Gros Morne Mountain

Gros Morne Mountain is the park’s highest point, an 806-metre peak with a broad, flat summit in a rare Arctic-alpine environment. Reaching it means a serious hike, not a quick stop at a roadside viewpoint: the standard route is 17 kilometres return, gains about 1,000 metres, and takes at least six to eight and a half hours. I’d save the summit for a day when you’re ready to make the mountain the main event. If that’s more than you want, the forested approach still earns its walk, with a waterfall bridge and views of the mountain before the steep climb begins.

The first part is the 9-kilometre-return Approach Trail. It winds through forest beside Crow Gulch Brook, with waterfalls and views toward Crow Cliff and Gros Morne Mountain. The bridge above a waterfall makes a useful turnaround for a shorter outing; you get the stream and mountain scenery without committing to the summit loop.

From the viewing platform at the mountain’s base, the 8-kilometre Summit Trail climbs almost 500 metres up a steep scree slope, crosses the rocky plateau, then drops through Ferry Gulch on a long, boulder-strewn path. The complete route combines both sections. Follow the loop clockwise so the scree is the climb, not the descent. The rocks make the return from the summit demanding too, so don’t mistake the broad plateau for an easy finish.

The flat summit is exposed and windswept, with views across the Ten Mile Pond gorge and the Long Range Mountains. It’s also a slice of Arctic tundra far south of its usual range. Arctic hares, rock ptarmigan and caribou live in this habitat, and the plants grow slowly in the harsh conditions. Stay on the marked route: cairns guide the way across the plateau, and keeping to the trail helps protect plants that recover slowly from trampling.

For a photo, try to frame the Ten Mile Pond gorge with the Long Range Mountains beyond it. That gives the shot a sense of the distance and scale around the summit; cloud can hide the view, so don’t count on a clear panorama.

This is a difficult, exposed hike with loose scree, uneven boulders and a long day on foot. The summit can be clouded in, making navigation difficult; if it is, the summit route isn’t recommended. Parks Canada closes the Summit Trail each year from May 1 through June 27 to protect wildlife, reopening it June 28. Winter summit hiking is also discouraged because of snow, ice, storms, short days and avalanche risk.

There’s no food, water or shelter on the mountain. Bring at least three litres of water per person, more in hot weather, along with food and a waterproof wind layer; the summit can be much colder and windier than the trailhead. Dogs are strongly discouraged because they disturb wildlife and the rough rock can hurt their paws. A national park pass is required.