Gros Morne Mountain

The hike to the summit of Gros Morne Mountain (806 m) is a breathtaking adventure. For the experienced hiker, this trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and unforgettable views. Your efforts will be rewarded by views of the Long Range Mountains and the Ten Mile Pond gorge. The flat summit is a harsh yet beautiful Arctic-alpine environment, home to arctic hare, caribou, rock ptarmigan, and arctic-alpine plants. The 4.5-kilometre Approach Trail to the base of Gros Morne Mountain is moderately difficult and makes for a very rewarding hike on its own.

Trail details

• Distance: 17 km return
• Hiking time: 6-8.5 hours (minimum)
• Elevation gain: 1000 m
• Trail rating: difficult

Spring trail closure (May 1 to June 27)

To protect wildlife during critical weeks of growth and reproduction, the Gros Morne Summit trail is closed annually to hikers beginning on May 1 and re-opens on June 28. Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act.

Prepare for your hike

• Trail description - one mountain, two trails

  The Gros Morne Mountain Trail includes two distinct parts, with very different trail conditions, difficulty levels, and time required. The Summit Trail is recommended for experienced and prepared hikers only.

  The Approach Trail – a gradual climb with fantastic views.

  • Distance: 9 km return
  • Time: 2.5–3.5 hours (minimum)
  • Elevation gain: 463 m
  • Trail rating: moderate

   

  
  

  The 4.5-kilometre Approach Trail to the viewing platform at the base of Gros Morne Mountain is rated moderate and makes for a very rewarding hike on its own. The trail winds through forest and follows Crow Gulch Brook. Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls, Crow Cliff and Gros Morne Mountain. A bridge overlooking a waterfall halfway along the trail is a great destination for those interested in a shorter hike. The trail has a hard packed and stable natural trail surface.

  
  

  Summit Trail – one of the most grueling—and rewarding—in the park.

  • Distance: 8 km loop
  • Time: 3.5-5.5 hours (minimum)
  • Elevation gain: 537 m
  • Trail rating: difficult

  
  

  The Summit Trail is an additional 3.5-5.5 hours on a difficult 8-kilometre loop that starts at the end of the Approach Trail. After a strenuous 500-metre climb up a scree slope, the trail traverses the rocky summit plateau and then descends by a long, boulder-strewn path through Ferry Gulch.

  Tip: For your safety and the safety of others, it is best to hike this trail in a clockwise direction, so you do not descend the scree slope. Descending the scree slope is more dangerous than climbing because you have less control, increasing your risk of falling or dislodging boulders onto hikers below.

  Download the trail map here.

  

• Trail safety - know before you go

  Hikers planning to hike the Summit Trail of Gros Morne Mountain should be experienced and prepared for hiking steep terrain with significant elevation gain over rocky, uneven and unstable ground. Don’t be the ill-prepared or inexperienced hiker who puts themselves and others in danger and needs rescue. Follow the advice below and check with staff at the Visitor Centre or Discovery Centre for more information.

  In case of an emergency on the trail, call 1-877-852-3100 (accident, lost or overdue hiker, medical emergency, wildlife incident, or to report a violation).

  • Be prepared. Emergency assistance may take many hours to arrive due to weather, darkness or remoteness.
  • Let someone know your destination and planned return time. Cell phone coverage is unreliable throughout the park.
  • Stay on the trail and stay together as a group. By following the trail, you will avoid dangerous terrain and not get lost. Cliffs and other steep and dangerous terrain are not marked. Don’t hike the Summit Trail when the mountain is cloud covered as visibility will be poor making navigation difficult.
  • Tip: If the summit becomes cloud covered while you are on top, rock cairns mark the route across the summit.
  • Avoid dehydration and heat stroke. Bring 3 litres of water per person and more on hot days.
  • Don’t get caught in the dark. Leave early enough so you can complete the trail before sunset. Bring a flashlight and spare batteries in case you get delayed.
  • Avoid fatigue. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and replenish calories with snacks to maintain your energy level.
  • Reduce the risk of leg injuries. The Summit Trail is uneven, rock strewn with loose boulders and can be slippery when wet. Wear hiking boots with good traction and ankle support. Carry first aid treatment for blisters and sprains. Hiking poles will ease the descent and take strain off your knees. If you have a previous or recurring leg injury this trail may not be for you.
  • Don’t get caught out in bad weather. Check the forecast. Bring appropriate clothing (waterproof/ windproof jacket, sweater, hat). The summit is often windy and can be significantly cooler than the base.
  • Tip: Plan this hike on one of your first days in the area in case you need to reschedule because of bad weather.
  • Know your limits. Reassess at the base of the mountain, making sure you and your group can complete the hike under current conditions and before dark. Turn back if you or someone in your group is struggling or you have insufficient time.
  • Tip: To estimate the time for you to complete the hike from the base of the mountain, use the time it took you to hike from the parking lot to the base and multiply by 5. For example, if it took you 1.5 hours to hike to the base, multiplying 1.5 hours by 5 gives you an estimate of 7.5 more hours to complete the hike to the summit and return to the parking lot. This would be a total hiking time of 9 hours for the entire hike.
  • Do not approach or feed wildlife. Be alert to your surroundings to avoid surprise encounters. Make sure wildlife have an escape route.
• Protecting the mountain - trail etiquette

