18. Flamber Head Path
11.5 km (+1.4 km access trail), 5-8 hour hike (one way), rated moderate to difficult.
No path clearing or conditions updates during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated foorwear required.
Access Points:
- La Manche Village - Ampleparking is available, for a small fee, in the day-use area of La Manche Provincial Park. Exit the park camping area at Fire Exit Road and walk up to La Manche Road. Alternately, pass the La Manche Provincial Park entrance, continue south along Route 10 for 1.5 km, turn left onto La Manche Road, and continue for 2 km to the end of the road where there is a large parking area. Walk the old road (1.4 km) down to the village.
- Brigus South - Take the left turn off Route 10 to Brigus South, and follow the road 2 km into the community. Reaching the harbour, park on the north side, at the Flamber Head trialhead, or at the beach pullout on the harbour's south side. Do not block the community wharf or other local access.
About This Path: This rigorous hike starts in La Manche Village and proceeds south up and down wooded hills to the southern border of La Manche Provincial Park, with lovely coastal viewpoints and high cliffs, including the dominant headlands of Cape Neddick and Flamber Head. Seabirds and whales are likely to be seen in season. Much of the path is wooded, and traverses many small streams. The path also features the resettled former village of La Manche, as well as the 50 m suspension bridge at La Manche Provincial Park, a lovely waterfall at the Keys, as well as spectacular geology. Limited facilities are available in Brigus South.
Camping: Wilderness camping is available at Roaring Cove Campsite, 8.5 km from the La Manche Village trailhead. No reservations required. The campsite includes tent platforms and an outdoor primitive toilet. Be sure to carry a camp stove, as open fires are not permitted. In addition, serviced camping is available at La Manche Provincial Park. Camping in the park is available through reservation only. It is recommended to book well in advance. Find more information through Parks NL.
Community Walk
Getting to Brigus Head Path: After exiting the trail from the Brigus South trailhead, walk around Brigus South harbour for 300 m to the Brigus Head Path trailhead.
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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