Choose a path
Choose your hiking path based on trail difficulty, available amenities and features
11. Cape Spear Path
15.4 km, 5-7 hour hike (one way), rated moderate.
No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated foorwear required.
Access Points:
- Blackhead - Turn off at Cape Spear Road and drive through Blackhead, turning right near the shore and driving east 200 m to a school bus turnaround; park in the gravel area, not the turnaround.
- Cape Spear - Use the parking lot immediately inside park boundary, alongside Pilot Gulch.
- Maddox Cove - Park in the designated lot facing the beach. Do not block access to pump station. Follow Shore Lane 250 m to trailhead. Do not use laneway for parking.
About This Path: This path begins with a scenic climb to Blackhead with views back to the cliffs of Southside Hills and Cabot Tower. A decoy fort is found at the top of Blackhead, followed by an impressive view of Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America. A historic lighthouse and a WWII coastal defense battery can be visited at Cape Spear Historic Site. Beyond Cape Spear, the path consists of a variety of terrain, and features long views, a side trail to North Head (great spot for picnicking), a board-walked bog crossing at Staffordside, erratics along the shore and two river crossings. The trail also passes through a protected Nature Conservancy area near Maddox Cove. Conditions can be windier, cooler, and damper than in the city of St. John’s; path subject to rolling fog. There are limited facilities at Cape Spear from spring to fall. Facilities and services are available in the town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove.
Community Walk
Getting to Motion Path: Follow Shore Lane for 220 m, and turn left onto Old Maddox Cove Road. After 120 m, cross Maddox Cove Road and follow Motion Bay Road and Motion Bay Road Extension straight uphill for 400 m. The road bears left, and becomes a track. After 550 m, turn left at the junction with Cribbies Road, and proceed 400 m downhill. Turn right onto Skinners Hill Lane, and loop around to Main Road. Cross the bridge and turn onto Southside Road. After 400 m, turn up Cavells Lane. Climb the lane for 100 m to the Motion Bay Path trailhead (total: 2.6 km).
Please keep the following points in mind when hiking the East Coast Trail:
Leave No Trace - Pack it in. Pack it out. Please remove all trash, leftover food, and litter from the trail.
No Open Fires - Carry a backpack or camping stove if you are planning to cook while on the trail.
Take Only Pictures - Taking pictures is encouraged but please leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
Pedestrian Only - The East Coast Trail was designed for pedestrians only. It was not hardened to sustain bike, vehicle, or equestrian traffic.
Dogs on the Trail - Dogs may join hikers on the trail as long as they are under the owner's control. Per the provincial Animal Health and Protection Regulations, "In any outdoor area where people may encounter your pet without their consent, dogs must be kept on a leash." Please follow applicable legislation when taking your dogs on public rights-of-way. Learn more here.
Hike On the Trail Bed - Please hike on the developed trail to protect vegetation and prevent erosoion.
Respect - Respect the peace and quiet of the wilderness and the privacy of people who live near the trail.
When choosing a hike, consider the length, the average time to complete and the difficulty rating. East Coast Trail paths do not loop - stated path distances are one way.
Trail-rated hiking boots or shoes are a must on the East Coast Trail. Additionally, be sure to layer brightly colored, lightweight, quick-drying clothing for changing Newfoundland weather conditions.
For a complete list of what to pack and more tips for hiking safely, click here.
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