St. John's 
There is an expansive wilderness area to the east of Placentia and surrounding NL’s Highway-91. This more remote and rural part of Newfoundland includes a mix of rocky barren areas, forests, winding rivers, wetlands, and ponds.
Credit: Parks NL
Within this area, and only about 30km east of Placentia, is a beautiful natural area hidden among the trees and hardly noticeable from the main road. While taking the scenic drive along 91, keep your eyes open for the sign marking the Cataracts Provincial Park.
The picnic and day use area offers some of the region’s most incredible views to include the Cataracts River and the river’s awe-inspiring natural features. So make the stop from Highway 91 and hop on the short trail. However, plan for enough time at Cataracts to uncover the incredible views on the trail, enjoy the possible wildlife, and snap incredible nature or family photos. A walk along the trail, constructed platforms, and a staircase, includes sights and or photo ops almost every step of the way.
At the End of the Cataracts Trail
The Cataracts Provincial Park trail from the day-use area has many surprises beyond the trees. The Cataracts River is narrow but mighty and has carved a large and tall gorge into the rocks to make the views of the gorge a highlight, and possibly a surprise, along the trail. Even for those who know what to expect along the trail, seeing the size of the gorge or the height of the trails will create a memorable experience.
The views are of more than rocks and water, too! The gorge surrounding the Cataracts River is covered in a huge variety of moss, some of the largest variety found anywhere in the province. This helps to decorate the grey and brown rocks with bright green or warm hues while enhancing the overall scenery. Beyond the gorge is a man-made feature of the area, which also provides some enhanced and unique forest scenery.
Exploring the River Gorge
The small parking lot beside Highway 91 with the green sign for “Cataracts Provincial Park” is a basic parking and trailhead area with the path leading into the trees. It makes it hard to tell the incredible nature and scenery that lie beyond the trailhead. The marked Cataracts trail is quite short at 0.3km total. But this trail takes time to explore, with the trail staircases bringing hikers right alongside the gorge’s rock walls.
- The staircase and trails also include a section which crosses right over the rushing Cataracts River below. These stairs provide several different viewpoints of the Cataracts River Gorge, plus three extra highlights: two waterfalls, and the 100-year-old bridge that crosses the gorge in the distance.
- The 1920s arch bridge, or Ellis Memorial Bridge, is the only of its kind in Newfoundland and is the oldest bridge in the province.
- Pack a pre- or post-hike picnic, as the park entrance offers facilities such as picnic tables and outhouses.
- The park also allows leashed pets on the trail.
Birding & More Wildlife Viewing around the Cataracts
The birds and mammals of Newfoundland’s southeastern barrens include a wide variety of both types of animals. The river gorge area is an especially great place for birdwatching and photography: listen and watch for the ruffed grouse, warblers, sparrows, or woodpeckers of Cataracts Provincial Park. The forests around the gorge are also home to bats and large types of wildlife like the red fox, snowshoe hare, squirrel, chipmunk, moose, or mink.
Exploring around the Cataracts
Placentia is the closest community to Cataracts Provincial Park with multiple services. Head west from the Provincial Park to find places for a meal or drink, several accommodation options, historical or cultural attractions, and excellent coastal views (especially at sunset).
- Stock up on picnic snacks with Placentia’s handful of takeout options and local markets or shops.
- Placentia is home to those beautiful waterfront areas that make for a pleasant walk, as well as other nearby trails to add on to your hiking or sightseeing adventures. This includes the trail at the Castle Hill National Historic Site, trails around Dunville, and all around North Placentia.
Planning Your Trip – Cataracts Provincial Park
Credit: Parks NL
What: Cataracts Provincial Park surrounds the river of the same name. And while a smaller and narrower river, Cataracts has created a deep gorge in southeastern Newfoundland. With the park’s established trail system, the Cataract River Gorge is safe and easily accessible.
The trail that leads around the park’s main viewing areas is less than 0.5km but includes several great viewpoints in such a short distance: two waterfalls, the gorge covered in bright green shrubs and moss, and the Ellis Memorial Bridge. Cataracts Provincial Park is a day-use only park, but it offers a picnic area with outhouses and a parking lot for day-use visitors.
Location and how to get there: 7.5km east of Colinet via highway NL-91W; 30km southeast of Placentia via NL-91E
Best time to go: open year-round
How much: day use $10 per vehicle
For more information:
