Scenic coastal trail with wildlife viewing
Category

Hike

Est. Duration

2-3h

Activity level
Message from Lora Pope

The Skerwink Trail, recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of the top walks in North America, definitely lives up to its reputation.

Starting from the trailhead in Port Rexton, you immediately dive into a landscape that showcases Newfoundland’s rugged beauty. The trail follows the old rail bed initially, transitioning into a walking path that leads to the first lookout point at about 1.2km. Here, you'll get an up-close view of the fascinating sea stacks, sculpted over centuries by the relentless forces of wind and waves.

As you continue, the trail opens up around the 2km mark to reveal a sweeping view of the Skerwink rocks. This spot is perfect for bird watching; keep an eye out for black-legged kittiwakes, gannets, and gulls soaring above or perched on the rocks. Whale sightings are also common here, especially as humpback whales follow the capelin to the shores below.

The trail dips back into lush forests before emerging at Sam White’s Cove, where a pebble beach invites you to relax and maybe dip your toes in the ocean if you're feeling adventurous. The trail then transitions into an old cart path and follows a gravel road, circling back to the start.

While the Skerwink Trail includes some elevation changes, the stunning views provide the perfect excuse for frequent stops to catch your breath and snap some photos. The entire loop took us about two hours, including plenty of time for picture-taking.

After your hike, consider stopping at Port Rexton Brewing for a well-deserved pint. Right next door, 'Oh My Cheeses' food truck offers delicious treats to refuel after your adventure.

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