Are you looking for a short hike with nice views? Consider adding the Top of Twillingate Trail to your list! As part of the growing Rockcut Twillingate Trails system, Top of Twillingate is a fairly gentle option for hiking enthusiasts. That being said, you might huff and puff your way to the top if you haven’t stretched those legs in a while. But don’t worry, the panoramic views are absolutely worth it!
Last Updated: March 29, 2024
If you’re heading over to Newfoundland, you have no doubt heard about the Town of Twillingate, one of the most popular tourist destinations for whale watching and icebergs. When I visited back in August 2022, I decided to drive up to Twillingate even though iceberg season had ended. Twillingate’s coast is part of Iceberg Alley and many tourists visit between spring and early summer to see these mammoth ice floats. Even if you arrive in late summer, you can still enjoy exploring Twillingate outdoors!
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About Top of Twillingate Trail
Location: Twillingate, Newfoundland and Labrador
Distance: 3.5 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 71 metre elevation gain
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Dog-friendly: Dogs should be on a leash.
Features: Top of Twillingate is a great option for visitors looking for a short hike that still offers some panoramic views. A fairly easy route for regular hikers, the 3 km loop includes several viewpoints and an overnight tenting platform called The Common Mure. If you’re not afraid of heights, visitors can climb the 18.5-foot Top of Twillingate Tower, the highest viewpoint on the hiking trail. Top of Twillingate is part of the larger Rockcut Twillingate Trails system.
Top of Twillingate Trail Map
Finding the Parking Lot
If you have an hour to spare, I highly recommend hiking up Top of Twillingate. It’s only about 5 minutes from downtown Twillingate. Follow Main Street out to Toulinquet Road, then turn right onto Rink Road after Robin’s Donuts. Rink Road turns into Bayview Street. You’ll find Top of Twillingate parking on your left in Gillard’s Cove. At the trailhead, you’ll find a small parking area, a garbage bin, trail map and information (take a picture). You won’t find a toilet at the trailhead, but there are toilet facilities at the red cabin on the trail.
Read next: Rockcut Twillingate Trails: Coastal Hiking in Newfoundland
Top of Twillingate Trail — An Easier Newfoundland Hike
Top of Twillingate isn’t an overly difficult hike, but some might find the elevation gain a bit beyond their liking. As a family-friendly option, kids can run up the hill while parents catch up behind them. Regardless of whether you find this hike a cinch or a challenge, you’re sure to enjoy the various viewpoints along the way.The best way to get panoramic views of the Twillingate and the surrounding area is to make your way to the top.
After the 2 hour drive from Grand Falls-Windsor, I was more than ready to stretch my legs and explore this new place. As one of the most recommended hikes nearby, Top of Twillingate was at the top of my list. After tossing on my day pack, I hiked along the well-groomed trail and followed the boardwalk around Low Mist Pond Loop. Most visitors will be fine without trekking poles and trail runners were perfect. I continued on past picnic tables and benches to find sporadic views on my way to the tower. Did you know you can stay overnight at The Common Mure tent site?
After about an hour, I finished the 3.5-km hike which included some brief breaks at each lookout. Don’t miss the stairs up to the Top of Twillingate Tower, around 18.5 feet high and 100 metres above sea level — it’s the highest point on the island. If the weather cooperates, you will find a nice vantage point of the Twillingate coastline. While the tower is worthwhile, I was also impressed by the other viewpoints along the route!
Read next: Green Gardens Trail: Hiking in Gros Morne National Park
Top of Twillingate Camping
The Common Mure tent platform offers the chance to camp overnight on the Top of Twillingate. Honestly, not a bad place to sleep with a decent view. I was tempted to go back and get my tent but I had already planned an overnight on Rockcut Trails. If you’re looking for an easy overnight, The Common Mure would be a great option for children learning to backpack or anyone who enjoys tenting. That being said, you won’t find a toilet here so please practice leave no trace principles. Toilet facilities are available at the red cabin.
Note: The Common Mure tent site is available on a first come, first serve basis. I heard that these sites will eventually require backcountry permits. Contact Rockcut Trails for more information.
Know Before You Go
Parking: A small parking area is at the Top of Twillingate trailhead.
Toilet: Washroom facilities are located at the red cabin, not far from the start of the trail.
Signage: As part of the Rockcut Trails system, Top of Twillingate has new and improved signage, including an updated map and information sign at the trailhead.
Garbage: You’ll find a garbage bin at the trailhead. Do not litter on the trail. If you pack it in, please pack it out. Help maintain a clean and healthy trail for everyone to use.
Dogs: Your four-legged friends are permitted on the trail. Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste in the garbage bin. Do not leave dog poo on the trail (bring a smell-proof bag to pack it out).
Hiking Essentials: Even though this is a short trail, it’s still important to be prepared. Bring a day pack with a water bottle, snacks, a first aid kit, and other hiking essentials. Are you not totally sure what to bring? Learn all about the 10 Hiking Essentials before heading out.
Camping: You’ll find one designated campsite on the trail. The Common Mure tent platform is available for overnight use on a first come, first serve basis.
Things To Do in Twillingate
When you’re finished hiking, why not head over to Lickety Split for some delicious ice cream? I loved the wild blueberry sundae!
If you’re looking for lunch, the Split Rock Brewery has a delicious hot honey chicken sandwich and refreshingly local craft brews to wash it down.
Or if you’re in the mood for seafood, you really can’t go wrong with Annie’s Harbour Restaurant for fish and chips or other delights from the sea.
Perhaps you want more outdoor adventure? Get in touch with Rock Adventures for a sunset kayak paddle in the Atlantic Ocean. I loved the chance to experience Twillingate from the water as the sun went down!
More Newfoundland Hikes
I’m not an expert on hiking in Newfoundland, but I enjoyed the chance to explore. I was able to check out a few places in Western and Central Newfoundland (and will have to return to Eastern Newfoundland one day!).
I hiked the Rockcut Twillingate Trails from French Beach to Lower Little Harbour. If you’re looking for incredible coastal hiking, I suggest a 20-km route over two days to stay overnight on one of four tent platforms. Plan a shorter section if you don’t have enough time.
In Gros Morne National Park, you could check out Green Gardens Trail or the nearby Tablelands Trail. If you’re looking for a challenge, consider the multi-day Long Range Traverse backpacking trip on an unmarked route (previous experience recommended or plan to hike with a guide).
Have you hiked to the Top of Twillingate? 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.