  The summit of Gros Morne is a slice of Arctic tundra far south of its usual range. Here, Arctic hare, caribou, and rock ptarmigan raise their young but are particularly vulnerable when disturbed. Plants grow slowly and cannot survive repeated trampling. Soils are thin and easily eroded when plant cover is lost.

  • Please stay on the trail, both for your safety and to reduce your effect on the fragile environment.
  • Do not approach or feed wildlife. Be alert to your surroundings to avoid surprise encounters. Make sure wildlife have an escape route.
  • Do not hike the mountain when it is closed.
  • If you bring your dog, it must always be under physical control with a leash, so they do not harass or harm wildlife or disturb other hikers.
  • Leave what you find - it is the law. Natural items such as wildflowers, rocks and caribou antlers must remain undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
  • Leave no trace. If you pack it in, pack it out including all garbage, toilet paper, and food waste.
  • Toilet etiquette - don’t do it on the trail. Use toilets provided. If not available, step at least 10 m off the trail, do your business and pack out any used toilet paper.
  • Do not build shelters or rock cairns.
• When to go - seasonal hiking conditions

  Summer to early fall (June 28 to mid October)

  Summer and early Fall is the recommended time to hike Gros Morne Mountain. During this time, weather will be most favourable, the days are long, and the trail will be snow free except for the occasional late snow patches in early summer.

  
  

  Winter (mid October to April 30)

  During winter, hiking the Summit Trail is not recommended. By mid October, freezing temperatures, frequent stormy weather, ice and snow on the trail and shorter days create additional hazards for hikers. Early snowfalls and icy conditions increase the risk of serious falls and exposure to hypothermia. Later in winter the accumulation of snow brings the risk of avalanches, and the trail becomes obscured making navigation more difficult. Hiking is not recommended in these conditions.

  
  

  Spring trail closure (May 1 to June 27)

  To protect wildlife during critical weeks of growth and reproduction, the Gros Morne Summit Trail is closed annually to hikers beginning on May 1 and re-opens on June 28. Violators may be charged under the Canada National Parks Act.

• Hiking with your dog

  • Dogs are not recommended on the Summit Trail. The presence of dogs on the mountain can disturb the unique wildlife that call Gros Morne Mountain home. Please consider leaving your dog at home.
  • As with people, the hike to the summit can also be challenging for dogs and the rocky terrain can be hard on their paws.
  • If you bring your dog, it must always be under physical control with a leash, so they do not harass or harm wildlife or disturb other hikers.
  • It is your responsibility to pick up after your dog.     
  • Before bringing your dog, ask yourself: If my dog were injured on the trail, could I carry them back to the parking lot? If not, please reconsider bringing your dog.
• Primitive camping

  • There is a primitive campsite at Ferry Gulch. A camping permit is required. Reservations can be made using Parks Canada’s reservation service. Learn more about primitive camping here.
• Regulations

  • A national park pass is required to visit Gros Morne National Park.
  • Leave what you find - it is the law. Natural items such as wildflowers, rocks and caribou antlers must remain undisturbed for others to discover and enjoy.
  • Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in.
  • Drones/UAVs are prohibited in all national parks as they disturb wildlife and disrupt the enjoyment of other visitors. Leave your drone at home or in your vehicle.
  • Keep your dog on a leash at all times – it is the law.