Have you heard about The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park? Just an hour’s drive from Rocky Harbour, this almost Martian-looking terrain is one of the most unique landscapes in Newfoundland. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for an easy walk, The Tablelands delivers a striking experience along the island’s west coast. Visiting here means literally walking on the Earth’s mantle — an inner layer of the planet pushed up through the crust roughly 500 million years ago. If you’re exploring Gros Morne, here’s an easy and unforgettable hike for your list!
Last Updated: January 2026
Back in August 2022, I made my way over to Newfoundland for the first time. After four days of backpacking the Long Range Traverse, a couple of days hiking Rockcut Twillingate Trails, and exploring other parts of “The Rock,” it was almost time to take the ferry back to Nova Scotia. Before heading across, I drove back to Gros Morne National Park with plans to explore the short and sweet Tablelands Trail. Keep reading to see how it went.
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Tablelands Trail Map
About the Tablelands Trail — Walking on the Earth’s Mantle
Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Distance: 4 km out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: Minimal elevation gain
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Family-Friendly: Yes, and a great place for kiddos.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a leash
Features: The Tablelands is one of the few places in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s upper mantle. Exposed roughly 500 million years ago, the rusty brown and orange terrain offers a rare glimpse into the planet’s interior — almost like walking on Mars. This easy hike in Gros Morne National Park leads through a barren-looking landscape that contrasts with the lush greenery of Newfoundland’s west coast. Along the way, interpretive panels share insights into the area’s unique geology, as well as the plants, wildlife, and natural history that shape this remarkable place.
Did you know? Since 1987, The Tablelands has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the world’s best places to see evidence of plate tectonics in action. According to Parks Canada, “When two continents collided 460 million years ago, the Tablelands and associated seafloor rocks were pushed onto continental crust as the Appalachian Mountains started to form.” How cool is that?
Directions to the Tablelands Trailhead (Gros Morne National Park)
If you’re driving from Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne National Park, head south on the Viking Trail (Route 430) and continue for approximately 37 km. Enjoy this scenic drive along the winding road of Newfoundland’s west coast. Turn right onto Bonne Bay Road (Route 431) and head west toward Bonne Bay. In the town of Woody Point, take a sharp left to stay on Bonne Bay Road for 5 km. The Tablelands will be unmistakable as you drive the final kilometres toward the parking area on your left-hand side, with plenty of signage for the designated parking area.
Read next: Green Gardens Trail: Hiking in Gros Morne National Park
The Tablelands Trail — A Family-Friendly Hike in Newfoundland
After spending a night in Trout River Campground, I made my way over to The Tablelands. Beginning in the parking area, I passed the welcome sign and walked along a dry dirt roadway following the base of the reddish-brown mountain. As one of the easiest hikes in Gros Morne National Park, the Tablelands Trail is fairly flat and approximately 4 km out and back on the same route. The Tablelands is an excellent choice for beginner hikers or families with young children. That being said, I wouldn’t bring a regular stroller on this rocky and rough terrain. Most visitors will complete the route in one hour or so.
What makes The Tablelands so extraordinary? It’s the landscape, an almost alien terrain of reddish-brown rock without much greenery. This is one of the only places in the world where you can walk on the Earth’s upper mantle — a layer of earth pushed through the crust around 500 million years ago! This “peridotite rock” is very low in nutrients and high in heavy metals, making plant growth difficult (though some plants have adapted). Whether you like history and geology or are simply looking for some fresh air, the Tablelands is a must-see for anyone visiting Gros Morne.
Note: For something more challenging, off-trail trekking up the steep slopes of The Tablelands is a unique hiking opportunity. If I had more time, I would have loved to hike up and around the rim of Winter House Brook Canyon. Remember, there are no trail markers, and route-finding and navigation skills are required. Consult with Parks Canada staff to choose the best and safest route options.
What to Bring for the Tablelands Trail
While the Tablelands Trail isn’t long or difficult, it’s important to bring some essentials for an enjoyable trip. Carry a day pack with a water bottle and even a snack, especially if you plan to be out for a little while. Weather can change on a dime in these mountains, so bring a rain jacket and a warm layer just in case. With some uneven and rocky sections, wearing trail runners is a good idea. If you’re interested in the geological and ecological aspects of The Tablelands, you can bring a field guide or reserve a guided tour with Parks Canada.
Read next: 10 Day Hiking Essentials: What to Bring on a Hike
Wildlife Along the Tablelands Trail
The Tableland’s harsh conditions created by nutrient-poor soil limit the variety of plant life, which impacts the diversity of wildlife in the area. Despite this, you can still encounter species that have adapted to these conditions, such as the yellow-flowered shrubby cinquefoil and the carnivorous pitcher plant. Small mammals, insects, and a variety of birds thrive in this seemingly empty environment. Surrounding areas of Gros Morne support a range of wildlife, such as moose, caribou, and black bears.
Remember, keep your distance from wildlife and never feed or approach wild animals. If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace principles, take a look before you head out. Let’s all do our part to help preserve and protect wild spaces.
Read next: 4-Day Long Range Traverse Hike in Gros Morne National Park
Know Before You Go — Easy Hike in Gros Morne National Park
Park Pass: Visitors to Gros Morne National Park need a daily or seasonal park pass. Purchase your Parks Canada Discovery Pass online or at the visitor centre.
Parking: Designated parking for The Tablelands is available. No additional parking fees.
Toilets: You’ll find an outhouse toilet near the parking area.
Tours: Enjoy a self-guided tour with the interpretive signs along The Tablelands Trail. Alternatively, book a guided tour with Parks Canada which typically lasts 2 hours.
Weather: Be sure to check the forecast before heading out, as the weather in Gros Morne (and Newfoundland) can change quickly. Bring a rain jacket just in case.
Safety: You won’t have any trouble navigating the main trail in The Tablelands. I suggest bringing a small first aid kit to deal with minor injuries.
Leave No Trace: Do not leave anything behind. If you bring your doggo, please carry out dog poo to preserve the area (consider bringing a smell-proof bag). Garbage and recycling bins are found in the parking area.
More Things to Do in Newfoundland
Are you looking for more things to do in Newfoundland? From short day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips, and whitewater rafting to waterfalls, there are many outdoor adventures to explore in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here are a few more ideas for your list:
- Green Gardens Trail: Hiking in Gros Morne National Park
- Top of Twillingate Trail: An Easy Newfoundland Hike (With Views!)
- Rockcut Twillingate Trails: Coastal Hiking in Newfoundland
- 7 Best Things To Do in Twillingate, Newfoundland
- Your Complete Guide to the Long Range Traverse in Newfoundland
- 6 Best Things To Do in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland
Have you hiked Little Lougheed in Kananaskis Country? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments 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.
