Skerwink Trail Hike near Trinity, Newfoundland
The founder of the Skerwink Trail, John Vivian, tells me over dinner in Trinity that “the trail offers more scenery per linear foot than any other trail in Newfoundland.”
He’s not the only one singing its praises. The trail is internationally recognized as being a beauty – evidenced by its rank as one of the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel & Leisure Magazine. It’s thoughtfully designed, well-signed and maintained.
I’ve now hiked the full 5.3 km length of the Skerwink 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.
If you’re in St. John’s before or after doing the Skerwink Trail, I highly recommend the North Head Trail hike to Signal Hill.
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Skerwink Trail summary
Distance: 5.3 km loop
Time needed: Allow 1.5 – 2.5 hours but if you’re into photography or you’re hiking it with children, allow for some beach time at the end.
Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on how much you hike and what kind of condition you’re in.
Fees: It’s free to hike but there is a donation box to help with trail maintenance.
Facilities: An outhouse is located within five minutes of the start of the trail.
Starting point: Port Rexton/Trinity East. The trail is accessed via a side road off of Highway 230. Look out for trail signage near the bright yellow Foodex building and head south. It’s about 11 km from Trinity.
Dogs: Permitted on a leash.
Be careful: Exercise caution around cliffs, especially when it’s wet. Keep a very close eye on children, anywhere near the edge.
Highlights: The Skerwink Trail features sea stacks, stunning cliffs, beaches, icebergs in season, and wildlife including whales (seasonally when the capelin run), foxes, and eagles.
Food: After the hike head to Two Whales Coffee Shop in Port Rexton. The food and coffee is excellent.
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Skerwink Trail location
The trail follows the north and south coasts of Skerwink Head, a beautiful peninsula separating Port Rexton from Trinity Harbour. The trailhead is close to the town of Trinity on the Bonavista Peninsula, roughly three hours by car from St. John’s.
Location map of the Skerwink Trail
Skerwink Trail description
Hike the trail in a clockwise direction from Port Rexton so you can take advantage of the views of Trinity Harbour as you hike south from Skerwink Head.
The trail starts off flat and arrow straight on an old railbed. At the 1 km mark, the coast comes into view and remains in sight for the next 3 km.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 kilometre one and two.
Take your time
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.
Our wildlife sighting on the Skerwink Trail
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.
Closing the loop
We enjoyed views of Trinity and some time at the beach at the end of the Skerwink Trail. My friend Judy and I absolutely loved the hike and would highly recommend it if you’re in the area.
Where to stay nearby
I have stayed in Trinity for a couple of nights on two separate occasions. There are lots of great choices to recommend here including the Artisan Inn and Eriksen Premises.
In Port Rexton check out the Skerwink Backpackers Hostel.
More reading if you’re planning a trip to Newfoundland
- East Coast Trail Hiking Guide
- What to do on a trip to Fogo Island
- The Top 10 Outdoor Adventures in Newfoundland
- Things to Do in Twillingate, Newfoundland
- The Spurwink Island Path Hike in Newfoundland
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
***Thank you to Legendary Coasts for arranging an incredible dinner at the Twine Loft and a meeting with John Vivian. ***
Thanks for sharing this information. We plan on doing this trail when we visit this summer. Very anxious for our 1st visit to Newfoundland. ;o)
You’ll have a great time Lynne & Andre. It is so well built.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.