Exploring the community trails in Rocky Harbour in Gros Morne National Park

by Keith and Heather Nicol

     On Friday, September 20 we awoke to sun and patchy clouds and it promised to be a good day to explore some more community trails. From Norris Point we drove to nearby Rocky Harbour to check out 3 trails that were new to us.  We stopped first at the 500 meters long Salmon Point Lookout trail which is at the far southern end of Rocky Harbour. We parked next to the cemetery (21 U 0432236 E and 5493025 N) and walked uphill along a well marked path. We then crested the hill and walked to a nicely built lookout platform with a bench which had great views of the prominent Lookout Hills on the opposite side of Bonne Bay. 

Heather hiking toward Salmon Point

From here we drove back into Rocky Harbour and walked the Bottom Brook Trail which as the name suggests follows Bottom Brook. The UTM coordinates for the trail head are: 21 U 0433639 E 5493338 N.   This 1 km trail winds past cottages and homes but you get a feeling that you are in a natural area even though it is in the middle of Rocky Harbour. The trail was abit wet on the day we did it but could we easily avoid the muddy spots. The trail ends at the Fisherman’s Landing Inn. The highlight of the trail was an unexpected small waterfall which has viewing platform and rest area associated with it.

Following the Bottom Brook Trail

The last community trail that we explored was the Rocky Hills Lookout trail and it is located on the other side of Rocky Harbour enroute to Lobster Cove Lighthouse. There is a parking area at 21 U 0432366 E and 5494632 N and this 350 meter trail is a must do. We were taken with the large lookout platform at the top which gave superb views of Rocky Harbour. The trail is well marked and it would be an ideal place for lunch on a fine day since there are several picnic tables at the top.

The Rocky Hills Lookout trail provides good vistas of Rocky Harbour

It was now time for something to eat so we headed to the Treasure Box (http://www.grosmorne.com/treasurebox/) at 72 Main Street in Rocky Harbour. There we chatted to owner Joyce Payne and Boyd Laing and Joyce told us we must have the fish cakes. “We have sold close to 4300 fish cakes so far this year and we hope to hit 5000 before the season ends”.  The fish cakes came with light fluffy toutons and baked beans and we can certainly see why this meal is their most popular. They also have a well stocked craft shop in the store and you won’t meet friendlier people than Joyce and Boyd. 

The Treasure Box serves up delicious fish cakes with toutons and beans