Have you heard about The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park? An hour’s drive from Rocky Harbour, this almost Martian terrain is one of the most unique landscapes around. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for an easy stroll, The Tablelands offers a strikingly beautiful and barren landscape on Newfoundland’s west coast. If you’re visiting Gros Morne, don’t miss your chance to walk on the Earth’s mantle — an inner layer thrust up through the crust around 500 million years ago. Don’t miss this unique and easy Gros Morne hike!
Back in August 2022, I made my way over to Newfoundland for the first time. After four days of backpacking on 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 find out more.
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About 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.
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 along the Earth’s upper mantle. Exposed around 500 million years ago, the brownish-orange terrain is a rare glimpse into the Earth’s inner core and seems somewhat like walking on Mars. This easy Gros Morne hike takes you through a barren landscape that stands out against the lush greenery of Newfoundland’s west coast. As you walk along, check out interpretive panels to gain insights into the geological history, flora and fauna, and wildlife in the area.
Did you know? Since 1987, The Tablelands has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the best records of plate tectonics on Earth. 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?
Tablelands Trail Map
Directions to the Tablelands Trailhead
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 onto 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. The Tablelands has plenty of signage with a designated parking area and outhouse nearby. If you need more assistance, find The Tablelands on Google Maps.
Read next: Green Gardens Trail: Hiking in Gros Morne National Park
The Tablelands Trail — Family-Friendly Newfoundland Hike
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 an old 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 is approximately 4 km out and back on the same route. Due to this relative ease, coupled with well maintained boardwalk for much of the trail, 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 is 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 very difficult (though some plants have adapted). Whether you’re interested in history and geology or simply looking for some fresh air, Tablelands Trail is a must-see for anyone visiting Gros Morne National Park.
Note: If you’re looking 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 route 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 — Newfoundland Tablelands
While the Tablelands Trail in Gros Morne isn’t particularly long or difficult, it’s still important to bring some hiking essentials along for an enjoyable trip. Carry a day pack with a water bottle and maybe even a snack, especially if you plan to be out for a little while. Weather can change on a dime in these mountains, so carry a rain jacket and a warm layer just in case. With some uneven and rocky sections, wearing sturdy hiking boots or 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
Tablelands Wildlife
The Tableland’s harsh conditions created by nutrient-poor soil limit the variety of plant life, which in turn impacts the diversity of wildlife in the area. Despite this, you can still encounter resilient 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 National Park 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 Gros Morne Hike
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 poop to preserve the area (consider bringing a smell-proof bag). Garbage and recycling bins are found in the parking area.
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.
