Northern Traverse

The Northern Traverse is an unmarked and rugged backcountry hiking route. This route starts by climbing onto the Long Range plateau through the rugged gorge at the east end of Western Brook Pond. The route then returns to Snug Harbour and the western end of Western Brook Pond by a westerly route to the north of the pond. The route offers spectacular views of Western Brook Pond only at the eastern and western ends of the hike. The rest of the hike you are travelling the sub-arctic terrain of the Long Range Mountains. The campsites at Gilley Pond and Triangle Pond provide waypoints that help define the route.

Route Information

There are no trails on the Long Range Mountains. Hiking in the Long Range Mountains should only be attempted by persons who are experienced in backcountry travel and backpacking, have good wilderness navigation skills and are physically fit. For more information on what to expect please review the Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB).

Although shorter than the Long Range traverse, the Northern traverse is considered to be more difficult because of its terrain and the large tracts of “tuckamore”[1] that hikers need to navigate around and through. Unlike many portions of the Long Range Traverse, this route does not follow large valleys or have obvious natural landmarks to follow. Hikers should not underestimate the difficulty of this route. This is a route more suited for those hikers looking to experience challenging terrain and testing their route finding skills. GPS trackfiles and waypoints are strongly recommended for this route. Be sure you are proficient using a GPS.

Terrain: Unmarked route; Strenuous

Distance: 27 km

Duration: 3 to 4 days

(Hiking times are estimates. Actual times will vary due to weather, delayed departures of the boat, and ability of hikers. Plan for delays and allow for extra time to complete the hike.)

Access and Exit Points:

To access this route, hikers must take the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Contact Bontours (1-888-458-2016) for reservations and ticket purchases.

Start: Western Brook Pond Trail head

Finish: Western Brook Pond Trail head

Operating Season: June 26 - Sept 30

Reservations

• Reservations are recommended. Daily departures limited to 2 groups per day with maximum of 4 people per group.
• Important: Permits must be picked up at the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre at 2:30 pm the day before your reserved start date.

Trip Planning Information

Hiking in the Long Range Mountains should only be attempted by persons who are physically fit, have good wilderness navigation skills and are experienced in backcountry travel and backpacking. There are no trails on the Long Range. In places you will encounter beaten pathways from previous hikers but they are often indistinguishable from game paths. Route finding can be further complicated when low cloud and other weather conditions reduce visibility. Hikers need to be experienced at navigating unmarked routes.

If nobody in your group has the necessary navigation skills you need to learn and practice them before you arrive or have other hikers with the needed navigation skills join your group.

For more information on what to expect please review the Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB).

Topographic Maps:

• 12H/12 Gros Morne
• 12H/13 St Pauls

Download [2]:

• Long Range & Northern Traverse Backcountry Hiking Map (PDF, 6.9 MB)
• Northern Traverse Route Description (PDF 241 KB)
• Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB)
• GPS track files are available for download of the complete Northern and Long Range Traverse (GPX, 319 KB)