11. Cape Spear Path

Cape Spear Path

Blackhead to Maddox Cove

15.4 km, 5-7 hour hike (one way), rated moderate.

Access Points: Blackhead - turn off Blackhead Road onto Blackhead Village Road, continue for 700m and keep right for a further 200m and park in the gravel area adjacent to a bus turnaround.  Cape Spear - use the parking lot immediately inside Cape Spear National Historic Site boundary off Blackhead Road. Additional parking may be available at the Cape Spear Historic Site.  Maddox Cove - Park at the pull-off above the beach on Old Maddox Cove Road. Walk Old Maddox Cove Road and turn right onto Shore Lane for 250m to reach the trailhead.  Do not use laneway for parking.

About this path: The path begins with a scenic climb to Black Head with views back to the cliffs of Southside Hills and Cabot Tower. A decoy fort is found at the top of Black Head, followed by an impressive view of Cape Spear, the easternmost point in North America.  An historic lighthouse and a WWII coastal defense battery can be visited at Cape Spear Historic Site.  Beyond Cape Spear you will encounter a variety of terrain, long views, a side-trail to North head (perfect picnic spot), a board-walked bog crossing at Staffordside, erratics along the shore and two river crossings. The trail also passes through a protected Nature Conservancy area near Maddox Cove.

Limited facilities at Cape Spear spring to fall. Facilities and services available in the town of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove.

Photo by  @chelseylawrencephotography on Instagram