Skerwink Trail
Skerwink Trail
5
About
Skerwink Trail is the hiking Jewel of the region. It is internationally recognized and was ranked the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel & Leisure Magazine (2003). This 5.3 km hike will provide the opportunity to view and photograph the amazing coastal scenery, sea birds, whales, eagles, sea stacks as well as icebergs (in season).
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- Travelfun001Oakville, Canada3,572 contributionsLovely viewsWe did this trail on a warm sunny day. There was some wind so bugs weren't a problem. You can shorten the walk by taking the turnoff that takes you away from the coast. That said the views all along the coast are beautiful. We found parking right at the very small lot at the trailhead. I'm not sure what other options there would be for parking. There's an outhouse at maybe half a km into the start of the trail.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 8, 2024
- K P6 contributionsChallenging and spectacular!Simply spectacular! There are a lot of steep climbs and descents on this trail. We took our time, enjoyed the wonderful views and stopped on every cliff clearing to take it all in. After all of that up and down we were very happy to finally make it to the beach! Overall great experience to hike this trail. Glad we did it!Visited July 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 11, 2024
- TMWpdxPortland, Oregon165 contributionsNot to be missed!Wow! It was a beautiful day, albeit a bit windy, but what a glorious experience! The trail is well signed and very diverse and has so many lovely viewpoints. We went out on the coast trail and came back on the inland one. I’d love to try it the other way and I’m glad we did it this way as it got busier as the day went on and it was really nice to have photo ops with no people in them while we were along the coastal part. Don’t miss out on the lookout when you’re coming back on the inland side. You can get a 360 degree view from there. I highly recommend trekking poles because it’s really steep in places and they help take the load off the knees.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 16, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
605 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
37
Average
4
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0
Terrible
0
Garnield
Barrie, Canada21 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This was an enjoyable hike with a few steep climbs. We did this a day after some heavy rain so was wet and slippery in many places so wear hiking boots or waterproof footwear if you go after a storm (we wore running shoes that were soaked and muddy). It was a foggy day so we couldn’t see across the water but coastal rocks were visible. Saw two dens of fox cubs (pictures don’t show them very well). I’m sure the view would have been more spectacular if no fog but still glad we made the trek!
Written June 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mappin_and_Movin
Peterborough, ON85 contributions
Jul 2023
Hiked this trail with 2 teens and loved the stunning views - sea stacks, pillars, shale beach. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow without blazes or signage, but there was one notable section that required climbing up a steep rock section. It was wet and overcast during our trip, but the rock was still very grippy and manageable.
Exercise extreme caution if considering this trail for children as there are many cliff sections with no barriers and numerous signs about unstable, undercut cliffs.
Exercise extreme caution if considering this trail for children as there are many cliff sections with no barriers and numerous signs about unstable, undercut cliffs.
Written July 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave W
14 contributions
Jul 2022
The Skerwink Trail is a bit challenging at points for hikers, but the pay off is the incredible view. Along the coastal trail there are so many lookouts worthy of a picture and a moment to just look and appreciate the beauty of the Newfoundland Coast. If you are anywhere near the trail, it is worth the time to walk one of the best trails (in my opinion) along the eastern coast.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dnalsaam
Sidney, Canada103 contributions
May 2023
This is a very well-maintained trail that offers some incredible views. We walked it two days after a rather bad storm and the paths were all largely dry and it was possible to avoid almost all mud. (we did not go all the way to the top of the lookout side trail as it was a bit to muddy and slippery for two seniors) The views are incredible.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan W
Toronto, Canada119 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The 5km loop is a good distance, it is a challenging trail in places, steep steps and climbs in places. But the views are magnificent on both sides - Trinity Bay and then up the coast to Port Rexton. Trail is well marked, parking easy and you have a good range of terrain. We walked quickly and did the loop in 1.5 hours, a more leisurely pace would be 2 hours.
