How hard is the Tablelands hike in Gros Morne?

The Tablelands Trail is rated easy to moderate. The trail is largely flat, follows the valley floor, and does not involve significant elevation gain. It is accessible to most fitness levels including families with older children. The terrain can be rocky and uneven in places waterproof footwear is recommended as sections can be wet.

Where is the Tablelands trailhead?

The Tablelands trailhead is located on Route 431 between Trout River and Woody Point, approximately 30 minutes south of Rocky Harbour through Norris Point. There is a designated parking area at the trailhead. Parks Canada entry applies.

Newfoundland Travel Tips

How Long Does the
Tablelands Hike Take?

Q: How long does the Tablelands hike take?

The Tablelands Trail is 4 km return and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, including stops at interpretive panels. The trail is flat and relatively easy, following the valley floor alongside the exposed Earth mantle formation. The trailhead is located between Trout River and Woody Point on Route 431, near Woody Point in Gros Morne National Park.

The Tablelands Trail is 4 km return and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Everything else you need to know before you drive there.

The Tablelands Trail is 4 kilometres return and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, including time to read the interpretive panels explaining the extraordinary geology underfoot. It is one of the most accessible and rewarding short hikes in Gros Morne National Park.

Tablelands Trail at a Glance

Detail	Information
Distance	4 km return (2 km each way)
Time	1.5 to 2 hours return
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate largely flat, can be rocky and wet
Elevation gain	Minimal valley floor trail
Trailhead	Route 431 between Trout River and Woody Point
From Rocky Harbour	Approximately 30 min via Norris Point
Park entry	Parks Canada daily ($10.50/adult) or annual pass ($75)

What You Are Walking On

The Tablelands is the reason Gros Morne received UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The rust-coloured peridotite rock you walk alongside is over 450 million years old a piece of the Earth’s mantle pushed to the surface by tectonic forces. This rock is toxic to most plant life, creating the stark barren appearance in contrast to the green boreal forest just metres away at the trail’s edges. Interpretive panels at regular intervals along the trail explain the geological history clearly and are worth reading.

📍

Getting There from Rocky Harbour

Drive south from Rocky Harbour through Norris Point, cross the ferry to Woody Point (seasonal) or drive around Bonne Bay, then take Route 431 toward Trout River. The trailhead parking area is on the right as you enter the Tablelands valley. Allow 30-40 minutes from Rocky Harbour.

What Footwear to Wear

The trail surface is rocky and can be wet waterproof hiking footwear or trail runners are recommended. The trail is not technical but sections of loose rock and occasional wet ground make casual shoes uncomfortable. This is also true of most trails in Gros Morne National Park generally.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours return. The trail is 4 km return along the valley floor. Easy to moderate difficulty largely flat with some rocky sections.

Easy to moderate. Largely flat valley floor trail, no significant elevation gain. Accessible to most fitness levels. Waterproof footwear recommended for rocky and potentially wet sections.

Route 431 between Trout River and Woody Point, approximately 30 minutes south of Rocky Harbour via Norris Point. Designated parking area at the trailhead. Parks Canada entry applies.

Technically yes, but it makes for a very long day. Western Brook Pond requires a full day including the 3 km walk each way plus 3 hours on the water. The Tablelands is best done as its own half-day, combined with a drive to Trout River for fresh seafood dinner.

Planning a Gros Morne Visit?

Book Western Brook Pond weeks ahead it sells out daily in July and August.

Compare Car Rentals

How Long Does theTablelands Hike Take?