Hiking

Gros Morne National Park protects some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife in eastern Canada. There are more than 100 km of trails in the park, ranging from half-hour strolls to strenuous day hikes.

Revitalizing Gros Morne’s Hiking Trails

Parks Canada will continue to upgrade some of Gros Morne’s most iconic trails in 2020. Design work began in 2016 and construction began in 2017/18. Making the most of advances in trail design and construction expertise and technology, we will create safer, more enjoyable and sustainable trails.

Trail conditions at Gros Morne National Park

Whether you’re out for a leisurely hike or a longer adventure, make your trip a safe one by checking the latest conditions.

The following descriptions will help you choose a trail suitable to your interest, physical ability, and available time. Consult the park map for the locations of each hiking trail in the park.

The trails are rated according to their difficulty:

• Easy trails are flat to gently rolling. Elevation gain 0-100 meters. 
• Moderate trails are gently rolling with short steep sections. Elevation gain 100-500 meters. 
• Difficult trails are rolling with many steep sections that may continue for long sections. Elevation gain 500+ meters

Parks Canada developed trails are clearly marked throughout their length and have boardwalks, bridges, and stairs where necessary (with the exception of the gully up Gros Morne Mountain and fords along the Green Gardens Trail). 

 

 

1. Trout River Pond Trail

Distance: 14km return Time: 4-5 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/10-110m

Follow the trail to reach a pristine part of the Tablelands. Your route skirts the north side of Trout River Pond through forests, and then opens onto the barren Tablelands. The landscape changes again at the "Narrows” between the inner and outer ponds—where you’ll enter a steep-sided valley.

Trail Notes:

• The trail begins in the Trout River pond day-use area.
• First half is through shaded boreal forest, but then the vegetation dwindles to larch scrub and serpentine barrens. Arctic-alpine plants grow here, in the midst of patterned ground, erosion fans, and calcium springs.
• This trail provides magnificent views of the "Narrows" where two ponds meet, and of the glacial-carved valley of Trout River Inner Pond.
  

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2. Green Gardens

Distance: 9 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Steep/0-279m

Follow the trail to a spectacular coastline of cliffs, sea stacks, and the meadows of Green Gardens. You’ll cross serpentine barrens, descend through forest, and reach the shore at Old Man Cove. Continue north along coastal headlands and meadows, or take the stairs to a beach with waterfalls and a sea cave.

Trail Notes:

• Getting to the coast and back is a half-day hike.
• The trail passes near cliff edges on the coastal headlands. Stay well back from the edge.
• There are primitive campsites at Old Man Cove. Please register with park staff.
• Click for more information on the Green Gardens trail.

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3. Tablelands Trail

Distance: 4km return
Time: 1 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/160-235m

The main trail follows an old roadbed as it skirts the base of the mountain. You will see unusual plants and rocks as you enjoy broad panoramic views. The trail ends in the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon. For a shorter walk, branch off onto the Serpentine Loop, where you will see characteristic plants of the Tablelands alongside a winding path.

Trail Notes:

• GUIDED INTERPRETIVE HIKES start from here during summer months. Check at a park facility for the schedule of events.
• The trailhead starts 4 km west of Discovery Centre in Woody Point on route 431.
• Geology here marks a time when the continents of Africa and North America collided, pushing these rocks, originally beneath the ocean, to their present position on land. 
• Please stay on the trail as much as possible to avoid walking on the tiny rare plants that grow on this alien landscape.

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4. Lookout Hills Trail

Distance: 5 km return
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Steep/70-405m

Follow the trail to one of the best panoramic vistas in the park. You’ll climb steadily through forest, then emerge from the trees onto a highland plateau. From the platform atop Partridgeberry Hill, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Bonne Bay, Gros Morne Mountain, the Tablelands, and the Lookout Hills. The trailhead starts in the Discovery Centre parking lot located in Woody Point on route 431.

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5. Stanleyville Trail

Distance: 4km return
Time: 1-2 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Moderate/0-105m

Follow this historic path to the shores of Paynes Cove and the abandoned community of Stanleyville, which was a small logging town in the early 1900s. You can still find old machinery and garden plants today, though Stanleyville has been deserted for more than 80 years.

