03. White Horse Path
18.2 km, 8-10 hour hike (one way), rated strenuous.
This is one of our most strenuous paths. Be prepared for a long hike. A remote campground, including five tent platforms and one toilet, is available at Patch Brook. No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Winter usage strongly discouraged. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Bauline - Park at the end of Brook Path (a street just below the United Church in Bauline). Return along Brook Path, then turn left onto Main Road, and proceed downhill towards the harbour. After 200 m, turn right onto Seaview Lane, and follow the lane to the last house, and the White Horse Path trailhead.
- Cape St. Francis - Drive or hike the 5.5 km gravel road (Route 20) from Pouch Cove to Biscan Cove. Park on the shouldre of the road, near the turnoff to the community wharf. Do not block local traffic. Walk 300 m along the road. A sign marks the trailhead.
About This Path: This path is recommended for experienced hikers. There are many steep ascents/descents requiring good levels of fitness and endurance. Long forested sections cross brooks and travel through abandoned meadows, gullies and boggy peatland. Trekking poles recommended for steep treadway and brook crossings. Be sure to start this path in enough time to complete before sunset; be prepared to hike the full path distance before setting out. Expect strong winds and temperature changes on open elevated terrain.
Camping: There is a wilderness campsite, Patch Brook Campsite, on the path, 10.4 km from the Bauline trailhead. No reservations required. The campsite includes five tent platforms and an outdoor primitive toilet. Be sure to carry a camp stove, as open fires are not permitted.
Community Walk
Getting to Biscan Cove Path: After exiting the trail from the Cape St. Francis trailhead, the gravel road to the right least to the Biscan Cove Path trailhead (total: 600 m).
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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