09. Sugarloaf Path
8.8 km, 3-5 hour hike (one way), rated moderate to difficult.
Hikers are reminded that parking for the Sugarloaf Path's Logy Bay trailhead is found at the East Coast Trail's parking lot on the left-hand side of Marine Lab Road. Under no circumstances should hikers use the Marine Lab facility parking lot to the right. This parking lot is for Marine Lab employees only and is in use seven days a week. No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Logy Bay - Turn east off Logy Bay Road (Highway 30) onto Marine Drive. Follow signs to Marine Lab Road and Ocean Sciences Centre. Park in hiker reserved lot across from Ocean Sciences Centre lot, and never in the Ocean Science Centre lot itself. Trailhead is across roadway from the ocean sciences parking lot.
- Quidi Vidi Village - Turn east onto the road immediately north of the bridge over Quidi Vidi River and park in designated area. Follow the signs to the trailhead (about 170 m).
About This Path: This varied coastal path that links St. John’s and Logy Bay features two major elevation changes of 150 m, vistas of the coast from atop Sugarloaf Head on the north end, rock formation at the Skerries, and a 360 degree view of St. John’s and Quidi Vidi from atop the Bawdens Highlands on the south end. Note, the hiking trail and biking route, signed, criss-cross up Bawdens Highland. While crossing White Hills and Bawdens Highland, hikers must stay off trails restricted to mountain biking. The Pipeline track is shared by cyclists and hikers; hikers have the right of way. There are a variety of services available in Quidi Vidi Village; however there are no facilities at Logy Bay trailhead.
Community Walk
Getting to Deadmans Bay Path: After exiting the trail from the Quidi Vidi Village trailhead, walk 115 m to Quidi Vidi Road, turn left and cross bridge, then cross the Plantation parking lot, and follow Maple View Place to Stones Road (150 m). Turn left and follow Stones Road 200 m to Cuckholds Cove Road, and another 200 m to Burma Road. Follow Burma Road Trail (500 m) and Ladies' Lookout Trail (1.3 km) to the parking lot, and then follow North Head Trail (1.7 km) to The Battery. Proceed through the city, cross the footbridge behind the Railway Museum, and proceed along Southside Road and Fort Amherst Road to the Deadmans Bay Path trailhead (total: 6.7 km).
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.
