Lorne Craig

History

Long before engines ever echoed through these hills, the first trails of Skedaddle Ridge were carved by wildlife—ancient paths leading to food, water, and shelter. Indigenous peoples followed, widening these routes as they journeyed between communities and hunted to sustain their families. Over time, explorers, surveyors, and pioneers arrived by river, settling the land and shaping the forests into places like Knowlesville—rich in agriculture, timber, and resilience.  

Life here wasn’t easy. Early settlers built homes from the land, raised families through harsh winters, and laid loved ones to rest close to where they lived and worked. Their spirit still lingers in the quiet corners of the ridge—among the forests, rivers, rolling hills, and maple groves. Even today, it’s not unusual to pause along the trail, boil tea from a spring, and take in the stillness of the wild.

That deep connection to the land sparked a vision in 1995. A group of locals—Lorne Crag, Elmer LePage, Robert Henderson, and others—set out to share the beauty and adventure of this place with future generations. They wanted families to experience the same freedom, excitement, and connection they had growing up here. One year later, that vision came to life when 56 passionate supporters gathered for the first official meeting. By June 1996, Skedaddle Ridge Trails People Inc. was born.

What started as an idea quickly became a movement. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves, carving out trails, building bridges, installing culverts, and shaping the very routes riders explore today. In 1998, Skedaddle Ridge joined the NB All-Terrain Vehicle Federation, helping give a voice to riders across the province.

Today, that legacy lives on across more than 600 kilometers of maintained trail—lookouts, forests, hills, and backcountry routes that offer adventure at every turn. Every kilometer is cared for by dedicated volunteers who build, maintain, and protect this trail system for everyone to enjoy.

Safety and respect are at the heart of every ride. Riders are encouraged to stay alert, mark hazards, and share the trails responsibly. Around any bend, you might encounter a fellow adventurer—a hiker, cyclist, or horseback rider—or catch a glimpse of true wilderness: deer, moose, or even a bear moving through the trees.

With a strong community of members and a passion for the outdoors, Skedaddle Ridge continues to grow—fueling adventure, preserving history, and keeping the spirit of the trails alive for generations to come.