Choose a path
Choose your hiking path based on trail difficulty, available amenities and features
24. Bear Cove Point Path
11.9 km, 4-6 hour hike (one way), rated moderate.
No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Kingman's Cove - Turn off Route 10 (opposite the hydro relay station) and drive 1 km along Kingman's Cove Road to either the interpretation site, or the top of Corkscrew, where parking is in the gravel pit on your left. Proceed 1.5 km to the trailhead. There is no public parking at the end of the road.
- Bear Cove Light - Follow Point Road 3 km to the lighthouse. Park in the turnaround.
- Renews - Turn off Route 10 into Renews. Park at the Regina Mundi building complex, below Holy Apostles Church. Walk 700 m through the community to the trailhead.
About This Path: This path features blueberry grounds near Trixs Cove; abandoned settlements at Lance Cove, Trixs Cove, and Blacksmith; a lookout at Water Cove and Cobblers Stall; the historic lighthouse at Bear Cove Point; an 18th century gun battery at the Mount; and breeding terns in the Renews River Estuary. Limited services available in Kingman’s Cove and Renews.
Community Walk
Getting to Island Meadow Path: After exiting the trail from the Renews trailhead, walk to Stone Jug Road. Take Stone Jug Road, then Lower Wharf Road, then Front Road, then Boat Cove Road, then Front Road again, then Back Road to Route 10. Take Route 10 for 400 m, then Murphys Drive (0.5 km), then Route 10 again (1.1 km), then Cutlers Road (0.5 km) and O'Tooles Lane (200 m) to the Island Meadow Path trailhead (total: 5.2 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.
Open