01. Long Shore Path
17.2 km, 6-8 hour hike (one way), rated moderate to difficult.
No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
- Topsail Beach - Turn off Topsail Road (Route 60) and drive 600 m down Topsail Beach Road to the parking area at Topsail Beach Rotary Park. Walk 60 m north to the trailhead sign.
- St. Thomas - Follow St. Thomas Line (Route 50) for 6 km to the intersection with Laurie Road. This is a drop off point only. There is no designated parking at this access point. Walk down Laurie Road 250 m to a hairpin turn and take the path on the left. Do not park on Laurie Road or at Horse Cove Beach, blocking use by local residents.
- St. Philips - Follow Thorburn Road into St. Phillips. Park on the beach side of Thorpes Road. Do not park in the marina area. Walk 250 m along Thorpes Road to the beginning of the coastal path.
- Beachy Cove/Longmarsh Road - Park in the lot beside Holy Rosary Church in Portugal Cove. Walk 400 m south on Beachy Cove Road to Longmarsh Road, or 800 m to Beachy Cove.
- Portugal Cove - Follow Portugal Cove Road (Route 40) into Portugal Cove. Pull off at the post office, and park behind the building in the designated area. Do not block the fire hall or its parking area.
About This Path: Attractions on this path include Topsail Beach Rotary Park, at the Topsail Beach trailhead, which is equipped with toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. A 600 m side trail, 200 m from the Topsail Beach trailhead, brings hikers to the summit of Topsail Bluff. Horse Cove, Beachy Cove, and Goat Cove have small, attractive beach areas. Not to be missed are the panoramic views from Beachy Cove Hill and Greymans Beard. Anticipate marshy areas, rope-assisted slope scrambles and unassisted ascents and descents over uneven terrain. The path passes close to cliff edges and crosses exposed bedrock. Use extra caution when conditions are wet or icy. Facilities and services are available in both Topsail and Portugal Cove.
Community Walk
Getting to Piccos Ridge Path: After exiting the trail from the Portugal Cove trailhead, turn left onto Portugal Cove Road and walk 250 m to Loop Drive. Turn right and hike fot 150 m, turn right onto Hardings Hill, cross the bridge, and hike for 300 m to the North Point Road. Proceed 250 m along the road to the Piccos Ridge Path trailhead.
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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