St. John's 
Getting a taste of nature and wilderness is not a problem on The Rock.
Photo Credit: Signal Hill National Park
St. John’s and the Avalon Peninsula are packed with trails that take people through parks and wooded areas, along rivers and lakes, and past beautiful flora and fauna. When you are in St. John’s, spend some time checking out a few of the 25 trails around the Avalon Peninsula that are listed below.
North Head Trail
If you are a hiker who enjoys a challenge, go for a hike on the 1.7km North Head Trail. It is the oldest and most popular trail on Signal Hill in St. John’s. This trail can be strenuous for inexperienced hikers at times since there are sections of the trail that rise almost 100 meters at times. In the summer, visitors can see icebergs, whales, and seabirds when they hike this scenic trail.
Details
230 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s
Gibbet Hill Trail
The Gibbet Hill Trail is both moderately difficult and the shortest trail on Signal Hill. It is only 1km round trip, so hikers return from the summit by coming down along the same route. The trailhead is easy to find because it is located near the Visitor Information Centre at the Tattoo Performance Field.
Details
230 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s
Ladies Lookout Trail
This popular trail follows the backbone of Signal Hill to its highest point and offers wonderful views of the rugged coastline and stunning seascapes. The trail is a 1.3 km loop, which has some sections that are steep or are rocky, so be sure to take your time while you are hiking this trail. This trail connects with the Burma Road Trail and the trail head is located across from the road from the parking lot at the Summit of Signal Hill.
Details
230 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s
Burma Road Trail
If you want to hike an easy trail, then the Burma Road Trail is perfect for you. It is a 2.4 km round trip trail that has a wide, gently sloping surface. This trail goes from the Visitor Information Centre to an exit at Cuckhold’s Cove. The trail head begins at George’s Pond, which is just across the road from the Visitor Information Centre.
Details
230 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s
Centre to Citadel Trail
The Centre to Citadel Trail is a moderately difficult, one-way 500m trail that links the Visitor Centre to the summit of Signal Hill at the Duke of York Battery near Cabot tower. The Trail head at George’s Pond is across the road from the Visitor Information Centre.
Details
230 Signal Hill Road. St. Johns
Sugarloaf Path
The Sugarloaf Path is a moderate to difficult 8.8km trail, so it is a 3 to 5-hour one-way hike for most hikers. It is both a hiking and biking path that has signs up the Bawdens Highland. This path has two major elevations changes of 150m that give hikers a 360-degree view of Quidi Vidi and St. John’s from the top of the Bawdens Highlands.
Details
Logy Bay to Quidi Vidi Village, St. John’s
Lone Shore Path
Offering a moderate challenge to hikers, the Lone Shore Path is 17.2km long. The 6 to 8-hour hike offers breathtaking views of Beachy Cove Hill and Greymans Beard. The trail has two beaches, Horse Cove and Beachy Cove. There are five access points to the Lone Shore Path.
Details
Topsail to Portugal Cove
Cape Spear Path
Stretching from Blackhead to Maddox Cove, Cape Spear Path offers ocean views where you can spot of seabirds and whales. The 15.4km trail offers a moderately challenging hike. Along with the fantastic ocean views, the path features a World War II coastal defense battery, and a bakeapple bog.
Blackhead to Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove
Deadmans Bay Path
Featuring whale watching viewing, swimming holes, wild orchids and a beaver, Deadmans Bay Path is made up of 11.2km of side trails. The trail is a difficult hike, so it is best travelled from April until September.
Details
Fort Amherst to Blackhead
Motion Path
If you are looking for a challenging hike, Motion Path is a wonderful option for you. Along the path, you can spot seabirds, whales, waterfalls, an 18th-century copper mine, and an abandoned settlement. Be sure to plan to spend five to eight hours hiking the trail.
Details
Petty Harbour to Shoal Bay Road
Spout Path
This challenging hike rewards hikers with fantastic views of the reversing falls and a sea-driven freshwater geyser at The Spout. There are two trails that make up Spout Path, the 16.3km trail from Shoal Bay to Bay Bulls, and the 6.4km trail from Shoal Bay Road to the East Coast Trail. Due to how challenging the path is, hiking the trail can take over 8 hours to complete.