Trail Notes:

• There is a primitive campsite at Stanleyville. Please register with park staff.
• This trailhead starts at the day-use area playground in Lomond campground.
• The trail climbs over a ridge and down to a cove at Stanleyville.  
• The trail follows the old road through a second-growth forest and past a present-day domestic cutting area.

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6. Stuckless Pond Trail

Distance: 9.5 km return
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Moderate/0-125m

Follow the old logging road to skirt the shores of secluded Stuckless Pond. The trail crosses the Lomond River bridge, then climbs steadily and circles the sheltered pond. The surrounding forested valley is particularly beautiful decked out in early October’s fall colours.

Trail Notes:

• This is a shared-use trail. 
• Mountain bikers:
  • Suggested skill level: Intermediate
  • Expect to encounter other trail users. Please ride in control and be ready to stop at anytime.
  • Riding conditions range from hard-packed surface to rough rocky areas and narrow winding trails through forests.    
• Located 16km from Wiltondale, west on route 431. The start of this trail begins in the parking lot of Stuckless Pond.

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7. Lomond River Trail

Distance: 8km return
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Moderate/0-40m

Follow the trail as it traces its way through the sheltered valley of the Lomond River, where trees grow taller than anywhere else in the park. Beneath the mature forest canopy you’ll find a quiet peacefulness and views of the river and its forested slopes. Located 16km from Wiltondale, west on route 431. 

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8. Southeast Brook Falls Trail

Distance: 700m return
Time: 0.25-0.5 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/160-170m

Take a short stroll through a balsam fir and white birch forest to the top of Southeast Brook Falls. There the stream flows over a billion-year-old ridge of resistant granite and plunges 40 metres. The falls are particularly impressive during spring run-off. Located 9km north of the park entrance at Wiltondale, Route 430. 

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9. Mattie Mitchell Trail

Distance: 250m loop
Time: 0.25 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/ 0m

This short interpretive trail tells the story of Mattie Mitchell and the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland. Mattie Mitchell was a renowned Mi’kmaw hunter, guide and prospector and has been recognized as a person of national historic significance. He made an exceptional contribution to the exploration and mapping of the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and to the development of the emerging Newfoundland economy of forestry and mining in the 20th century.

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10. Gros Morne Mountain (James Callaghan) Trail

Distance: 16km return
Time: 6-8 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Mountainous/10-806m

Follow the path to Gros Morne National Park’s highest point (806 metres). Your efforts will be rewarded by breathtaking views of the Long Range Mountains and the Ten Mile Pond gorge. The flat summit is a harsh yet beautiful Arctic-alpine environment, home to arctic hare, rock ptarmigan, and arctic-alpine plants.
 

Hike to the base
The first 4 kilometres of trail wind through forest to a viewing platform at the mountain base. You’ll find frequent stairs and boardwalk—and enjoy views of Bonne Bay, the Tablelands, and Gros Morne Mountain. For a half-day hike, simply return by the same route.

Climb to the top
The more challenging mountain section of the trail starts at the viewing platform. It’s an 8-kilometre loop that takes you up almost 500 metres to the arctic-alpine plateau, then descends as a rough boulder-strewn path through Ferry Gulch. Give yourself 4 to 6 hours to hike this section of the trail.

 

Trail Notes:

 

• The mountain is closed to hikers in May and June. At this time of year, soils are wet and easily eroded and animals are raising their young.
• Please stay on the trail, both for your safety and to reduce your effect on fragile environments.
• Dogs are not allowed on the mountain—they cause stress for wildlife and the rocky terrain is hard on their paws.
• There is a primitive campsite at Ferry Gulch. Please register with park staff.
• It is very important to be well-prepared before undertaking this hike.
• The view from the top is renowned, as is the exhausting climb up the gully.
• More information on the Gros Morne Mountain trail.

For Your Comfort and Safety
The mountaintop is sometimes in cloud. When it is, visibility is poor and it’s difficult to safely cross the mountain. Hiking in these conditions is not recommended.

