PARQUE NACIONAL DE GROS MORNE
Un parque con notables formaciones geológicas, una gran variedad de flora y fauna y una serie de actividades al aire libre.
La joya de la corona de la isla, Patrimonio de la Humanidad de la UNESCO, el parque se extiende a lo largo de 1.805 kilómetros cuadrados en el borde de la larga península del norte. Es internacionalmente conocida por su formación geológica excepcionalmente antigua, que data de 1.250 millones de años, y por el impresionante paisaje de las montañas tabulares y cortadas en forma de fiordo de la Cordillera Larga. En la estrecha franja costera se suceden pequeños pueblos de pescadores (Rocky Harbour, Lobster Cove, Baker's Brook, Sally's Cove, St. Pauls), acantilados, calas de arena o guijarros. El parque presenta dos formas de relieve muy diferentes: una llanura costera que bordea el Golfo de San Lorenzo y una meseta alpina formada por la cumbre de las montañas Long Range. Proporcionan hábitats para una variedad de flora y fauna, constituyendo un conjunto único de especies templadas, boreales y árticas.
Bonne Bay. Se trata de un profundo fiordo de agua marina que se divide en varios brazos, como el Brazo Este y el Brazo Sur. El Brazo Sur ofrece magníficas vistas de pueblos pesqueros dominados por las alturas tabulares de las Tablelands (elevación: 600 metros), con rocas rojas y ocres desnudas que surgen de la corteza terrestre. Cerca de Woody Point, un mirador con paneles explicativos ofrece una amplia vista de estas formaciones. Un sendero se adentra en el corazón de las Tablelands.
Cabeza de cala de langosta. Es conocida por su faro. Su cabecera cuenta con senderos que conducen a entornos costeros y bosques de tuckamore. El promontorio es uno de los mejores lugares del parque para observar las ballenas y los fenomenales colores de una puesta de sol.
Broom Point. Instalaciones pesqueras tradicionales que reflejan la vida de las familias de pescadores costeros de Terranova. Se ofrecen exhibiciones de pesca, visitas guiadas y actividades interpretativas.
Actividades al aire libre. Las actividades incluyen el senderismo (la principal actividad del parque), el kayak de mar, la bicicleta de montaña, el esquí de fondo y las raquetas de nieve. Con su red de más de 100 km de senderos, el parque ofrece una veintena de caminatas de todos los niveles, desde los paseos fáciles para la familia hasta las caminatas más difíciles para los senderistas experimentados. Algunas excursiones fáciles: Broom Point (1 km de ida y vuelta), Southeast Brook Falls (1 km de ida y vuelta, a través del bosque hasta llegar a unas espectaculares cascadas), Green Point (3 km de ida, sendero costero), Berry Head Pond (2 km de bucle, ciénagas, bosque), Berry Hill Pond (2 km de bucle, estanques, aves, ranas), Lobster Cove Head (1 km de bucle, playa, casa del farero con exposición). La excursión a las Tablelands (4 km de ida y vuelta, dificultad media) ofrece la oportunidad de ver una geología y una flora excepcionales. La excursión a la cima del Gros Morne (806 metros de altitud) - 16 km, 7 a 8 horas de marcha, nivel difícil - le permitirá descubrir la vegetación ártico-alpina y una fauna particular (liebre ártica, perdiz nórdica).
Alojamiento. El parque cuenta con cinco zonas de acampada, tiendas oTENTik listas para acampar y cabañas rústicas. También hay alojamiento con cocina a través de contratistas privados en Trout River, Woody Point, Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook, Wiltondale, Norris Point, Rocky Harbour y Cow Head.
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Opiniones de los miembros sobre PARQUE NACIONAL DE GROS MORNE
Would highly recommend the hike but it isn’t easy. The initial ascent is quite steep especially when you have all the weight for your full journey. Views can be stunning but can also close in with fog.
Make sure you are comfortable with maps and knowing how to use a topographic map prior to coming. This isn’t the spot to be learning, but if you are comfortable, this is a fun (and tiring) hike.
Completed the hike in two nights on the trail, started the hike late on the first day. Planned to slow down and enjoy the trail more but with bad weather we kept going and finished early. Watch the weather as the descent off of the top of the hills on the last day are down ravines that could be tricky during rain.
Took in Gros Morne Mountain at the end, which is a great add on.
For logistics, we flew into Deer Lake and rented a car to drive up to the park. You have to pass a navigation test (map and compass) at the park HQ before they will give you a pass for the trail. To start the hike you need to take a boat tour into Western Brook Pond, and they will not allow you off the boat without the pass. We arranged for a cab to pick us at the end of the hike parking lot (entrance to the Gros Morne Mountain trail) and left the vehicle there. Then took the cab north up to the boat tour. To make things all work on the day we flew in, we ended up taking the later boat tour. This meant that we were getting off the boat in the evening. It worked for us but it is something to consider as it did not leave a lot of hiking time before nightfall. Flight schedules have also changed a bit so will need to check the new schedules.
There is a lot of water sources along the trail so you don’t need a pile of water but bring a good water filter.
One notable aspect of our visit was the superb maintenance of the trails. Even though some popular trails and many local businesses, including ferries, were not yet open for the season, the available paths were clear and well-marked, allowing us to explore without hindrance. The varied weather added a thrilling element to our hikes, making the landscapes feel even more dramatic.
Wildlife sightings were a major highlight. The park lived up to its reputation with views of moose, caribou, seals, and bald eagles. These encounters were truly special, enhancing our appreciation for the rich biodiversity of Newfoundland. We also loved the beware of moose road signs. Lol
For those considering a visit during the off-season, be prepared for colder weather and some limitations in terms of open businesses and accessible areas. However, if you're like us and don't mind bundling up, April can be a fantastic time to experience the park's serene beauty without the peak season crowds.
We plan to return in late June to explore more of what Gros Morne has to offer during the busier months. But our spring visit was an enchanting introduction to this stunning national treasure, proving that Gros Morne has something magical to offer year-round.