Long Range Traverse
Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
- Distance
- 57.5 km
- Elev. gain
- 2,160 m
- Start
- Western Brook Pond boat launch
- Finish
- Gros Morne Mountain trailhead
A simplified drawing of the real route — the distance above is the published figure, not the length of this line.
Ground elevation sampled along the mapped route.
About this distance
Parks Canada quotes about 35 km for this crossing, Western Brook Pond to Highway 430 via Gros Morne Mountain — but that is a planning estimate for an unmarked wilderness route, not a surveyed trail distance. Parks Canada is explicit that there are no trails on the Long Range Mountains. The distance shown here is the traced length of the route as actually walked, which is why it runs longer.
Campsites
- Ferry Gulch
- Upper Green Island Pond
- Little Island Pond
- Gilley Pond
- Triangle Pond
- Snug Harbour
Recorded hazards
Danger
Unmarked route, real navigation skills required
There are no maintained trails on the Long Range; low cloud regularly cuts visibility, so only experienced backcountry navigators should attempt it
Caution
Mandatory safety briefing the day before
Hikers must report to the Gros Morne Visitor Centre at 2:30pm the day before departure for a safety briefing and backcountry permit, or lose their reservation
These are documented hazards, not a current conditions report. Check with the land manager before you go.
Common questions
- How long is the Long Range Traverse?
- The Long Range Traverse is 57.5 km (35.7 miles).
- How much elevation gain does the Long Range Traverse have?
- The Long Range Traverse has about 2,160 m (7,087 ft) of total climbing, measured along Far's route for the trail.
- Where does the Long Range Traverse start and finish?
- The Long Range Traverse runs between Western Brook Pond boat launch and Gros Morne Mountain trailhead.
- Why do other sources list a different distance for the Long Range Traverse?
- Parks Canada quotes about 35 km for this crossing, Western Brook Pond to Highway 430 via Gros Morne Mountain — but that is a planning estimate for an unmarked wilderness route, not a surveyed trail distance. Parks Canada is explicit that there are no trails on the Long Range Mountains. The distance shown here is the traced length of the route as actually walked, which is why it runs longer.
- What hazards are recorded on the Long Range Traverse?
- Far records 2 sourced hazards on the Long Range Traverse: Unmarked route, real navigation skills required and Mandatory safety briefing the day before. Each is cited to the source that published it. Conditions change — this is not a current conditions report.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap57.5 km
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Reviewed by a Far curator on July 26, 2026. Trail conditions, permits, and hazards change — verify before you go.