Tablelands Trail

Tablelands Trail is a 4 km round-trip interpretive hike in Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s built to follow an old roadbed along the base of the mountain and ends at the glacially carved Winter House Brook Canyon.

The trail’s signature is the stark orange-brown Tablelands landscape, tied to unusual mantle geology exposed by ancient continental collisions. The route is designed for self-guided interpretation, with options for shorter wandering via the nearby Serpentine Loop and a longer, more demanding off-trail line for experienced hikers.

For typical hikers, the mapped experience is straightforward: easy to moderate hiking over a flat gravel old-road surface, with the first stretch identified as fully wheelchair-accessible and paved.

Time expectations on the Tablelands Trail are about 1.5 to 3 hours for the round trip. Summer is also when free guided interpretive walks may be offered from the nearby Discovery Centre.

Access is managed through the national park: a Gros Morne National Park pass is required to hike the Tablelands Trail.

Bring the right basics for this specific environment. The rocks here have toxic heavy metals and the area lacks shade, so plan on ample water and sun protection, and wear proper footwear. If you’re considering the unmarked steep off-trail option to reach the plateau top, you’ll need route-finding and navigation skills (and only go if you’re equipped and prepared).

More information: Visitor information, Table Mountain: The ultimate guide to Table Mountain, Newfoundland Hiking Secrets: Guidebook Author and Local Tells All