Gros Morne National Park boasts some of the best hiking you’ll find in Canada. Not only will you find plenty of magnificent, well-maintained hikes, but the variety of landscapes within a single park is genuinely impressive.
In one day, you can trek to fjords, coastal cliffs, dense forest, and even walk on Earth’s exposed mantle.
I spent three days in Gros Morne hiking and they ended up being some of my favorite days I’ve had while traveling. One of those days included a boat tour through the park’s epic fjords, which is absolutely a must-do.
With that said, here are some of my favorite hikes from Gros Morne.
Tablelands
Hiking through the Tablelands feels like experiencing another planet. The rust-colored rock stretches for miles in every direction, creating a surreal, Mars-like landscape that feels completely different from the rest of the park (and from the rest of Newfoundland).
This area is one of the few places on Earth where you can walk directly on exposed mantle rock! There is very little vegetation, and the winds are usually whistling, giving the entire area a quiet and otherworldly feel.
The terrain here is mostly flat and easy to explore, making it accessible for everyone. You can go off trail and hike up the mountain above the main trail on the boardwalk if weather permits.
Exploring the Tablelands is an absolute must for those visiting Gros Morne.
- Length: 4.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 705 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
Green Gardens Trail
It’s hard to put my experience hiking the Green Gardens Trail into words. This was one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve done.
You’ll begin the hike in a wide-open landscape not far from the Tablelands. Quickly, you’ll find yourself making your way downhill toward lush, dense forest. Then, the trail opens up to the dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. If you’re lucky like I was, you’ll see plenty of roaming sheep along the cliffs.
Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy on the Adirondacks that conveniently sit above the cliffs overlooking the sea. Or, hike down to the beach and dip your toes in the water.
Regardless, your hike is sure to be a memorable one. Hikers often find the Green Gardens Trail to be the best hike in Gros Morne.
- Length: 6.6 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,266 feet
- Difficulty: Medium
Gros Morne Mountain Trail
The Gros Morne Mountain Trail might be the most epic hike in the national park, but you have to work for the views. At 10.5 miles and more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain, it’s a difficult hike.
However, the reward is the second-highest point on Newfoundland, making it one of the more thrill-seeking hikes in Atlantic Canada. Note that this trail is closed outside of the summer and early fall months, to protect both people and wildlife.
This is the trail that guides trekkers to the summit of the park’s magnificent fjords, and there’s no better place on the east coast of North America to see fjords than in Newfoundland.
- Length: 10.5 miles
- Elevation Change: 3,044 feet
- Difficulty: Hard
Baker’s Brook Falls
Admittedly, I didn’t even know about this hike when I was visiting Gros Morne, but I wish I did. The pictures of Baker’s Brook Falls make it look incredibly inviting. The set of waterfalls are massive, and the area looks so peaceful. Hikers note that on a warm, sunny day (by Newfoundland standards) this is a fantastic place for a swim as well.
The hike begins close to the town of Rocky Harbour. With only a 700-foot elevation gain, this 5.7-mile hike is very doable for most levels of hikers. Much of the trail is on a boardwalk, though it still seems to be a pretty quiet and underrated trail based on what people have to say about it.
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Elevation Change: 738 feet
- Difficulty: Medium
Lookout Trail
Right next to the Gros Morne Visitor Center is the starting point for the Lookout Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the park. The trail guides hikers up a mountain that overlooks gorgeous Bonne Bay on one side and the Tablelands on the other.
The hike isn’t overly strenuous, but it’s a pretty steady incline so it will be challenging for someone in poor shape. The fact that much of the trail turns into a boardwalk means you don’t have to worry about poles or mud, which is nice.
- Length: 3.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Medium
If you’re looking for more hikes not just in Gros Morne, but throughout the province, check out my article on the best hikes in Newfoundland.
