John Vivian, the founder of the Skerwink Trail, tells me at a dinner in Trinity a few weeks ago that the Skerwink Trail offers more scenery per linear foot than any other trail in Newfoundland. He’s not the only one singing its praises. In 2003 the Skerwink Trail was ranked as one of the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel & Leisure Magazine.
I’ve now hiked the 5.3 kilometre trail and agree that the scenery to effort and distance ratio is incredibly high. But you are going to have to decide for yourself if it deserves the accolades it has received.
The hike is super easy to begin – flat and straight
Located in Trinity East on the Bonavista Peninsula (about a three hour drive away from St. John’s), the Skerwink Trail follows the north and south coasts of Skerwink Head, a ruggedly beautiful peninsula separating Port Rexton from Trinity Harbour. It’s best hiked in a clockwise direction so you can take advantage of the views of Trinity Harbour as you hike south from Skerwink Head.
You pass by this pretty house at the beginning of the trail
The trail starts off flat and arrow straight on an old railbed.
At approximately the one kilometer mark, the coast comes into view and remains in sight for the next three kilometers. The hiking through the coastal section is exceptional. But if you’re afraid of heights or you prefer trees to coast, then there is the option to hike an inland portion of trail between kilometer one and two.
Lady slippers in abundance early on
The first sea stack you see on the trail
Don’t expect to hike quickly once you reach the coast. It seems like at every step, there’s a sea stack, a beach or a rugged cliff face vying for your attention. If you’re a photographer you could easily spend the day through here. In season – once the capelin (a fish like a smelt) is running, whales might be sighted and in some years you can see icebergs.
The trail is thoughtfully designed. Trees have been trimmed so you can get a view without stepping into the void. Steep sections are accessed with stairs; boardwalks abound and lookouts come with benches. But always exercise caution, especially if you are hiking with children. The drop-offs are severe and any fall will likely be your last.
The rock formations just get better and better the more you hike
Wonderful rock formations along the coast everywhere you look
The water is crystal clear
Looking out through the rock to a stand-alone sea stack
Sublime hiking along the coast of Newfoundland
Great pattern on the beach as well as impressive cliffs
Impeccably designed trails in excellent shape
Dry Cove Beach – a famous capelin beach
Cliffs everywhere you look
One of the highlights for me, apart from the superb scenery, was watching a couple of fox cubs playing. Their mom was nowhere in sight and the two of them looked like trouble.
First black fox I’ve ever seen – and a cub no less
Hard to believe these fox cubs would be out of the same litter
Looking back at where we’d hiked
Tree on a cliff that looks more like driftwood
You get some sense of the drop-off
Climbing the stairs away from the cliffs
The trail through an old forest
A view to Trinity from the Skerwink Trail
The Trinity side of the Skerwink Trail
Looking out from the beach about a kilometer from the end of the trail
A rocky beach near the end of the hike
I think the Skerwink Trail is an exceptional hike – and highly recommend doing it.
Useful Information about the Skerwink Trail
- The trail is accessed via a side road off of Highway 230. Look out for Skerwink Trail signage near the bright yellow Foodex building and head south. It’s about 11 kilometres from Trinity.
- It’s free to hike but there is a donation box to help with trail maintenance.
- An outhouse is located within five minutes of the start of the trail.
- Allow 1.5 – 2.5 hours to hike the trail but if you’re into photography or you’re hiking it with children, allow for some beach time at the end.
- Dogs must be on a leash. Some children too – not really but at the edge watch them like a hawk.
- I’d rate the trail as easy to moderate.
- After the hike head to Two Whales Coffee Shop in Port Rexton. The food and coffee is excellent.
Have you done any hiking in Newfoundland? Do you have a favourite trail?
***Thank you to Legendary Coasts for arranging an incredible dinner at the Twine Loft and a meeting with John Vivian. ***
Leigh McAdam
Author of Discover Canada: 100 Inspiring Outdoor Adventures
Co-author of 125 Nature Hot Spots in Alberta
HikeBikeTravel
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Absolutely fabulous! Newfoundland sounded always interesting but thanks to your adventure and fabulous pictures it is quite clear to me I should visit this place asap. Thanks for sharing! Foxes are totally awesome!!! Love it!
@Agata For someone who is outdoors oriented like you I know you would love the place.
Really enjoyed this piece. Thanks for posting. I’ve hiked in Gros Morne before and loved. Hope to go back and see more.
@Peter My husband and I did the Long Range Traverse and climbed Gros Morne Mountain last week so there will be more posts coming. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
This looks like a perfect trail — I like all the diversity of scenery and the terrain. I’d also like to visit Trinity — looks like such a charming-looking town from the trail. You are braver than me when it comes to being anywhere near those fox cubs…. I’d be afraid that mama was keeping a close eye on them — and me.
@Cathy Trinity is a fantastic spot loaded with history, beautiful houses, great inns & B&B’s, excellent food and then there is so much to do as well. Boat tours, icebergs, birding, whale watching – the list goes on. Don’t miss the place if you ever make it to Newfoundland.
Beautiful photos, Leigh! We spent a couple of hours around Trinity on a day trip from Terra Nova Park but didn’t have enough time for hiking. I would love to return and explore this area more.
@Lisa I absolutely loved Trinity & the whole of the Bonavista Peninsula. There is so much to do & such great places to stay.
I agree with John Vivian, Leigh. This trail looks absolutely breathtaking. There’s so much variety. I bet you must have been stopping at every turn to take photos. Those fox cubs are adorable!
Whoohoo! A stunning trail that even I can do! Seriously, this looks both gorgeous and do-able – I’ve not heard of it before, but I’m putting it on my travel list. Thanks for making me aware of it.
@Cindy It’s got a lot going for it especially considering that it only takes a few hours to hike.
Great pics! I was there in2011 and apparently much trail improvement has been made :). I need to return :)
@Christina It’s truly an exceptional trail.