05. Stiles Cove Path
15.1 km, 5-7 hour hike (one way), rated moderate.
No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Pouch Cove - Park in the St. Agnes Church parking lot, opposite the post office. Do not occupy post office parking. Take the lane north of the post office for 250 m, past a boat haul-up, and across Marsh Brook, to the trailhead.
- Stiles Cove - Park off Satellite Road, at the beginning of the access trail to Stiles Cove.
- Flatrock - Park in the St. Michaels Church parking lot. The trailhead is at the end of Hickeys Lane, east of the church.
About This Path: Attractions on this path include the tiny, resettled hamlet of Shoe Cove, several scenic waterfalls, sea caves and sea ledges, scenic punchbowl-shaped Stiles Cove, and the high cliff coastal views from Red Head, along with many other wondrous viewpoints. Small Point, about 8.2 km from the Pouch Cove trailhead, is an attractive headland for a lunch break. There are several elevation changes of up to 100 m along the course of the trail. The path has various access points to reduce its total distance (e.g. Pouch Cove to Shoe Cove, or Satellite Road to Read Rock or Flatrock). Note, the side trail to Georges Point should not be attempted if seas are rough. There are services available in Pouch Cove; however, there are limited facilities in Flatrock.
Community Walk:
Getting to Father Troy's Trail: After exiting the trail from the Flatrock trailhead, proceed up Hickeys Lane 200 m to Wind Gap Road. Turn left and walk Wind Gap Road for 1 km, then turn left onto Breakwater Road, and proceed 300 m, past the Breakwater Road, and proceed 300 m, past the breakwater, to the Father Troys Trail trailhead (total: 1.5 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.
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