What are the best hiking trails in Newfoundland?

The best hiking trails in Newfoundland are: the Skerwink Trail (5.3 km, Port Rexton top 35 in North America), the East Coast Trail (336 km total, multiple sections near St. John's), the Tablelands Trail in Gros Morne (4 km, exposed Earth mantle), the Gros Morne Mountain Trail (16 km, strenuous, summit views), Green Gardens Trail in Gros Morne (11.2 km, coastal), the Coastal Trail in Terra Nova National Park, and the Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne (multi-day, expert).

What is the hardest hike in Newfoundland?

The Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne National Park is the most challenging hike in Newfoundland a multi-day backcountry trek requiring navigation skills and excellent physical conditioning. The Gros Morne Mountain Trail (16 km return, 7-8 hours, strenuous) is the hardest widely accessible day hike.

Newfoundland Travel Guide

Newfoundland
Hiking Trails

Q: Is the East Coast Trail free?

Yes. The East Coast Trail is completely free to access a 336-kilometre multi-section hiking system along the Avalon Peninsula coastline. Multiple sections are accessible from St. John's including the Sugarloaf Path, Cape Spear Path, and The Spout Path.

From the Skerwink Trail to the East Coast Trail to the Long Range Traverse every major trail.

Newfoundland has exceptional hiking across five regions from the Atlantic clifftops of the East Coast Trail to the UNESCO fjords of Gros Morne to the world-class coastal loops of the Bonavista Peninsula. Here is the best by region.

Best Hikes by Region

Trail	Region	Distance	Difficulty	Highlight
East Coast Trail Cape Spear Path	Avalon Peninsula	~15 km section	Moderate	North America’s easternmost point
East Coast Trail Sugarloaf Path	Avalon Peninsula	~8 km section	Moderate	Clifftop ocean views near St. John’s
Skerwink Trail	Bonavista Peninsula	5.3 km loop	Moderate	Top 35 trails in North America
Tablelands Trail	Gros Morne	4 km return	Easy-Moderate	Exposed Earth mantle geology
Green Gardens Trail	Gros Morne	11.2 km	Moderate-Rugged	Coastal cliffs and secluded beach
Gros Morne Mountain	Gros Morne	16 km return	Strenuous	Summit panorama 7-8 hrs
Coastal Trail	Terra Nova NP	4 km	Easy-Moderate	Newman Sound shoreline, eagles, sea life
Ochre Hill Trail	Terra Nova NP	4 km return	Moderate	Panoramic views over Clode Sound
Long Range Traverse	Gros Morne	Multi-day	Expert	Most challenging hike in NL

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Footwear Matters

Waterproof hiking boots are recommended for virtually every trail in Newfoundland. The terrain is rocky, often wet, and can change quickly. Running shoes are insufficient for the East Coast Trail, Skerwink, Tablelands, or any Gros Morne trail.

East Coast Trail Starting Near St. John’s

The East Coast Trail is a 336-kilometre multi-section trail system along the Avalon Peninsula coastline completely free to access. Travellers can explore the scenic trails that wind through the coastal landscapes, offering stunning views and a sense of adventure. Popular segments include the Cape Spear Path which takes you to the continent’s easternmost point, and the Spout Path where you can see a natural geyser formed by the pounding waves of the Atlantic.

The Skerwink Trail Bonavista Peninsula

Ranked in the top 35 trails in North America and Europe, the Skerwink Trail is a 5.3-kilometre coastal loop near Port Rexton and Trinity East. The trail winds through wooded paths and opens to spectacular sea views, rugged cliffs, and sea stacks. Trailhead on Rocky Hill Road, Port Rexton. Adjacent to Two Whales Coffee the ideal pre-hike morning stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skerwink Trail (5.3 km, top 35 in North America), East Coast Trail near St. John’s (free, 336 km total), Tablelands Trail in Gros Morne (4 km, Earth mantle), Gros Morne Mountain (16 km, strenuous), Green Gardens (11.2 km), and the Coastal Trail in Terra Nova.

Yes. Completely free. 336 km along the Avalon Peninsula coastline. Multiple sections accessible from St. John’s.

Long Range Traverse in Gros Morne (multi-day, expert navigation required). The hardest day hike is Gros Morne Mountain (16 km return, 7-8 hours, strenuous).

Planning a Hiking Trip to Newfoundland?

Book rental car early. No public transport reaches the Skerwink Trail or Gros Morne trailheads.

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