• There is no food, shelter, or water available on the mountain. Be prepared for changes in weather as well as cooler and windier conditions on the mountain.
• Pack a windbreaker (preferably waterproof)
• Take at least one litre of water per person (two on hot days).
• Sweater and trousers will usually be required at the top, even if it is warm and sunny below.
• Bring a lunch and snacks.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear. Well broken-in hiking boots are recommended.
• Carry a First Aid Kit with treatment for blistered feet.

 

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11. Lobster Cove Head

Distance: 2km return
Time: 0.5 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/20-30m

Trail Notes:

• Located 1 km west of Rocky Harbour on route 430.
• A sign by the parking lot illustrates the paths down to the shoreline and along coastal cliffs.
• The rocky beach with its tidal pools is excellent for exploring at low tide.
• The lightkeeper’s house is open to visitors from mid May to mid October and contains an exhibit about the history of the area.

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12. Berry Hill Trail

Distance: 1.5km return
Time: 0.5-1 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Steep/80-135m

Climb the short trail to several viewpoints atop Berry Hill, where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of the Long Range Mountains and the patchwork of forest, ponds, and bogs of our coastal lowlands.

Trail Notes:

• Located in Berry Hill campground.  
• This trail is fine for an after-dinner stroll, or you can walk it before breakfast when the birds are in song.
• The climb is steep (stairs and rest benches are provided), but the view from the top is lovely.
• Please enjoy the views from behind the safety fences
• Berry Hill is a low rock knob that was an island during higher sea-levels just after the last ice age. Rocks polished by waves 10,000 years ago are still visible on its flanks.

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13. Berry Hill Pond Trail

Distance: 2km return
Time: 0.5-1 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/90-110m

Follow the short loop to circle the forested shores of Berry Hill Pond. This area is a favourite beaver habitat, as lodges, dams, and stumps all indicate. Are beavers here this year? Look for fresh tree cuttings and the dug-up roots of water lilies, sure signs that beavers are present

Trail Notes:

• Located in Berry Hill campground.
• This trail is fine for an after-dinner stroll, or you can walk it before breakfast when the birds are in song.

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14. Baker’s Brook Falls

Distance: 9.2km return
Time: 2-3 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/80-130m

The trail leads you through balsam fir forest to Bakers Brook Falls, a series of cascades over limestone ridges. The forest is in several stages of regeneration, recovering from the natural effects of winds and insects. Heavy moose browsing has limited its regrowth in many places.

Trail Notes:

• Located in Berry Hill campground.
• The falls are the main attraction of this trail, rivalled by a profusion of spring and summer wildflowers in the bog and forest.
• Much of this trail is through forest, sheltered from the wind, so be prepared for biting insects.
• At the riverside, follow the trail downstream to a viewpoint over a wide step-like water falls.

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15. Berry Head Pond Trail

Distance: 2km return
Time: 0.5-1 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Flat/20-30m

Follow this trail around Berry Head Pond and through forest and bogs. The patchwork of wetlands, ponds, and dense forests you’ll see is typical of the park’s coastal lowlands. This environment is a good place to look for songbirds and waterfowl.

Trail Notes:

• 6 km north of Rocky Harbour on route 430.
• The first 350 metres of the trail is wheelchair accessible.This allows people with limited mobility to enjoy the pond.
• This is a good trail for windy days.

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16. Coastal Trail

Distance: 6km return
Time: 1-2 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Flat/5-10m

The path once connected two small fishing communities: Bakers Brook and Green Point. It leads you by cobble beaches and through short but dense coastal forests known locally as “tuckamore.” It’s a perfect trail for enjoying coastal landscapes, ocean breezes, and views of the setting sun. Tuckamore is the Newfoundland word for the stunted trees that grow along the coast and in alpine areas. Frost and wind nip back the trees’ exposed branches, giving them their wind-swept profile.

Notice: During the summer of 2017, the Coastal Trail will only be accessible from the trail entrance at Green Point Campground. The trail entrance at Bakers Brook is closed due to bridge construction on Highway 430. The entire trail from the mouth of Bakers Brook to Green Point Campground is unaffected by this construction and is open to hiking. Only the section of trail immediately adjacent to the Bakers Brook trail entrance is closed. Parks Canada apologizes for any in convenience.

