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Gros
Morne National Park
Day Hiking in Newfoundland
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
 Gros
Morne National Park is situated on the west coast of Newfoundland.
This is a unique place to visit with many spectacular day use
trails. The park spans an area of 1,805 square kilometers and
was recently recognized as a Unesco world heritage site.
Gros Morne's
terrain consists of coastal lowlands bordering the gulf of the
St. Lawrence and alpine plateaus of the Long Range Mountains which
harbour incredible views of sharp ridges, bogs, highland tundra,
ocean inlets and lakes. You may even catch a glimpse of some of
the natural residents such as caribou, black bear, fox and moose.
This national
park's geological history unfolds when you explore the Western
Brook Pond trail. This easy to moderate trail is about 3 km each
way. The trail works its way to the waters edge where you can
take a two and a half hour narrated cruise or continue on a side
trail to a beach next to stag brook (8.8 kilometers return). Both
the cruise and the trail reward you with incredible views of the
700 meter cliffs.
 Six
hundred million years ago Europe and North America slowly began
to pull apart, magma from the earths core rose and filled the
gap. Over time the Iapetus Sea formed and separated the continents.
Four hundred and sixty million years ago Europe and North America
pushed together, creating the Appalachian Mountains and closing
the Iapetus Sea. Glaciers from the Long Range plateau then gouged
a "u" shaped trough through the Western Brook Pond.
If you look closely you can still see evidence of these changes
in the cliff walls.
During the
transformation of Gros Morne pieces of perodotite rock were thrust
up from the bottom of the ocean and transported one hundred kilometers
to the tablelands. Examples of the tan colored rock from the earth's
upper crust and mantle can be seen on the Tablelands Trail. The
trail is 4 kilometers long and is moderate in difficulty.
For the adventurers
among us the Gros Morne Mountain Trail is 16 kilometers of awesome
views and hiking challenges. The trail is very strenuous and is
not recommended for children. Gros Morne is the second highest
peak in Newfoundland standing at 806 meters. Once at the top you
will notice a very different environment consisting of fragile
plants and animals similar to those found in the arctic. It is
imperative to respect this unique ecosystem.
On the Gros
Morne Mountain Trail you will experience breathtaking views of
the arms of the Bonne Bay Fjord and Ten Mile Pond. Before setting
out on this trail pick up a trail guide from the visitor center.
Pay special attention to the cautions and recommendations as trail
conditions and unpredictable weather can put you at extreme risk.
Gros Morne
provides experiences for people of all ages and fitness levels.
From beautiful ocean vistas to environmentally sensitive tundra,
Gros Morne is an unforgettable day hiking adventure.
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