The hiking season has begun and that means that many people will attempt a hike to the East Coast Trail‘s most popular attraction: the Spout.
Because it’s not always obvious to newcomers how to get there, I’ve made this little map:
As you can see there are several trails that will get you there, here are descriptions for the 4 most obvious ways:
From Bay Bulls:
This is the most scenic route, and the one I recommend you take. Start from the Spout Path trailhead in Bay Bulls, stick to the trail (solid green line on this map) and arrive at the Spout after 12.7 kilometres. You can then opt to hike back the way you came, or camp at the Little Bald Head campsite, or continue north. The dotted green line near the start is a ‘shortcut’ that’s not really worth the hassle, as it’s muddier, wetter, and far less scenic.
From Middle Pond:
This is the winter route. Snowshoers use this route to walk directly to the Spout when all the streams, ponds and marshes have frozen solid and a thick blanket of snow covers the land. The route is about 7.5 kilometres one-way, depending on your navigation skills. This route is only partially marked and should not be attempted without proper preparations.
From the Goulds:
This route uses the infamous 6.3 kilometre Shoal Bay Road to arrive at Spout Path‘s north trailhead, from there, hike an additional 4.5 kilometre to get to the Spout. This combined one-way hike of 10.8 kilometre is shorter than the Bay Bulls option, and slightly less scenic but still beautiful. Bring waterproof boots for the perpetually flooded section of Shoal Bay Road.
From Petty Harbour:
This route is for backpackers, campers and long-distance hikers. Start at the Motion Path trailhead in Petty Harbour and follow the trail all the way to it’s end in Shoal Bay, then add the additional length on Spout Path to reach the Spout. Motion Path is 13.5 kilometres, adding the 4.5 kilometres on Spout Path makes for a total one-way hike of 18 kilometres, after which you can camp at the Little Bald Head Campsite, or continue south to Bay Bulls.
East Coast Trail Guide:
The East Coast Trail Guide is a digital trail guide and photo book available on iBooks. It describes the entire East Coast Trail in great detail, including all the trails that get you to the Spout.
Curious? Please have a look at the free sample chapter.
It’s a beautiful hike I believe.. But a little bit far from Hoofddorp I think.
We’ll do it next time we’re both in Newfoundland!
Very helpfuly site as it was 12 or more years sence i last hiked the spout. Thanks
You’re welcome David, enjoy your hike 🙂
If one were to hike from Bay Bulls to the Spout and back – what would you consider allowing for time? Seems like a pretty significant trek… and would have to consider daylight hours this time of year.
Hi Jillian, a long hike indeed, but definitely worth it if you go on a sunny day. Depending on your pace I would allow for 6 to 8 hours from Bay Bulls to the Spout and back, and more if you want to take a few long breaks to take in all the scenery. With the ever shorter days of fall ahead I recommend starting your hike soon after sunrise, and bring some flashlights just in case you don’t make it back in time for sunset. Stay safe and enjoy your hike!
Hi
Regarding the Bay Bulls to The Spout trail (12.7 Kms), can you tell me about the nature of the hike? Lots of hill climbing? Well marked? Steep grades? Degree of difficulty, etc…
Thanks,
Norm
Hi Norm, that section of Spout Path is well marked, has some easy sections (up to Freshwater) and then some more challenging sections. The climbing is never especially steep or technically difficult, but still strenuous because there is a lot of up and down. Also, there are some sections with rocks and roots that may prove tricky to fatigued hikers. Still a highly recommended hike though!
Thank you! Sounds doable… sort of… haha!
We went out this weekend and stayed over night, it was beautiful. Would just like to warn others going out for the night that there is a black fox in the camping area. He showed up as soon as we started cooking. Other then that it was amazing.
Thanks for sharing Jason, sounds like a great weekend out 🙂