Path Advisory: Temporary Closure of La Manche Village Path
Dear Hikers:
As we informed hikers in early December 2022, the La Manche Village Path will have a temporary closure beginning today to facilitate the replacement of the stairs ascending on the north side of the Suspension Bridge. The trail work begins today, May 10, and is expected to run until mid-July 2023. The La Manche Village Path will be closed at the North side of the suspension bridge to facilitate the replacement of the stairs ascending from the La Manche Suspension Bridge. Hikers will not be able to walk onto the bridge.
When: Work will begin on Wednesday, May 10. Due to the unfavourable weather at the beginning of May, we anticipate this project to run until mid-July. We encourage all hikers planning trips from May to mid-July to take this closure into account. We will update you on the progress as the work is carried out.
Where: From the North side of La Manche Bridge to the Quarry (6.1 km mark). Hikers will not be able to walk onto the bridge. Hikers will still be able to use the Access Path at the end of La Manche Village Road to access Flamber Head Path and the Suspension Bridge; however, you will not be able to go any further than the Bridge. Hikers travelling from Tors Cove can go as far as the Quarry (6.1 km mark), then must turn around. This means that thru-hikers will need to detour around La Manche Village; unfortunately, there is no path detour available which means thru-hikers will need to complete a road walk to pick up the next portion of the East Coast Trail.
Why: The stairs on the north side of the bridge were constructed in 2000 in conjunction with the bridge’s opening. Over time these stairs have deteriorated and now must be replaced. Originally we planned to replace these stairs in 2022, but after hearing feedback regarding the short notice, the schedule was changed. The work must be completed in 2023, so we wish to provide you with adequate notice so you can make any changes to your hiking plans.
Thru-hikers: We recognize that this closure will greatly affect your hike planning. We have explored various avenues for alternative routes, and unfortunately, we have determined the most direct route is to walk Highway 10 to pick up the next path. Below are the routes and detour lengths for Southbound (SOBO) and Northbound (NOBO) hikers. There will be detour signs installed during the closure to assist with navigation. The detour will be approximately 14 km.
SOBO (Thru-hike starting at Topsail Beach): Upon finishing Tinkers Point Path, you have two options. Option A is to hike a short section of La Manche Village Path from Tors Cove as far as Burnt Cove, then exit the path and walk to Highway 10, then walk south on Route 10 to La Manche Village Road. At the end of La Manche Road, you will take the access path (1.4 km) to the Suspension Bridge and the start of Flamber Head Path. The Option A detour is approximately 14 km. Option B is to hike the La Manche Village Path as far as The Quarry (6.1 km), then turn around and return to Burnt Cove and continue to Highway 10 as you would for Option A. You would only use Option B if you wanted to experience as much of the La Manche Village Path as possible. This option adds approximately 12 km to your hike (as you would hike La Manche Village Path both ways), plus you still have the 14 km detour outlined in Option A. The total distance for the Option B detour is 26 km.
NOBO (Thru-hike starting in Cappahayden): Upon finishing Flamber Head Path, you will take the access path (1.4 km) to the end of La Manche Village Road, then walk to the end of this road where it meets Highway 10, then turn right following Highway 10 to the turn-off for Burnt Cove/St. Michaels/ Bauline East. Continue on this road (Burnt Cove Rd.), until you reach the turnoff to Powerhouse Road (left side of the road) and follow the last portion of La Manche Village Path to Tors Cove, where you will pick up the Tinkers Point Path heading north. This detour is 14 km.
For questions, contact the ECTA Office at 709-738-4453 or information@eastcoasttrail.com