Cape Spear Path

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

12. Motion Path

All Paths

Route:
Petty Harbour to Shoal Bay Road (Goulds)
Current Path Status:
Open

All Paths

Current Path Status:
Open
Route:
Petty Harbour to Shoal Bay Road (Goulds)
About This Path:

Wave action at Motion Head gives this path its name. Attractions on this path include breaking waves, unusual glacial erratics, wild barrens, seabirds and whales, and monumental sandstone boulders at Motion Head; terraced slope and extensive wilderness views north and south at Hearts Point Ridge; treasure stories and Newfoundland’s oldest mine at Miner Point; and the abandoned settlement and waterfalls at Shoal Bay. Blue irises decorate the path in early summer. Note, there are no bailout points along this path. Be sure to bring sufficient drinking water. In addition, Shoal Bay Road access trail can be very wet after heavy rainfall. There are facilities in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove and in the community of the Goulds (accessible from Shoal Bay Road).

Note: this path has a 6.3km access path at Shoal Bay Road. The total length from Petty Harbour to the end of Shoal Bay Road access path is 19.8km.

Length
13.8km
Estimated time
5 Hours to 8 Hours
Difficulty

 MODERATE TO DIFFICULT

Path Advisory: No path clearing or conditions updates take place during winter months. Map recommended. Trail-rated footwear required.
Access Points:
  • Petty Harbour - Public parking is available at the town hall, and on the south side in the boat haul-out area east of the Fisherman's Centre. There is limited parking above the Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium. Curbside parking is for residents only. Walk up Southside Road, and turn north onto Cavells Lane. After 15 m, this steep lane turns sharply east and continues 100 m uphill to the trailhead.
  • Shoal Bay Road - Drive through the Goulds, and turn left onto Shoal Bay Road. Parking is available at the end of the road. Do not park in the bus turnaround. Hike up Shoal Bay Road to the Pipeline Road junction (1.0 km) at the crest of a valley between two hills. Turn right. The road runs level, in a southeast direction, crossing Queens River (3.0 km), Past Slidey Rock (3.8 km) the coast can be seen in the distance and the road begins a sharp descent. At 5.3 km, a left branch of the road leads to Nippers Cove. Keep to the right (south-east) branch. The coast and trailhead are reached at 6.3 km.

Camping: There is a wilderness campsite, Miners Point Campsite, on the path, 12.7 km from the Petty Harbour trailhead. No reservations required. The campsite includes tent sites and a primitive outdoor toilet, but no camp platforms. Beavers reside upstream, so water from nearby brooks should be boiled or treated. Be sure to carry a camp stove, as open fires are not permitted.
Community Walk Getting to Spout Path: After exiting the trail from the Shoal Bay Road trailhead, you will find the Spout Path trailhead on the opposite side of the Shoal Bay Road footpath.
Amenities
Parking
Wilderness Campsite
Features
Abandoned Settlement
Barrens
Bird Nesting
Boulders
Coastline Views
Developed Trail
Gulch
Meadow
Pond
Sea Ledge
Stream
Wetland
Woodland