Moncton, Dieppe, and Riverview are some of the fittest areas in New Brunswick. And, no wonder, these cities have one of the best-developed trail systems in the province and people in these cities are keeping fit, without even noticing.

Trails of Greater Moncton, a book by Riverview resident and freelance writer Kate Merlin orients residents and visitors alike in this hiker's paradise. Many of the trails are easy, suitable for anyone with a couple of hours to spare. A few will challenge the adventurous.

A 2001 survey indicated that 98% of Dieppe respondents knew about their community's TransCanada Trail, and of the 80% who had used it, more than half enjoyed its benefits at least once a week. Throughout the three cities, people use the trails vigorously, enjoying nature, keeping fit, and chatting with friends they know and friends they've just met. The TransCanada Trails links all three cities, winding along the banks of the Petitcodiac. It offers a ringside view of the famous Tidal Bore and, at low tide, the river's hauntingly beautiful red mudflats.

All of the trails described in Trails of Greater Moncton are on public land. They include a mixture of groomed trails, wood roads, and rugged footpaths that allow hikers to move instantly from city streets to wild nature, giving hikers the opportunity to view old-growth trees, rare bog plants, and wildlife, ranging from raccoons to coyotes and sometimes a black bear.

Trails of Greater Moncton includes 25 carefully described walks and helpful hints for enjoying a Moncton walkabout. Each trail is accompanied by synoptic information, a map, and photographs, and sidebars on plants, animals, historic sites, and other landmarks. With a Trails-at-a-Glance chart and helpful hints for enjoying a Moncton walkabout, Trails of Greater Moncton is the indispensable companion for walkers, cyclists, and cross-country skiers of all ages and abilities.

Kate Merlin is a former school library worker from Riverview, NB. Her articles have appeared in a variety of national, regional and local publications like YES Mag, Primetime, Small Farm Canada, Atlantic Business Magazine and she was a regular contributor to Come On In Magazine. She is also the author of Trails of Greater Moncton and The Mirror. Her experiences hooking struggling readers on reading with a highly engaging series of short adventure stories written at the grade 2-3 level inspired her to write Stormy Passage.

Kate Merlin's profile page

"The walks in this guide are mostly short and snappy, perfect for family outings on the weekend."

<i>Atlantic Books Today</i>