Long Range Traverse

The Long Range Traverse is an unmarked and rugged backcountry route. the traverse starts by climbing onto the Long Range plateau through the rugged gorge at the east end of Western Brook Pond. The route heads south across the Long Range plateau towards Gros Morne Mountain before descending into Ferry Gulch. It then returns to Highway 430 by way of the Gros Morne Mountain trail. Along the way a series of five campsites provide waypoints that help define the route.

Route Information

There are no trails on the Long Range Mountains. Hiking in the Long Range Mountains should only be attempted by persons who are experienced in backcountry travel and backpacking, have good wilderness navigation skills and are physically fit. For more information on what to expect please review the Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB).

Terrain: Unmarked route; Strenuous

Distance: 35 km

Duration: 3 to 5 days

(Hiking times are estimates. Actual times will vary due to weather, delayed departures of the boat, and ability of hikers. Plan for delays and allow for extra time to complete the hike.)

Access and exit points:

To access this route, hikers must take the Western Brook Pond boat tour. Contact Bontours (1-888-458-2016) for reservations and ticket purchases.

Start: Western Brook Pond Trailhead

Finish: Gros Morne Mountain Trailhead

Operating Season: June 26 - Sept 30

Reservations

• Reservations are recommended. Daily departures limited to 3 groups per day with maximum of 4 people per group.
• Important: Permits must be picked up at the Gros Morne National Park Visitor Centre by 4:00pm on the day before your reserved start date.

Trip Planning Information

Hiking in the Long Range Mountains should only be attempted by persons who are physically fit, have good wilderness navigation skills and are experienced in backcountry travel and backpacking. There are no trails on the Long Range. In places you will encounter beaten pathways from previous hikers but they are often indistinguishable from game paths. Route finding can be further complicated when low cloud and other weather conditions reduce visibility. Hikers need to be experienced at navigating unmarked routes.

If nobody in your group has the necessary navigation skills you need to learn and practice them before you arrive or have other hikers with the needed navigation skills join your group.

For more information on what to expect please review the Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB).

Topographic Map:

• 12H/12 Gros Morne

Download:

• Long Range & Northern Traverse Backcountry Hiking Map (PDF, 6.9 MB)
• Long Range traverse Route Description (PDF, 205 KB)
• Hiker Preparation Guide to the Long Range Mountains (PDF, 2.2 MB) 
• GPS track files are available for download of the complete Northern Rim and Long Range Traverse (GPX, 319 KB)