East Coast Trail Work Update: July – October

As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the East Coast Trail, we’re excited to share the latest updates on the work completed since July. Our efforts continue to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all hikers, and we are proud of the progress made so far.

July – August: Motion Path and Spout Path

Using a work camp on Shoal Bay Road as their base, our trail crew focused on both Motion Path and Spout Path:

• Motion Path:
  • Brushed approximately 4.4 km of trail from the Southern Trailhead in Shoal Bay to the top of Hearts Point Ridge, including the path to the toilet at the Miners Point Campsite.
  • Replaced a 6-section boardwalk and installed a new 6-section boardwalk.
  • Installed directional signage at key locations to prevent hikers from going off trail.
• Spout Path:
  • Brushed approximately 3.5 km of trail from the Northern Trailhead at Shoal Bay to Miners Point.
  • Scouted a new location for the toilet at the Little Bald Head Campsite, scheduled for relocation next year.

Spout Path Before and After

On August 23rd, the seasonal trail crew completed enhancements on Cobblers Path, improving the section from Doran’s Lane to the Torbay Point Junction. Given Cobblers Path’s popularity, these improvements were well received by hikers.

Cobblers Path (Doran’s Lane)

Following this, the crew worked on the Cobbler Crescent side of the path, pruning, clipping, and brushing from the Southern Trailhead to Shooting Cove. They also began replacing trail structures, a project that will continue until the seasonal shutdown in November.

Cobblers Path

September: Trail Signage and Spout Path Work

In the final week of August and early September, the crew focused on signage and ongoing work:

• Installed/reinstalled caution signs at several trailhead locations.
• Added QR codes to all trailhead signs, enhancing accessibility to trail information.
• Installed three new directional signs on Island Meadow Path to address off-trail hiking issues.
• Spout Path: Began construction on the Freshwater Bridge in Bay Bulls, with the goal of completion by early October.

October: Upcoming Projects

Looking ahead, our crew will continue work on Spout Path with plans to improve access to the John Howard’s River Bridge.

Thank you for your continued support of the East Coast Trail Association. Stay tuned for further updates on social media as we head toward the completion of this season’s trail work!