Located just 13 kilometers south of the Town of Digby along the Ridge Road in Hillgrove is one of this area’s most unknown natural attractions, the Acacia Valley Trail.

To find this trail take the Mill Road to a parking area at the starting point for the wheelchair path. This trail is one of only two in the province that has wheelchair access to brook fishing, and also provides an opportunity for all ages to experience an important ecosystem. During an interview with Project Leader, Martin Kaye, he stated, “In 1997, the Digby East Fish and Game started a restoration project which revitalized part of the Acacia Valley Brook to make it more habitable for wildlife. The second phase of the project involved the creation of the wheelchair trail. This one and a half kilometer trek is covered with slate and offers access over boggy areas and large platforms over the brook, so wheelchairs can easily maneuver. Each platform has benches and tables that are wheelchair accessible.”

In addition, there are 18 kilometers of trails that have been surveyed but not yet developed for use. This unique trail, when completed, would guide the hiker through a natural watershed system from the headwaters to a salt-water estuary. The different ecosystems and plant life would give an education and appreciation for how important and fascinating watershed environments can be.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Acacia Valley Brook was home to a gristmill, a tannery, a barrel mill, a hotel and even a mine. The name Acacia comes from a tree that grows in the area and resembles an Acacia tree. This tree was used in the tannery process and the valley was named after the abundant tree. The 18-kilometer trail contains a huge granite rock that can be climbed to provide a view above the trees. There are also old growth areas with trees over 150 years old.

In 1998, the Digby East Fish and Game received the Gulf of Maine Visionary Award for being one of the first to develop such a project in the region. The Digby East Fish and Game hope to continue developing the trail in the near future and provide more access to this important ecosystem.