Written June 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa4610
Sun Peaks, Canada83 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is one of the best hikes I have ever done. Trails are well marked, and maintained. I would rate it medium to difficult as there are some spots that a a bit steep. I am 60 and in average shape and found it fine. The views are spectacular
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross Y
22 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We were reluctant to try this trail because it may have been too much much for us inexperienced hikers but we found it challenging but not overwhelming. We are in our 60’s but do a lot of walking and found it to be a very nice 90 minute hike. Unfortunately it was foggy that day and a lot of our views were diminished but we will return sometime to have a second chance.
Written July 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caribby96
Burnaby, Canada227 contributions
Jul 2023
This was a beautiful hike! There were a few steep spots, but for the most part it wasn't too challenging. I would recommend spending a while on this trail, at least a few hours. There is so much scenery and wildlife to see that it is worth it to take your time and enjoy it all. There's also a beautiful beach near the end of the trail. A must do in Newfoundland!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K P
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Simply spectacular!
There are a lot of steep climbs and descents on this trail. We took our time, enjoyed the wonderful views and stopped on every cliff clearing to take it all in. After all of that up and down we were very happy to finally make it to the beach! Overall great experience to hike this trail. Glad we did it!
There are a lot of steep climbs and descents on this trail. We took our time, enjoyed the wonderful views and stopped on every cliff clearing to take it all in. After all of that up and down we were very happy to finally make it to the beach! Overall great experience to hike this trail. Glad we did it!
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elaine S
St. John's, Canada274 contributions
Aug 2020
This trail has the most beautiful scenic views than any trail I have ever done. The trail itself is well maintained and not extremely difficult, however there are a lot of stairs and uphill. There are many rest stops that you can sit on a bench and rest while your eyes gaze on stunning views. The trail is well marked and there are a couple of different ways that you can go. Towards the end of the trail is a beach which is a bonus.
I would highly recommend anyone visiting this area to do the trail.
I would highly recommend anyone visiting this area to do the trail.
Written August 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie W
Durham, North Carolina
Is the trail open in April or is it only open during the summer season?
Written May 17, 2023
We are 2 women hiking. Given what appears to be the isolation of the trail did you feel safe? Are there lots of hikers that you encounter. We will hike it in September.
Written March 7, 2019
Agree with the above responses! Very safe.
Written May 24, 2019
The starting point is in port rexton and is clearly marked. It’s a 5.3km loop so you finish at the same point. Just follow the signage. You’ll see many cars parked on the sides of the roads and parking area for this trail.
Written July 18, 2018
Gershwin12 said this trail will take approximately 3 hours. This time would be for what level of tracker?
We are relatively fit, but with very little hiking experience. Thanks in advance.
Written August 12, 2017
Three hours is lots of time. We are a couple of oldies and we're back in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Took lots of time for views and watching whales. Lots of steps on the trail, not rock scrambling so no previous hiking experience shouldn't be an issue.
Written August 15, 2017
Due to a physical situation I'm limited to walking about 45 minutes max at a time. Is it possible to drive to parts of the trail with the best views?
Written March 21, 2017
Hi, I am sorry to say but no you cannot drive to sections of this trail. This trail ventures off the roadways and follows the coastline around a headland.
Written April 11, 2017
Hi how far is skier wink trail from St. John's?
Written May 28, 2016
A Tripadvisor member
Orillia, Canada
It is about 3 hours give or take, but a beautiful drive, and well worth it! I would actually recommend staying near the Trinity area. There are a lot of great things to do around Trinity and Boavista (which is about 35 minutes further)!
Written June 7, 2016
Can you bring a small dog on trails?
Written February 4, 2016
Leash of course so your little friend stays safe... Rugged area with cliffs, my small dog would do fine.
Written February 7, 2016
Would this trail be suitable for someone who has a fear of looking down from high places?
Written June 5, 2015
I'm not a big fan of heights and the description of the trail does make it sound like there are some sections that are near the edge. The truth is that you can easily stay back from the edge or if you prefer you can take short side paths to look over the edge. These may cause a bit of angst but they are optional. There is a nice viewing deck about a third of the way in that's a great platform to watch the whales.
Written August 7, 2016
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