Lookout Trail Gros Morne National Park
Hike to stunning panoramic views of the Tablelands and Long Range Mountains in Gros Morne National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Stunning fall colors
Lookout Trail Gros Morne National Park
Best Time
Stunning fall colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to stunning panoramic views of the Tablelands and Long Range Mountains in Gros Morne National Park.
"The steep uphill climb is so worth it for what comes next - gorgeous meadows with breathtaking views."
👟 No Fancy Footwear Needed
Well-worn running shoes with good tread are sufficient for this trail. No need for specialized hiking boots!
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Summit Loop
Don't skip the loop at the top! It's the easiest part after the climb and offers continuous amazing views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Tablelands Vista
Summit of Lookout Trail
Breathtaking, expansive views of the unique geological formations of the Tablelands.
Long Range Mountains Panorama
Summit of Lookout Trail
Sweeping vistas of the rugged and majestic Long Range Mountains.
Summit Loop with Benches
Top of Lookout Trail
An easy, rewarding loop at the summit with provided chairs and benches to soak in the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb for Epic Views
Timing is Everything for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 No Fancy Footwear Needed
Well-worn running shoes with good tread are sufficient for this trail. No need for specialized hiking boots!
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Summit Loop
Don't skip the loop at the top! It's the easiest part after the climb and offers continuous amazing views.
🪑 Relax at the Peak
Enjoy the provided chairs and benches at the windy summit to truly appreciate the scenery.
⬆️ Consider Poles for Uphill
If you think you might need them, bring poles for the challenging uphill switchbacks.
Gros Morne Hiking Trail (and other advice)
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 No Fancy Footwear Needed
Well-worn running shoes with good tread are sufficient for this trail. No need for specialized hiking boots!
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Summit Loop
Don't skip the loop at the top! It's the easiest part after the climb and offers continuous amazing views.
🪑 Relax at the Peak
Enjoy the provided chairs and benches at the windy summit to truly appreciate the scenery.
⬆️ Consider Poles for Uphill
If you think you might need them, bring poles for the challenging uphill switchbacks.
⚠️ Watch for Steep Steps
The last section features steep steps; not recommended for those with mobility issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Lookout Trail for its absolutely breathtaking views of the Tablelands and Long Range Mountains, calling the challenging uphill climb 'so worth it.' The recently upgraded trail and summit amenities like benches are appreciated, though the final steep steps are noted as a potential challenge for some. The vibrant fall colors are a particular highlight for those visiting in September.
"This hike is one of the most beautiful that I have been on. The steep uphill climb is so worth it for what comes next - gorgeous meadows with breathtaking views of the Tablelands and Long Range mountains. As others have said, do take the time to do the full loop at the top - it's the easiest section of the hike, you have already done the hard work, it's beautiful 😍"
Archie M
"The trail was recently upgraded, so for comfort on the relatively short hike I went in my well-worn-tread running shoes with no issues whatsoever. No fancy footwear needed. It rained that morning and the gravel trail was relatively dry by the afternoon. A couple puddles to step over. Lovely chairs and benches at the windy top to enjoy the view and chat with people. Stunning reds and yellows in the trees the last bit of September. If you think you may need them…bring poles! Worth it to do the loop at the top counter clockwise."
R S
"Wonderful hike, challenging uphill with many switch backs but the views make up for it 10 fold. Do yourself a favour and walk the entire loop at the top and finish off sitting in the provided chairs at the peek."
Alexander Simms
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lookout Trail is located near Berry Hill Campground in Gros Morne National Park. Access is generally straightforward from the main park roads. Many visitors drive to the trailhead.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the trailhead. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day during peak season to secure a spot.
Public transport options within Gros Morne National Park are limited. It's recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange transportation to reach the trailhead.
Norris Point is a nearby town that serves as a good base for exploring Gros Morne National Park, including the Lookout Trail.
While there aren't dedicated shuttle services directly to the Lookout Trail, some guided tours might include it as part of their itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Gros Morne National Park has an entrance fee. You'll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a daily pass to access the park and its trails, including Lookout Trail.
The Lookout Trail is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours, weather permitting. However, official park hours for visitor services may vary.
Tickets or passes for Gros Morne National Park can be purchased online in advance through the Parks Canada website, which is recommended to save time.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays, can help you avoid the largest crowds. Late September is also less busy.
Standard park regulations apply. Always check the Parks Canada website for any temporary closures or advisories before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Lookout Trail is a 5km loop and typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
The trail is considered moderate due to a steady uphill climb with switchbacks. The final section has steep steps, making it challenging for some.
You'll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the Tablelands, the Long Range Mountains, and the surrounding Gros Morne National Park landscape.
Children can hike the trail, but the uphill climb and steep steps may be challenging for younger ones. Parental supervision is essential.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the trailhead or nearby visitor areas within Gros Morne National Park.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sky and landscape.
The summit offers the most iconic viewpoints. The entire loop at the top provides various angles to capture the Tablelands and mountains.
Drone usage is subject to Parks Canada regulations. Always check their website for current rules and restrictions before flying.
Focus on the unique geological features of the Tablelands, the sweeping mountain ranges, and the vastness of the park. Capture the changing light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the top, the panoramic views are a fantastic reward, and the provided benches offer a place to rest and enjoy a snack. The loop at the summit is relatively flat and easy, allowing kids to explore a bit more. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, and consider visiting during a less busy time, like a weekday morning, to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The golden hour – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape shots, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. Bring a wide-angle lens to effectively capture the expansive scenery. A polarizing filter can be very useful for deepening the blue of the sky and reducing glare on any water features or rock surfaces.
Don't forget to explore the loop at the top, as it offers various angles and perspectives. While drone photography is popular, be sure to check Parks Canada regulations beforehand, as restrictions often apply in national parks. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of the Tablelands
From the Lookout Trail, you can see the vast expanse of the Tablelands stretching out before you. The trail itself is a testament to the park's geological history, with the trail surface often reflecting the mineral-rich earth. The unique environment supports specialized plant life adapted to these harsh conditions, though from a distance, it appears quite desolate. It's a powerful reminder of the immense geological forces that have shaped our planet over millions of years.
Navigating the Lookout Trail: A Hiker's Perspective
Recent upgrades to the trail have improved its comfort and accessibility. The surface is generally well-maintained gravel, and as one reviewer noted, 'well-worn-tread running shoes with no issues whatsoever' were sufficient, indicating that specialized hiking boots are not a necessity for most.
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