09. Sugarloaf Path
8.8km, 3-5 hour hike (one way), rated moderate to difficult.
Access Points: Logy Bay - Turn east off Logy Bay Road 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 - Proceed into Quidi Vidi Village in St. John's. Turn east onto the unpaved road immediately north of the bridge over Quidi Vidi river, east end of Quidi Vidi Lake. Metrobus Route 15 goes to Quidi Vidi. Or, park off road opposite the two fluid storage tanks.
About this path: varied coastal path linking St. John's and Logy Bay (Memorial University's Ocean Science Centre). Note hiking trail and biking route, signed, criss cross up Bawdens Highland. Drop down to ocean level and climb again, crossing the John Howards bridge and passing the area of the Robin Hood Bay Waste Management Facility. Through the woods and a final climb up Sugarloaf, a local landmark. Two major elevations changes of 150m. Vistas of the coast from atop Sugarloaf Head on the north end. Rock formations at the Skerries. 360 degree view of St. John's and Quidi Vidi from atop the Bawdens Highlands on the south end. Variety of services available in Quidi Vidi Village, no facilities at Logy Bay trailhead.
Photo by @ladyamane on Instagram
OpenPath visible and passable.
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 7 days a week.
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 right of way. Map recommended. Trail rated footwear required.