Northern traverse

The Long Range and Northern Traverses are multi-day hikes over unmarked and difficult terrain posing greater visitor safety risks. Every year, Parks Canada conducts rescues on the Long Range which would be especially challenging in the context of the pandemic. We are, therefore, encouraging visitors to opt for less risky adventures such as an overnight backpacking trip to Ferry Gulch and a day hike to Crow cliff.  Or overnight at Snug Harbour and hike to the North Rim of Western Brook Pond.  Visitors interested in these backcountry hiking opportunities must obtain a permit by calling (709) 458-2417.

The Northern Traverse (formerly the North Rim Traverse) is an unmarked and rugged backcountry hiking route. It is known to be a demanding hike, because of its terrain and the large tracks of tuckamore* that hikers need to navigate around and through. This is a route more suited for those hikers looking to experience challenging terrain and testing their route finding skills. Although shorter than the Long Range traverse, the Northern traverse is considered to be significantly more difficult. Unlike many portions of the Long Range Traverse, this route does not follow large valleys or have obvious natural landmarks to follow. Hikers should not underestimate the difficulty of this route. Do not expect an open landscape that is easy to navigate. GPS trackfiles and waypoints are strongly recommended for this route. Be sure you are proficient using a GPS.

As with the Long Range traverse, the Northern traverse starts by climbing onto the Long Range plateau through the rugged gorge at the east end of Western Brook Pond. The route then returns to Snug Harbour and the western end of Western Brook Pond by a westerly route to the north of the pond. The route is 27 kilometres long and usually takes 3 nights to complete. The suggested route offers spectacular views of Western Brook Pond only at the eastern and western ends of the hike. The rest of the hike you are travelling the sub-arctic terrain of the Long Range Mountains.

Long Range & Northern Traverse Backcountry Hiking Map (PDF, 6.9 MB)

Northern Traverse Route Description (PDF 241 KB)

Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF 922 KB)

GPS track files are available for download of the complete Northern Rim and Long Range Traverse (GPX, 319 KB)

WARNING: This file(s) contains information on hiking within GMNP. The file(s) may include GIS data of the hiking areas, or GPS track files of commonly used Long Range routes within Gros Morne National Park. These hiking areas or routes are neither marked nor maintained in any manner by Parks Canada. Weather conditions change frequently. It is the user's responsibility to ensure conditions are safe for travel along these routes at all times. This information was prepared by Parks Canada using its best judgment and information available at the time of preparation. Any use you make of this information and any reliance on or decisions made based on these files are your own responsibility absolutely. Parks Canada, its employees and its agents accept no responsibility for damages, if any, suffered by you or any third party as a result of decisions made or actions based on these maps or files. For greater certainty, under no circumstances whatsoever will Parks Canada, its employees, or its agents be held liable for any loss or damage that may occur to you and any person or persons or property by reason of your or their reliance upon these track files or maps.

 

Reservations, Quotas, and Fees

UPDATE FOR 2023 Season - Parks Canada is pleased to announce that we will be taking reservations for the Long Range and Northern Traverse for the 2023 season. As of January 31st reservations can be made Monday through Friday (except holidays) by calling: 709-458-2417. The 2023 hiking season runs from June 28th-September 30th. 

Note: In order to keep your reservation you must report to the Visitor Centre by 2:30pm on the day before your scheduled departure date and attend the orientation session scheduled at that time.

Quota: To maintain a high quality hiking experience and to minimize the impact of hikers on the environment, the park uses a quota system. Only 3 groups (with a maximum of 4 people per group) per day are permitted to depart on these routes. Hikers are encouraged to book early as the peak season of mid-July to the end of August is often fully booked. Reservations are required to guarantee your departure date.

Fees: There is a non-refundable reservation fee payable when you book. The Wilderness Hiking Fee is payable after you attend the mandatory orientation session and pick up your permit at the park Visitor Centre on the day prior to your departure.

Season: Reservations will be accepted only for departures between June 28 and September 30. Outside these dates seasonal conditions and the availability of the boat on Western Brook Pond may limit access to these hiking routes.

Mandatory Orientation Sessions:

All hikers doing the Long Range or Northern Traverse must attend a backcountry briefing in order to receive their backcountry hiking permit. Briefings are offered daily at 2:30pm at the Visitor Centre near Rocky Harbour.

*Tuckamore – a Newfoundland term for dense stunted forest consisting of mainly spruce and fir. This forest is shaped by the wind into a matted mix of twisted and sturdy tree branches and trunks. It is virtually impassable to hikers.