Have you been hiking in Gros Morne National Park? It’s pretty hard to beat everything Gros Morne has to offer! Where the ocean meets the mountains, the fjords, hills, and coastaline are sights to behold. If you’re looking for a moderate day trip, check out Green Gardens Trail and find some of the best views in the park.
Last Updated: April 3, 2024
In July 2022, on my first-ever trip to Newfoundland, I packed in as many hikes and outdoors adventures possible. Taking some time to explore Gros Morne National Park was part of my itinerary, and Green Gardens Trail had to make the list. As one of the most popular hikes in Gros Morne, Green Gardens offers a beautiful spot to stretch my legs toward the end of my visit. Overall, I’m glad I had the chance to experience the Green Gardens hike, and even got to see some sheep grazing on the sea cliffs. I think you’ll enjoy this one, too!
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About Green Gardens Trail — Beautiful Hiking in Gros Morne
Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
Distance: 9.5 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 360 m elevation gain
Time: 3 – 4 hours
Family-friendly: Yes, but not stroller-friendly.
Dog-friendly: Dogs must be on a leash.
Features: Green Gardens Trail is a well-maintained and popular hike in Gros Morne National Park. The trail descends down to the coastline and continues along impressive sea cliffs and green meadows to Steves Cove. You may even catch a glimpse of sheep grazing by the ocean. Beach access via stairs is possible, too.
Green Gardens Trail Map
Finding the Trailhead
The Green Gardens Trailhead is easy to find. From Rocky Harbour, drive south on Highway 430 (The Viking Trail) for about 37 km. Then turn right onto Highway 431 (Bonne Bay Rd). Continue west for about 33 km and then take a sharp left to stay on Bonne Bay Rd. If you reach the town of Woody Point, you’ve gone too far. Continue on Bonne Bay Rd for about 12.5 km and find the Green Gardens Trail parking lot on your right hand side. You’ll see signage and a paved parking area at the trailhead. There’s an outhouse toilet here, too.
Read next: Tablelands Trail: Unique and Easy Hike in Newfoundland
Green Gardens Hike — One of the Popular Gros Morne Trails
A highly-maintained route, Green Gardens Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Gros Morne National Park. For the first kilometre, hike a gentle grade similar to the Tablelands and then follow switchbacks down to the coast for about 2 km. Be prepared for some fairly steep sections (and remember, what goes down must come up). You may want trekking poles for extra stability. You’ll hear the waterfall on your left before reaching Old Man Cove.
Follow the coastline from Old Man Cove to Steves Cove. You may encounter sheep grazing on the long grass, owned by locals in Trout River. The volcanic rock creates an impressive landscape and you can head down to the beach via a staircase. At low tide, it’s even possible to hike over to the waterfall (though I didn’t do this). On the trail, you’ll pass a backcountry campground, Parks Canada’s iconic red chairs, and some information signs. How about these coastal views?
Try to give yourself a couple of hours to get from Steves Cove back to your vehicle. Green Gardens Trail typically takes somewhere between 3 to 4 hours for the 9.5 km out and back. When I hiked here, I took about 3 hours including a few breaks for photos. If you want to explore the beach, you will need to budget some extra time.
Note: Green Gardens Trail from Steves Cove to Wallace Brook has been closed since 2017. Parks Canada closed this section due to concerns related to visitor safety.
Green Gardens Backcountry Camping
Looking for a beginner backpacking trip? Green Gardens Trail has three tent platforms, an outhouse toilet, bear-proof food locker, and several picnic tables located at Old Man Cove. For novice multi-day hikers, Green Gardens offers an easier option compared to some of the other backcountry camping possibilities in Gros Morne National Park. Personally, I’d choose this one just to sleep by the ocean!
If you’re interested in camping in Gros Morne, contact Parks Canada to book your site at 709-458-2417 or email pc.grosmorne.pc@canada.ca.
Read next: 4-Day Long Range Traverse Hike in Gros Morne National Park
Know Before You Go
Park Pass: Don’t forget your Parks Canada Discovery Pass. You can purchase online or pick it up at the visitor centre.
Parking: Green Gardens has an established parking area. Check out Google Maps for directions.
Toilet: You’ll find an outhouse in the parking lot and another at Old Man Cove.
Trail Closure: As of 2017, Green Gardens Trail ends at Steves Cove and is completed as an out and back. Parks Canada has officially closed the trail from Steves Cove to Wallace Brook due to safety concerns for hikers. If you hike the closed section, you do so at your own risk.
Hiking Essentials: I highly suggest carrying a day pack with hiking essentials. Bring water with you (I use this bladder bag), a rain jacket, some snacks, and more. Read about the 10 hiking essentials before you go.
Dogs: You can bring your four-legged friend along, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
Bikes: Bicycles are not permitted on this trail.
Backcountry Camping: Green Gardens has backcountry camping at Old Man Cove, with three tent pads, two picnic tables, a pit toilet, and a bear-proof locker. Contact Parks Canada to make a reservation.
Hiking Etiquette
When you’re on the trails, remember to practice hiking etiquette. What does hiking etiquette look like? Say a friendly “hello” to those you pass on the trail. Stay on the trail and don’t take shortcuts. Enjoy the sounds of nature and be respectful to those around you. Practice Leave No Trace principles and minimize your impact as much as possible. Pack out what you bring in. Be respectful of nature and wildlife, including maintaining distance and not feeding wild animals. Help ensure a great hike for yourself and those around you.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Are you planning to hike the Green Gardens Trail in Gros Morne National Park? Have you visited recently? Leave a comment below!
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Thomas Coldwell has always been fond of the outdoors. He loves hiking, paddling, and camping, and thoroughly enjoys creating outdoor adventure resources for people like you. Originally from Nova Scotia, Thomas has lived in four Canadian provinces (NS, NB, ON, AB) and has travelled in 20 countries and counting.
