper footwear and we have carved out a route through the alders.

Owing to its proximity to water, and its large variety of habitats in a small area, this property is home to an exceptional abundance of fauna. We have observed evidence of fox, hare, beaver, coyote, otter, and ducks. 1.7 million American eels migrate past the property annually and thus serve as an important basal species.

Waterfront abounds here, but it is not suitable for swimming due to steep shorelines and mucky bottoms.

It is possible to use stepping stones across Barry’s Brook at times of low water, but this is not advisable from a public safety standpoint.

Because of its beauty and accessible terrain, East River has become a popular location for us to host guided hikes and snowshoe treks. The variety of fauna has also provided an opportunity to focus these hikes around the natural history of the land. It has also received media attention.

From Chester it is 12.5km along the rail-trail. This is a comfortable distance to travel by bike so we have hosted youth bike rides and explorations in the summer.

The lower reaches of the East River have an interesting industrial history. On and near our property is evidence of this. Just over the trail bridge is the remains of a sawmill. The old sawdust pile is now disguised as a grassy island in the pond. Upstream from this, just above a lovely waterfall, is the former site of a power station. Another mill sat on the point of land just below the highway 3 bridge. On our property, this is the remains of a damn that used to be part of the water supply system for the mills.

This property is also unique in that it is in the gateway of the corridor that leads to Castle Rock and the South Panuke Wilderness Area beyond.

Provide your feedback on this property by clicking here.

Click here to see a location map of the property.