Trail Notes:

• You start this trail from the Green Point campground 
• This trail follows the old winter mail road along the coast between Baker’s Brook and Green Point.
• The long cobble beach, small ponds, and coastal tuckamore provide a pleasant variety of habitats.

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17. Western Brook Pond

Trail Reconstruction and Vegetation Restoration at Western Brook Pond - Parks Canada would like to thank visitors for their patience as we continue to work on one of the most iconic experiences in Canada. The stunning vistas of Western Brook Pond will remain unchanged, but visitors in 2018 may notice there is still some work to do. While the major components of work will occur between visitor seasons, Parks Canada will continue with small construction and landscape restoration projects over the next few seasons along the trail. This work will include creating new rest areas and viewing points for hikers, and forest and bog rehabilitation in areas affected by construction work. Learn more about the project on our infrastructure page.

Distance: 6km return (1.8km scenic loop)
Time: 1-2 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Flat/10-35m

Follow the trail to the shores of Western Brook Pond and its impressive backdrop of spectacular cliffs and the Long Range Mountains. Along the way you’ll cross the bogs and forested ridges of the parks’ coastal lowlands. Look for interpretive signs that explain some of the area’s natural features.

Trail Notes:

• 27 km north of Rocky Harbour on route 430.
• The 2.7-kilometre gravel and boardwalk main trail leads to the departure point of the Western Brook Pond boat tour.  Boat tours run daily from mid-May to mid-October, weather permitting. 
• The view alone is worth the hike, even if you are not able to take the boat tour.
• You can also explore a 1.8-kilometre side loop to reach the banks of Western Brook. This path also leads to the start of the Snug Harbour Trail.

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18. Snug Harbour Trail

Distance: 9km return
Time: 3-4 hours
Terrain/Elevation: Not Maintained/25-55m

Follow the primitive and difficult path to scenic Snug Harbour, near the mouth of Western Brook Pond Gorge and its dramatic 650-metre cliffs. The beach at this little cove is a great place to rest or camp. The trail is in poor condition and is very muddy. In places the trail follows the shoreline and you need to look for markers indicating where the trail re-enters the forest. From Snug Harbour a rough trail provides access to the mountain plateau and the Northern Traverse.

Trail Notes:

• This trail is a spur off Western Brook Pond trail, and leads to a campsite at the foot of the Long Range Mountains.
• To reach the Snug Harbour trail you will need to ford or wade across Western Brook. Hikers are advised to ford the brook just above the outflow from the pond where the water is at its shallowest and the current at its weakest. The water in the brook can be very deep after a rainfall. It is advisable to take extra footwear (e.g. sandals). Do not attempt to cross when currents are strong.
• The trail is in poor condition and is very muddy.
• There is a primitive campsite at Snug Harbour. Please register with park staff.
• You need a backcountry permit to hike the Northern Traverse. Please register with park staff.

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19. Steve's Trail

Distance: 900m return
Time: 0.5 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Gentle/0-20m

Follow the trail to the mouth of Western Brook and a seaside meadow with panoramic views of the park’s northern coastline, Western Brook Gorge, and the Long Range Mountains. “Steve’s Trail” is a local name that recalls the fisherman who once used it to reach his fishing premises.

Trail Notes:

• 34 km north of Rocky Harbour on route 430.
• The trail starts beside the washroom facilities at the Broom Point parking lot and leads to the mouth of Western Brook through tuckamore forest.
• The gravel road leads to the restored summer fishing premises at Broom Point, and to a small cove, site of a cemetery from the 1800s.

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20. Old Mail Road

Distance: 2km return
Time: 1 hour
Terrain/Elevation: Flat/0-5m

In the shelter of forests and sand dunes, follow this remnant of the Old Mail Road between Shallow Bay campground and the day use area. At either end of the trail you can cross the dunes over boardwalk and return along the beach. This path was once part of the only overland route up the Northern Peninsula. Every winter from 1882 to 1952, mailmen travelled it by dogsled to deliver mail along the coast.

Trail Notes:

• 3 km north of the community Cow Head.
• This trail starts at the Shallow Bay day-use area and follows the old winter mail road along the edge of the campground, and north to the Slants River.
• This is a shared-use trail ; Cyclists: Please ride in control and yield to other trail users.

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