Path Advisories
Cobblers Path
Greg Locke
Support The Trail
Listed below are current path advisories. Please also check the News page for other parking or temporary trailhead notices.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 709-738-4453 or email information@eastcoasttrail.com.
Hike Etiquette Reminder: No Open Fires
August 7th, 2025
Open fires are not permitted on the East Coast Trail at any time. No exceptions. The East Coast Trail runs through fragile ecosystems, private lands, and coastal forest. One slip-up and we’re looking at charred trails, evacuated communities, and firefighters diverted from other emergencies.
In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador is currently under a province-wide fire ban. Hikers must always follow local fire ban regulations in provincial campsites and private property. Use the Provincial Fire Hazard Map for the most up-to-date fire regulations. The current fire ban will not be reassessed until September.
Practice safe hiking. Bring extra water. Wear sunscreen. Take your time. Conditions & water sources are extremely dry.
General Notice Re: Trail Structures & Trail Bed
Hikers will encounter greater than normal amount of fallen trees due to recent high winds, as well as areas of wet and muddy trail and deteriorated trail structures throughout the trail system. An assessment of individual paths is ongoing, and repair work will be scheduled based on priority and funding availability. Because of these conditions we ask that you please use extra caution when hiking the trail. Sections of Stiles Cove, Beaches, Tinkers Point, Bear Cove Point and Island Meadow paths are highlighted as needing specific attention.
Witless Bay Community Walk Detour – Mickeleens Path– Map No. 14
August 18, 2025
There is a bridge (Perry’s Brook) closure at the intersection of Deans Road and Harbour Road in Witless Bay beginning August 18. The closure is necessary to facilitate bridge rehabilitation work. The bridge is anticipated to remain closed until November 11 2025. Pedestrian access is not permitted during the closure. Hikers coming from the North will need to turn right onto Deans Road (for 1.2km), turn left onto North Side Track Road (for 1.2km), turn left onto Jockey’s Lane (for 190m) and rejoin Harbour Road to continue the community walk along Harbour Road, for a total detour of 2.6km (35 minute walk). Hikers from the South will need to turn left onto Jockey’s Lane, right onto North Side Track Road and right onto Deans Road and rejoin at the intersection of Harbour Road and Bears Cove Road. Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control, follow detour signage and be prepared to slow down. Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
Longshore Path: Topsail Beach to Portugal Cove – Map 1.1 & 1.2
Parking space for the Longshore Path access point in the Beachy Cove/Longmarsh Road area is very limited due to increased activity in the area for Beachy Cove beach. Park in the lot located at 5 R.C. Church Drive, located at the Arts, Wellness, and Heritage Group Building in Portugal Cove. Walk 400 m south on Beachy Cove Road to Longmarsh Road, or 800 m to Beachy Cove Beach. Please do not park along Beachy Cove Road near the entrance to Beachy Cove Beach, obey all parking signage.
Father Troys Trail: Flatrock to Torbay – Map 6
The Torbay Harbour Authority has advised of a long-term closure of public access to Tapper’s Cove starting Monday, April 14, 2025, for major reconstruction of the wharf and breakwater. The closure is expected to last over 12 months. As a result, the Father Troys Trail section through Tapper’s Cove is closed until further notice.
A 1km detour around the area is in place:
- Northbound hikers (towards Flatrock): Detour via Dunphy’s Lane → Charles Lane → Morris Avenue → rejoin the trail.
- Southbound hikers (towards Torbay): Detour via Morris Avenue → Charles Lane → Dunphy’s Lane → rejoin the trail.
Signage for the closure and detour is posted on the path.
Read the full notice here.
Cobblers Path: Outer Cove to Logy Bay – Map 8
Parking space for the Cobblers Path trailhead at Doran’s Lane is limited. Parking is permitted only on one side of Doran’s Lane between May 1 to October 31, and care must be taken to not restrict access to private driveways. If you wish to start you hike at the Doran’s Lane trailhead, and no parking space is available, the ECTA and the Town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove request that you use the designated parking lot on Cobblers Crescent, and arrange for someone to provide a drop-off or pick-up service when entering or exiting the path at Doran’s Lane. To reach the parking lot on Cobblers Crescent, turn off Marine Drive onto Red Cliff Road, then turn onto Cobblers Crescent. Thank you for your cooperation.
Deadmans Bay Path: Fort Amherst to Blackhead- Map 10
Monday, May 12th, 2025
There was an unexpected event on the Deadmans Bay Path some time in April. A large boulder broke free from the cliffs above the trail and landed in the path, bringing other rocks and trees with it.
The boulder temporarily blocked the trail approximately 1.0 km from the trailhead at Blackhead Village.
The Trail Crew has cut a short reroute around the boulder and appropriate warning signs will be installed shortly. Although we do not expect any further falling rocks, we ask hikers to be aware and please use caution when hiking through the area.
Sounding Hills Path: Ferryland to Aquaforte – Map 22
This page was last updated August 6th, 2025.