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Long Range Traverse

Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland

Hard
Distance
57.5 km
Elev. gain
2,160 m
Start
Western Brook Pond boat launch
Finish
Gros Morne Mountain trailhead

Reviewed by a Far curator on July 26, 2026

The real route, north at the top. The distance is the published figure, not the length of this drawing.

Elevation along the route

0 km18–714 m above sea level56.5 km

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.

Along the way

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

    Source: Parks Canada — Gros Morne National Park

  • 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

    Source: Parks Canada — Gros Morne National Park

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.
How hard is the Long Range Traverse?
Far rates the Long Range Traverse as hard. How hard it feels also depends on your fitness, pack weight and conditions on the day.
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

Route geometry from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Trail conditions, permits and hazards change: check before you go.

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