Tomlinson Lake Hike To Freedom

10/03/2026

Due to deteriorating road conditions, Tomlinson Lake isn’t accessible by vehicle through the Miller Rd in Carlingford. Follow our detour signs from Perth Andover to Tomlinson Lake and enjoy the amazing fall foliage along the way.

10/03/2026

It’s a beautiful morning at Tomlinson Lake and the beavers are already out and about. We hope to see you all soon.

09/08/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Sanctuary House to Tomlinson Lake on Saturday, October 3 as part of their Walk a Mile in Her Shoes fundraiser.

This year, walks will be taking place at several locations from Plaster Rock to Woodstock, and we’re happy to have Tomlinson Lake included as one of the participating locations.

While enjoying the Hike to Freedom trail, those who wish can make a donation to Sanctuary House and help support their work while raising awareness about intimate partner violence.

Two events, one trail, and an opportunity to support an important cause in our region.

Tomlinson Lake October 3 12–6 PM

09/06/2026

This comment is a good example of why education and the preservation of local history are so important. Unfortunately, when certain stories are left out of school curriculums, generations of people can grow up never having been exposed to them.

For decades, our schools have taught a great deal about European exploration and settlement, colonial history, immigration, and life in Atlantic Canada from the 1600s into the early 1900s. Far less attention, however, was traditionally given to Black history in this region, including the history of the Underground Railroad and the Black families whose descendants continue to call New Brunswick home today.

So when communities, historians and organizations begin doing the work of researching, preserving and sharing those stories, there can sometimes be skepticism or even outright dismissal. Not necessarily because the history does not exist, but because many people were simply never taught it.

Across New Brunswick, historians, researchers, museums, universities, schools, heritage organizations, artists, writers and community groups are working hard to bring these stories forward through exhibits, lectures, historic sites, public events and educational programming.

The Tomlinson Lake Hike To Freedom specifically focuses on the local history surrounding Maple Grove, Maine, and Carlingford, New Brunswick, and the people on both sides of the border who helped freedom seekers make their way from Maine into New Brunswick. We are especially grateful to the Mraz family of Fort Fairfield and the Roper family of Houlton, Maine, who shared years of research with our organization. Their work has helped us better understand and interpret the Maine New Brunswick Underground Railroad and the history associated with Tomlinson Lake.

History deserves to be researched, questioned and discussed, but dismissing it simply because we were never taught it is exactly why this educational work remains so important.

If you don’t already have plans for Saturday, October 3, we encourage you to join us at Tomlinson Lake. Walk the trail, visit this important historic landscape, and learn about the courageous people who risked everything in pursuit of freedom and the families and communities who helped them along the way.

09/03/2026

Come join us at Tomlinson Lake on Saturday, October 3, from 12–6 PM for an afternoon of history, hiking, and exploration!

Walk the 2.8 km Hike to Freedom trail and discover the story of the freedom seekers who travelled through this area during the 1800s.

Throughout the afternoon, you can enjoy…

Historical exhibits presented by the New Brunswick Black History Society
Geocaching with CRAG — Capital Region Association of Geocachers
Historical interpretation by Kings Landing
Civil War encampment and musket demonstrations by the 5th New Hampshire Volunteers

We’re especially excited to welcome Kings Landing as a partner this year, with historical interpreters joining us to help bring the stories of the 1800s to life along the trail.

Bring your family, your walking shoes, and some water, and spend the afternoon exploring an important piece of New Brunswick history.

This is a pet friendly event. Bring your leashes.

06/04/2026

Another beautiful spring day at Tomlinson Lake with our second homeschool group of the season!

We were joined by a fantastic group of students who asked great questions and showed a real interest in the history and natural environment around them. Together we explored local history, learned about plants, trees, wildlife, and habitats, and enjoyed spending the day outdoors.

There’s no better classroom than nature. Thank you for visiting, and we look forward to welcoming more groups throughout the season!

06/02/2026

Yesterday was our first Tomlinson Lake guided tour of the season, and what a great day it was. These young hikers spent the day learning about local history, wildlife, and the natural beauty of the area while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. It’s always rewarding to see children exploring the outdoors and discovering the world around them.

05/05/2026