Details
Length: 3.8km (2.3mi) one way, not including Mogul ATV Road (3.3km/2mi one way)
Maximum Elevation: 470m (1,542ft)
Trailhead Elevation/Location: Mogul ATV Road (N49.41922 W58.10785) = 120m (394ft)
Time: 2.5 – 3 hours one way from Chimney Cove Road to Elephant Head viewpoint
Trail Type: Cut Trail leading to Barren Mountaintop
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging*
Condition: Access to the Elephant is via Mogul ATV road, which is generally in good walking condition. However in spring and fall and after several days of heavy rain, the road may be muddy in places. From Mogul ATV road, the Elephant Trail is in good condition apart from a couple of short wet sections which are being improved.
Experience: This is primarily a cut trail through forest, with a relatively short section of barren terrain across the top of Elephant Head. Hikers should be reasonably fit and able to follow a beaten, largely unmarked, path across barren mountaintop terrain.
Highlights: Spectacular views of and from the Elephant Head, including Trout River Pond and the Tablelands
Cell Service: No cell service
Water Sources: The only suitable water source is Narrows Brook which must be crossed at the base of the Elephant.
Camping: As this is a day-hike, camping along the route is unnecessary. However if desired, hikers may set up camp wherever they like along the route, with the exception of the top of Elephant Head, which is inside the boundary of Gros Morne National Park. Those doing so must abide by dry weather fire restrictions and leave no trace. For hikers wanting to camp before or after hiking the Elephant Trail, Trout River Campground is located 2kms before the start of Mogul ATV road.
Hunting Season: As the trail route crosses big game hunting areas, including those allocated to hunting outfitters, caution is recommended beginning in late August (for bow) and early September (for rifle). (Exact starting dates vary from year to year.) Hikers should wear a bright color and keep a safe distance from hunters and big game.
Dog Rating: Dog Friendly
* Easy > Moderate > Challenging > Difficult
Directions
To reach the IATNL Elephant Trail trailhead, hikers must turn right near the end of Main Street in the town of Trout River at the western end of Trout River Pond, then cross the bridge over Trout River and proceed to Trout River Campground (approx 1.6km or 1mi). From there, they must continue on Chimney Cove gravel road for approximately 2km (1.2mi) until they cross a cattle grate in the road with a fence on each side. They must immediately turn left onto Mogul ATV Road and continue on foot, bike or ATV for 3.3km (2mi) to reach the Elephant Trailhead, which is marked by a sign. (See gpx track below.)
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