Hiking Gros Morne National Park - Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

With beauty before me, may I walk

With beauty behind me, may I walk

With beauty above me, may I walk

With beauty below me, may I walk

With beauty all around me, may I walk
Wandering on the trail of beauty, may I walk
Navajo Walking Meditation

Gros Morne National Park is all about hiking. It's essential to get out of your car and experience this place by picking a trail and drinking in the beauty all around you. Most of it cannot be seen from the car window. 

Our group went on several hikes on the north side of the park. I missed some of them due to a bad cold but everyone else took full advantage by hiking as much as possible...rain or shine. The first group of picture were taken on a hike in Cow Head near our campground out to the lighthouse. It was an easy two mile round trip coastal trail.Everyone loved this hike.

Tuckamore forest

Mama and her babies out for stroll

Seal out sunning himself

The lighthouse at the point is no longer in use but you could go inside it. 

Cow Head Lighthouse

Norris Point had another more difficult hike called Heritage Trail. It had some spectacular views and was about a mile in length with 242 steps.

Lobster Cove, near Rocky Harbour, was another easy 1/2 mile hike out to working lighthouse. You were not allowed to go inside.  Funds are being raised to make this more accessible.

The Coastal Trail was made easier by positioning cars at each end. It's a 1 1/2 mile trail one way between two villages. The stroll along the coast and into the tuckamore forest (stunted trees) was very enjoyable.

Thanks for hiking along with us today. Tomorrow we are heading to the south side of park. Stay with us. Lots more is in store. 

Western Brook Pond Cruise - Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland (52 degrees, chilly, blue skies)

When was the last time you went for a boat trip and walked a mile and half to get to the dock?  We had heard so much about this boat trip we were willing to go along with the added exercise. 

We are now in Cow Head Harbour on the north side of Gros Morne National Park. We are staying at the Seabreeze B&B which has a small nine site RV park along side it over looking the sea. The owner is very friendly and helpful with giving us suggestions on what to see and do in the area. On our first full day we decided to take the boat trip since it was going to be our best weather for the next few days. 

Western Brook Pond

The walk out to the dock was pleasant and easy and for the most part on a nice boardwalk which extended over peat bogs nine feet deep.  You sure didn't want to fall off the boardwalk! Reservations are made through the National Park and taking a lunch along is a good idea, although the office does sell some snacks. 

Peat bogs

Our cruise boat

The cruise was narrated and we were told it was one of the purest lakes in the world due to very little sediment being produced from the granite rock and no run off with nutrients. There is also very low impact with humans and the waters cold temperatures allowed for little growth. It was pristine and totally secluded by the mountains ringing around it. The mountains are the northern end of the Appalachians. 

Backpackers are allowed in this area but it takes about four days to hike out and requires a day long training class. We did drop off two backpackers on our trip.

We saw lots of waterfalls cascading down the ravines. The boat captain would circle around each one so everyone could get a good photograph.

Jann and Vickie enjoying the cruise

It was a great way to start our time here at the National Park. Afterwards  we had a nice lunch on the deck overlooking the lake. We will be here for eight days with an additional move to the south end. Stay tuned!