Howland Falls: A Photographer's Guide to a Hidden Gem in New Brunswick
Howland Falls is a beautiful spot tucked away where the water tumbles over a small rocky ledge into a little pool. Surrounded by lush forest, the waterfall creates a peaceful and secluded setting, making it a fantastic location for nature photography. The waterfall is super easy to access—visitors can park just before the stone bridge, and the trail leading to the falls begins directly across from the parking area. Its intimate size and picturesque surroundings make it an excellent destination for capturing both wide scenic shots and close-up details of flowing water.
Best Photography Opportunities
Howland Falls offers stunning compositions year-round, with the changing seasons adding unique visual elements. The smooth flow of water over the rocky ledge creates ideal conditions for long-exposure photography, while the surrounding trees frame the scene beautifully, especially in autumn when the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
Winter transforms the waterfall into a frozen wonderland, offering the chance to capture intricate ice formations. Close-up shots of the cascading water highlight textures and movement, while wide-angle perspectives showcase the waterfall in its forested setting. The pool at the base of the falls often reflects the foliage above, adding depth and symmetry to compositions.
Photography Tips
A tripod is essential for long-exposure shots to create the silky water effect, and a neutral density (ND) filter will help control exposure in bright conditions. A polarizing filter can reduce glare and enhance the greens and blues of the surrounding forest and water.
Try shooting from different angles—photographing from a lower perspective can make the falls appear larger, while including foreground elements like moss-covered rocks can add depth to compositions. In the fall, incorporating colorful leaves in the foreground can create a vibrant contrast against the darker rocks and water.
How to Get There
Howland Falls is located in Bear Island, New Brunswick. Visitors can park just before the stone bridge, and the trail entrance is directly across from the parking area. The short walk through the woods makes this one of the easiest waterfalls to access in the region, making it a great option for both beginner and experienced photographers.
Exploring Bear Island
Bear Island is a peaceful area known for its beautiful natural scenery, offering plenty of opportunities for landscape photography. The region features quiet backroads, dense forests, and riverside views that are perfect for capturing New Brunswick's wilderness. Whether exploring nearby hiking trails or photographing the rich wildlife, Bear Island provides a relaxing and scenic photography experience.
Nearby Photography Locations
• Shogomoc Falls A multi-tiered waterfall offering dynamic compositions with rushing water and rugged rock formations. The surrounding forest enhances the scene, providing excellent seasonal variations for photography.
• Keswick River A scenic river that winds through forested landscapes, providing excellent opportunities for reflection photography. The riverbanks change dramatically throughout the year, offering striking contrasts between lush summer greens and crisp winter ice.
• Mactaquac Dam A massive hydroelectric dam with panoramic views of the Saint John River and surrounding wilderness. The observation areas provide sweeping vistas, making it a great spot for capturing both industrial and natural elements in a single frame.
• Kings Landing Historical Settlement A recreated 19th-century village featuring rustic buildings and costumed interpreters, perfect for storytelling photography. The period-accurate settings provide an immersive experience, making it ideal for historical and documentary-style photography.
• Woolastook Park A forested park with walking trails, lake views, and opportunities for capturing tranquil nature scenes. The diverse habitats attract various bird species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife photography.
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