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Green Gardens Trail: Coastal Vistas and Geological Wonders

Hike through diverse landscapes, from barren Tablelands to lush coastal meadows, on this scenic trail in Gros Morne National Park.

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The Green Gardens Trail in Gros Morne National Park offers a diverse hiking experience, transitioning from barren Tablelands terrain to lush coastal meadows and dramatic sea cliffs. This moderate 9 km (5.6 mile) trail showcases unique geological formations, including exposed mantle and pillow basalts, and provides stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

A brief summary to Green Gardens Trail

Local tips

  • Bring layers, as the weather in Gros Morne can change rapidly, and be prepared for sun, rain, fog, and wind.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail has some steep and rocky sections.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the trail beyond the outhouses.
  • Check the tide charts if you plan to explore the sea cave or hike along the beach.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, including sheep, birds, and possibly even whales in the distance.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Green Gardens Trailhead is located off Highway 431, approximately 13 km (8 miles) from Woody Point and 3 km (1.9 miles) from Trout River. From Woody Point, follow Main Road south, then make a slight right onto Highway 431 W/Bonne Bay Road. Continue on Highway 431 west until you see the parking lot on the right. There is no public transportation to the trailhead. Parking is free, but it can fill up quickly during peak season, so arrive early.

  • Walking

    From the Green Gardens parking lot, the trail begins to the left of the parking lot and first heads up a hill through the open serpentine barrens of the Tablelands. Follow the well-maintained path, marked with Parks Canada signs. The trail is an out-and-back route, so simply retrace your steps to return to the parking lot.

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Discover more about Green Gardens Trail

Embark on a captivating journey through Gros Morne National Park along the Green Gardens Trail, where contrasting landscapes and geological wonders await. The trail begins amidst the rust-colored serpentine barrens of the Tablelands, an area exposing the Earth's mantle, reminiscent of a Mars-like terrain. These rocks, rich in iron, create a unique and seemingly inhospitable environment. As you traverse the trail, witness a gradual transformation from barren rocks to verdant meadows, a testament to the changing soil composition and the presence of life-sustaining elements. Descend through a boreal forest, where the scent of evergreens fills the air and glimpses of a distant waterfall hint at the coastal beauty to come. Keep an eye out for tuckamore, the wind-swept, stunted trees characteristic of Newfoundland's coastal and alpine regions. Emerging from the forest, be prepared to be mesmerized by the dramatic volcanic coastline. Here, sea stacks rise majestically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sculpted by millennia of erosion. Explore the fertile volcanic coastline, where you might spot sheep grazing, a tradition harking back to when Trout River residents used the area as summer pasture for their livestock. Descend the stairs to Old Man Cove beach and marvel at the pillow basalts, bulbous black rocks formed by undersea volcanic eruptions 550 million years ago. At low tide, venture towards the sea cave or scramble to the brook to discover a series of small waterfalls. Remember that the Green Gardens Trail is an out-and-back trail, with the section from Steve's Cove to Wallace Brook closed for safety reasons since 2017. Allow 3-4 hours for the 9 km (5.6 mile) return hike, and be prepared for some steep sections, especially on the way back.

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