Cape Spear Path

Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

01. Long Shore Path

All Paths

Route:
Topsail to Portugal Cove
Current Path Status:
Open

All Paths

Current Path Status:
Open
Route:
Topsail to Portugal Cove
Sponsored By:

 

About This Path:

Attractions on this path include Topsail Beach Rotary Park, at the Topsail Beach trailhead, which is equipped with toilets, fire pits and picnic tables. A 600 m side trail, 200 m from the Topsail Beach trailhead, brings hikers to the summit of Topsail Bluff. Horse Cove, Beachy Cove, and Goat Cove have small, attractive beach areas. Not to be missed are the panoramic views from Beachy Cove Hill and Greymans Beard. Anticipate marshy areas, rope-assisted slope scrambles and unassisted ascents and descents over uneven terrain. The path passes close to cliff edges and crosses exposed bedrock. Use extra caution when conditions are wet or icy. Facilities and services are available in both Topsail and Portugal Cove.

Length
17.2km
Estimated time
6 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:
  • Topsail Beach - Turn off Topsail Road (Route 60) and drive 600 m down Topsail Beach Road to the parking area at Topsail Beach Rotary Park. Walk 60 m north to the trailhead sign.
  • St. Thomas - Follow St. Thomas Line (Route 50) for 6 km to the intersection with Laurie Road. This is a drop off point only. There is no designated parking at this access point. Walk down Laurie Road 250 m to a hairpin turn and take the path on the left. Do not park on Laurie Road or at Horse Cove Beach, blocking use by local residents.
  • St. Philips - Follow Thorburn Road into St. Phillips. Park on the beach side of Thorpes Road. Do not park in the marina area. Walk 250 m along Thorpes Road to the beginning of the coastal path.
  • Beachy Cove/Longmarsh Road - Park in the lot beside Holy Rosary Church in Portugal Cove. Walk 400 m south on Beachy Cove Road to Longmarsh Road, or 800 m to Beachy Cove.
  • Portugal Cove - Follow Portugal Cove Road (Route 40) into Portugal Cove. Pull off at the post office, and park behind the building in the designated area. Do not block the fire hall or its parking area.

Community Walk  Getting to Piccos Ridge Path: After exiting the trail from the Portugal Cove trailhead, turn left onto Portugal Cove Road and walk 250 m to Loop Drive. Turn right and hike fot 150 m, turn right onto Hardings Hill, cross the bridge, and hike for 300 m to the North Point Road. Proceed 250 m along the road to the Piccos Ridge Path trailhead.
Amenities
Optional Exit Or Access Point
Parking
Features
Access Trail
Beach
Brook Crossings
Cart Track
Church
Cliff
Coastline Views
Forest
Gulch
Gully
Harbour
Headland
Island View
Junction Point
Knoll
Park
Primary Road
Ridge
River
Road Trail
Rock Outcrop
Rolling Elevation
Secondary Road
Side Trail
Steep Ascent
Stone Wall
Stream
Summit View
Undeveloped Trail
Waterfall
Wharf
Woodland