4 Stunning Terra Nova National Park Hikes to Complete
Use our guide to help plan your epic Terra Nova National Park hikes! Terra Nova National Park has around 50 miles of trails to explore on the eastern side of Newfoundland and Labrador. Travel through the old-growth forests and discover serene landscapes, wildlife, and panoramic views of the sea.
You just might spot the provincial flower: the pitcher plant! Check out our post below for more information on the best Terra Nova National Park trails. For more fun in Newfoundland, be sure to check out our full 12-day itinerary here.
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Before You Venture Out
- First, a fee is required to visit Terra Nova National Park.
- Pick up a pass from the visitor centre, which is located along the Trans-Canada Highway. In our case, we headed past the Ochre Hill Trail, picked up a pass, and backtracked to the trailhead. This is a short 30-minute detour.
- Cell service may be spotty in certain locations of this park.
Weather and General Safety
- Be prepared for sun, rain, fog, wind, heat, cold, you name it! You might experience all four seasons in one day.
- Bring plenty of snacks and water. Carry at least 1 liter of water per person for every 5 miles planned to hike. Check out our favorite water bladder here and never run out.
- Please follow the posted speed limits – don’t forget, in Newfoundland, it’s kilometers per hour!
Animal Safety in Newfoundland
- The island of Newfoundland is home to many animal species, including moose, caribou, black bear, lynx, and fox. Furthermore, many species of birds and fish reside here.
- It is very rare that you would encounter a predator animal anywhere in Newfoundland, but you will encounter flies!
- Newfoundland is a pristine natural location and is thus home to the famous black fly. If you know, you know. Black flies are active from spring through summer and can make your hike miserable if you don’t prepare. Mosquitoes might also be present.
- Keep DEET bug spray handy, and a head net will become your best friend if you get swarmed.
- It is very rare that you would encounter a predator animal anywhere in Newfoundland, but you will encounter flies!
Ochre Hill Trail – moderate – 3 miles, loop
Start your day by heading to the Ochre Hill Trail, just 40 minutes from Clarenville, NL. As noted above, make sure you have a park pass to complete this hike. Park at the trailhead and head out on the figure 8 trail. The first part of the trail is a mostly flat loop that travels through bogs, ponds, and mature forests.
Once you reach the junction, take the next loop to Bread Cove lookout. This part of the trail is a bit more strenuous, but totally worth it. Make your way to a breathtaking view of Bread Cove and Clode Sound. This is our favorite of the 4 Terra Nova National Park hikes that we completed.
Finally, head back the way you came to the trailhead by using the other side of the figure 8 loop that you haven’t hiked yet.
Once you complete the Ochre Hill Trail, take the road to the dead end if you would like to see the fire tower. Climb up the tower for great views or take a rest in one of Parks Canada’s famous red chairs! After this, head back to the visitor centre for a hike along the most popular trail, the Terra Nova Coastal Trail.
🧊 Wait a minute! Did you say icebergs? Oh yeah! Learn more about how to see them in Twillingate.
Terra Nova Coastal Trail – easy – 5.6 miles or less, out and back
Second on your itinerary of Terra Nova National Park hikes is a stroll on the Terra Nova Coastal Trail. This popular trail starts at the visitor centre and is up to 5.6 miles long. Feel free to hike as little or as much of this trail as you want. Knowing that we had other trails we wanted to hike at Terra Nova National Park, we cut this one a bit short.
The Terra Nova Coastal Trail meanders along the coast of the Newman Sound through the forest with great water views. This is an easier hike that anyone can do. If you are looking for a nice flat Terra Nova National Park trail, this is it.
Mill Cove Lookout – easy – 1 mile, out and back
Next up is a hike to the top of a barren rock. Drive from the visitor center to this trailhead located on the Road to the Beaches. After you turn right on this road, the trailhead will be on the left. The Mill Cove Trail is super short with great views, so be sure to complete this one.
After you park, head through the woods across the boardwalk and climb the rocks and stairs to reach the top. As you climb the rock, follow the embedded signposts to find your way. You will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the beautiful landscape, including Traytown and Culls Harbour.
Malady Head – strenuous – 2.5 miles, out and back
Last up is the Malady Head hike. This is also one of the best Terra Nova National Park trails, but this one is a bit longer and more strenuous. The hike starts at the Malady Head Campground, just down the road from Mill Cove.
As you enter the campground, follow the one-way road, and you will eventually come to a parking area. After you park, head up the hill toward the water tower to begin the hike. There are nearby restrooms at this location in the park campground that you can use.
Start hiking through a beautiful black spruce forest carpeted with green moss. What a sight! As you continue to gain elevation on your hike, you will eventually emerge from the forest to a great lookout point.
From here, you can see Southwest Arm, the Eastport Causeway, and Alexander Bay. This view is a great way to end your day hiking at Terra Nova National Park. The trail continues if you want to hike more, but we were headed north for the evening, so we cut the hike short.
Finally, head back to your car and begin your 2-hour journey north to Twillingate.
Other Hikes in Terra Nova National Park
- Louil Hill Trail – 2 miles, loop – hike through balsam forest and open areas before winding your way back into the mature black spruce forest. Then, take the stairs up the rock to reach Louill Hill. From here, an amazing view of Alexander Bay awaits!
- Goowiddy Path – 5 miles, loop – Explore a mature black spruce forest along Newman Sound’s coastline. Then, relax in the famous red chairs at Buckley’s Cove. Hike on to reach the serene waters of Blue Hill Pond and then continue along the boardwalk to the coast.
- Southwest Arm Trail – 2.5 miles, out and back – Begin at the Southwest Arm Brook Day Use Area located along the TransCanada Highway. Stroll beside the creek through a mature forest. Then, cross the suspension bridge and continue along the shores of Southwest Arm. Backcountry camping is also available here!
Where to Stay
🛏️ Looking for a place to stay near Terra Nova National Park? Check out Clarenville, NL. We stayed one night in Clarenville before exploring Terra Nova National Park. Then, we headed up to Twillingate. Here are some great places to stay in Clarenville:
- Quality Hotel Clarenville – free breakfast and just off the highway! Locally owned and operated with a restaurant on site.
- Clarenville Inn – cooked-to-order breakfast is available, and this location has an outdoor pool open in the summer months. Perfect for couples.
Final Reflections
We absolutely loved each and every one of the Terra Nova National Park hikes that we completed. When we arrived in a downpour, we thought, “Uh-oh! Time to get out the rain gear?” We thought it was going to be miserable, but luckily, the rain moved out. Eventually, we were greeted with mostly sunny blue skies.
Breathing in the aroma of a pine forest is something that we always enjoy, and Terra Nova National Park provided us with just that! If you only have time for a couple of hikes here, we recommend the Ochre Hill Trail and Malady Head! We hope you enjoy these Terra Nova National Park trails as much as we did.
🛏️ Check out the amazing options from VRBO, and book a place in Twillingate (we hope you plan on heading there next to see some icebergs!)
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