4 Trails You Must Hike in Western Newfoundland this Summer

Although there are likely hundreds of hiking trails in Western Newfoundland, we’ve decided to share some information and photos from our favourites. Please share your favourite trail in the comments below.  

Man in the Mountain (7.75 KM with an elevation of 341 Meters)

The Man in the Mountain trail, also known as the Humber Valley Trail, is located just east of Corner Brook. Take TCH exit #7 to Riverside Drive, first stopping at the Man in the Mountain lookout for a picture of the final destination. Then take the North Shore highway and turn on to Riverside Extension just across the Ballam Bridge for the trail entrance.

The trail is well marked and although it is steep in a few sections, it should be achievable for most with a moderately active lifestyle. Along the trail there are couple of ponds filled with frogs and several vantage points to capture some beautiful views of the surrounding area.

The final lookout is directly above the infamous Old Man in the Mountain allowing you the same spectacular view of the Humber River and surrounding area that he has enjoyed since the formation of the Appalachian Mountains which he is part of.

South Head Lighthouse trail (6.78 KM with an elevation of 332 Meters)

This trail begins at scenic Bottle Cove, Lark Harbour. Starting from the crescent beach, you wind upward through some forest passing a beautiful waterfall and then pass through a green valley leading to the vantage point overlooking Guernsey (Weebol) Island and the rugged coastline.

This trail is fairly new and well travelled. Although the gradual incline is continuous, it should be achievable for most with a moderately active lifestyle.

Marble Mountain (7.59 KM with an elevation of 474 Meters)

Beginning near the base of the Marble Mountain ski resort, you will find the trail entrance behind George’s Ski World near the entrance to the Steady Brook Falls. We choose to take the trail winding up through Steady Brook watching those zip lining back and forth across the falls.

After a brief stop on top of the falls, we headed across the face of the ski hill heading towards the top of OMJ. From there, we hiked up toward the top of the Lightning Express and then headed over the top of the mountain towards the top of the Black Mariah and followed Country Road back to our original starting point.

This hike is definitely steep in places; however, like the previous hikes, it should be achievable for most with a moderately active lifestyle.

 Gros Morne Mountain (16 KM with an elevation of 803 Meters)

This hike can be broken into two 8 km sections. The first is the gentle winding hike through the forest leading to the base of Gros Morne mountain. This alone makes for a beautiful hike in the range of easy to moderate. You could admire the lone mountain from the base and then return to the parking lot. 

The second section of the hike takes you up and over Gros Morne mountain. This portion is also 8kms with moderate to expert rating, although if you properly prepare and take your time, it should be achievable for most with a moderately active lifestyle. It takes you up through the rocky valley, over the barren top, winding around the back of the mountain.