02. Piccos Ridge Path

As of August 13th, 2025 Portugal Cove–St. Philip’s has closed ALL public trail access, by Fire Chief order – Effective immediately under Fire Department Operating By-Law Section 5.11.1 – Contact: chief@pcsp.ca – This applies to Piccos Ridge Path.

August 14th, 2025: Emergency Trail Safety Notice: This updated advisory reflects the serious and evolving situation on the Avalon Peninsula: multiple out-of-control wildfires are burning, with a regional state of emergency declared and a provincewide fire ban in effect. Please consider avoiding hiking altogether. If you must hike, limit yourself to a maximum of 10km total distance, take frequent rest periods, drink plenty of water, no fires, and never hike alone. The combination of extreme heat, fire danger, and compromised emergency response creates unacceptable risks for longer excursions. Be aware of fire safety notices and closures posted by individual towns along the Trail. Please carefully read the full notice here.

This path is recommended for experienced hikers. The path’s high point of Piccos Ridge, at an altitude of 250 m, provides expansive views, both of the coastline far to the north of Bauline and of the peninsula, inland, towards Pouch Cove. There is an optional exit point at Blast Hole Point Trail junction. Anticipate slippery conditions, especially with rain or frost. Long stretches of the trail are on high, open ground. Be prepared for exposed areas and associated wind chill. Exercise caution in all areas, but particularly descending/ascending the north slope of Black Cliff due to the steep grade.