Details
Shoal Bay to Bay Bulls
La Manche Village Path
La Mache Village Path is an easy hike that will take you to the former settlement of La Manche and to its 50m suspension bridge with spectacular views of a waterfall and the river. The trail is part of La Manche Provincial Park, which offers serviced camping, picnicking, and swimming.
Details
Tor Cove to La Manche Village
Caplin Bay Path
Explore cobble beaches, meadows and walk along the old railway on this easy walking path. Caplin Bay Path is a 5.2 km trail and takes around 2 hours to complete.
Details
Calvert and Ferryland
Spurwink Island Path
Reaching the spectacular rock sea arch at Berry Head is a challenging hike. Spurwink Island Path is a 20.4km path that goes between Aquaforte and Port Kirwan. The hike is rewarding with breathtaking views of offshore islands, a waterfall, meadows, and barrens.
Aquaforte to Port Kirwan
Freshwater Bay
A short drive from St. John’s, Freshwater Bay is a relaxing trail that is used for walking, hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Whales can be spotted in the bay from the boardwalk. The gentle grade takes you through the lush forest to the boardwalk. The trail is popular, so it can be busy at some parts of the day.
Details
Quidi Vidi Lake Loop
Go for a relaxing walk on Quidi Vidi Lake Loop, which is a popular spot for families for a day out. The walking trail is a loop around the loop and is 3.8km long. During the summer, rowers are offer seen preparing for the Royal St. John’s Regatta. Waterfowl and seabirds call the lake home year-round.
Details
Quidi Vidi Village
Jelly Bean Row
Stroll down Duckworth Street to see the bright coloured houses. The houses were painted in bright colours, so the fisherman could find their way home in the fog. Along the row are shops, cafes, and art galleries to explore.
Duckworth Street, St. John’s
Waterford River Walk
Starting at the Railway Coastal Museum and following the former railbed and the Waterford River. The trail connects to Boring Park. The trail is well-maintained and is a popular location for hiking and mountain biking.
Details
St. John’s
Mundy Pond Trail
The Mundy Pond Trail is an easy 1.9km trail with little to no elevation changes, so it is good for hikers of all skill levels. It circles Mundy Pond, so hikers should expect quite a few bugs flying around. Dogs are also allowed on this trail if they are kept on a leash.
Details
St. John’s
Bidgood Park
This family-friendly trail is 2.3km long and welcomes dogs that are on leashes. Walk along the boardwalk and view the river to watch the local seabirds and waterfowl.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_5x10BpWp_/
St. John’s
Rennies River Trail
Connecting Quidi Vidi Lake to Long Pond, the Rennie’s River Trail just meanders along. The trail starts at Memorial University Campus and continues through a peaceful wooded valley. Hikers can see historic places, including Rennie’s Mill and the former Memorial Stadium, from the trail.
St. John’s
Kent’s Pond Trail
This popular trail is a nice, easy 1.8km hike that features a lake and has some fun activity options. Kent’s Pond Trail is smooth, clean, and well-kept, which makes it great for walking with kids and pets, hiking, running, or hiding some NL-painted rocks.
Details
Long Pond and Mount Scio Lookout
If you want to go for long hike to a beautiful lookout then you should check out the trail to Long Pond and Mount Scio Lookout. It is a 7.7 km trail located near St. John’s, that is mainly used for hiking, nature trips, and trail running. It is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels.
Johnson Geo Vista
Spend a fun-filled day checking out the eight interlooped walkways through eye-catching natural rocks and plants when you stroll through the Geo Vista Park at the Johnson Geo Centre. You will also see some old structures from earlier settlements on historic Signal Hill and a spectacular view of old St. John’s harbour.
Details
175 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s
Octagon Pond Loop
Go for a leisurely stroll in Paradise when you do the Octagon Pond Walk. The 4.2km loop trail is a delightful experience when you walk around the perimeter of Octagon Pond. Residents and visitors can ride bikes along the wider, eastern section of the Walk. Dogs are also allowed on this trail if they are on a leash. Details
Directions
Paradise
Stiles Cove Path
Experience fabulous views at this moderate trail that will take you through rock outcrop and waterfall. It is trails like these that make you realize how fortunate you are to be able to visit or live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Pouch Cove to Flatrock
