Choose a path
Choose your hiking path based on trail difficulty, available amenities and features
14. Mickeleens Path
7.2 km, 2-4 hour hike (one way), rated easy to moderate.
No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Bay Bulls - Drive to the end of Quays Road. Park on the shoulder of the turnaround, at the end of the pavement. Continue for 280 m along the cart track to the trailhead.
- Witless Bay - Turn left onto Deans Road, near the junction of Highway 10 and 13 (Witless Bay Line). At the end of Deans Road, turn right 50 m, and park at the Witless Bay Seabird Ecological Reserve Tourist Information Centre. Walk 900 m east along Bears Cove Road to the trailhead, located at the school bus turnaround. Do not park in the turnaround.
About This Path: This path wanders through peaceful woods alternating with tramps across lush sea meadows and visits to cliff edge vantage points overlooking impressive coves, nesting guillemots, passing cormorants, sea stacks, gulches, red sandstone cliffs, whales, offshore islands, and the Witless Bay Islands Ecological Reserve. In the fall, look for dramatic wave action along the coast. Facilities and services can be found in both Bay Bulls and Witless Bay.
Community Walk
Getting to Beaches Path: After exiting the trail from the Witless Bay trailhead, proceed 800 m along Bears Cove Road, then 1.2 km along Harbour Road. Follow Long Beach for 100 m, then Highway 10 for 300 m, then Lower Loop Road for 300 m, and then Gallows Cove Road for 1.9 km to the Beaches Path trailhead (total: 4.6 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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