Trails

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Trails

The Town of Conception Bay South is a top destination for its trials and scenic experiences! If you are exploring our trails, please familiarize yourself with the following link, trail etiquette.

Chamberlains Park

Chamberlains is one of the nine communities that make up the Town of Conception Bay South. During its initial settlement, Chamberlains was popular among farmers who were drawn to the land. With the construction of a road to St. John’s in the mid-1800s, these farmers could sell their produce to the capital city’s residents. Fast forward to 1996, this 16-acre plot of farmland was generously donated to the Town of Conception Bay South to be transformed into a community park. The area features a mix of wetland, forest, and meadow, making it home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and bird watching. With a rhododendron garden, green space, and an outdoor classroom, it’s a great place to unwind, while appreciating the nature preserve.

Since 2008, the Chamberlains Park Action Committee has overseen the development of the park. They collaborate with local volunteer organizations and dedicated citizens to protect, enhance, and restore this wonderful natural feature in our town.

Route Access: Wheelchair accessible
Type: Looped; nature, wetland, park
Difficulty: Easy; Walk
Distance: 1km
Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Locations: 19 Chaytors Road and 2608 Topsail Road

Further Information

Read the Chamberlains Park guide.
Watch the trail guide video.

East Coast Trail Long Shore Path

For nature lovers, Conception Bay South offers the perfect backdrop for hiking. It’s where you’ll find the starting point of the world-renowned East Coast Trail – Newfoundland’s famous coastline network that is over 300 kilometers long! The trail head starts at Topsail Beach. You’ll definitely want to take your photo at the start of this epic, world-newnowed trail! Hike along the seashore, through dense forest, and below towering cliffs. This section will take you from Topsail to Portugal Cove.

Route Access: Hiking, moderate to difficult
Type: Linear (Out & Back); nature, scenic, coastal
Difficulty: Moderate – Difficult; Hike
Distance: 17.2km
Time: 6 – 8h

Further Information

Visit East Coast Trial’s webpage on Long Shore Path.

Topsail Bluff Trail

You can hike toTopsail Bluff from the East Coast Trail, Long Shore Path access point to take in the iconic, breathtaking view of Conception Bay. Take the East Coast Trail about 200 meters and head right to scale this steep and rugged trail. The climb is worth it when you get to the top. Hikers can park at the Topsail Beach Rotary Park parking lot.

Route Access: Hiking, strenuous
Type: Linear (Out & Back); nature, scenic, fitness
Difficulty: Difficult; Hike
Distance: 1.9km
Time: 45 – 90 minutes
Location: Trailhead at Topsail Beach Rotary Park, Topsail Beach Road

Further Information

Watch the trail guide video.

CBS T’Railway

The Conception Bay South T’Railway is a beautiful, non-motorized trail that traces the old Newfoundland Railway. This trail will take you along the coast, into wooded areas, and past farms. The T’Railway is for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and many other healthy lifestyle activities. The T’Railway is maintained year-round, so there’s always an opportunity for adventure! The T’Railway is 14 kilometres long, starting from Spruce Hill Road in the east and ending at Doyles Road in the west. Currently, the Town is adding another 4 kilometres at Indian Pond, at the Town’s western boundary.

Route Access: Wheelchair accessible
Type: Linear (Out & Back); coastal, nature, heritage
Difficulty: Easy; Walk, Hike, and Bike
Distance: 14.22km
Time: 3.5 – 4h
Location: Various access points marked by green/blue toppers on road signs or at the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre at 7 Conception Bay Highway

Further Information

Read the T’Railway Guide Brochure.
View the access points here.
Watch the T’Railway East Guide Video.
Watch the T’Railway West Guide Video.

Manuels River

Manuels River features a beautiful trail system that starts at the Interpretation Centre and follows the river both upstream and downstream. First used in the early 1900s as goat paths by local residents, the trail spans several kilometers, meandering through the river valley. Although you won’t find goats wandering these trails anymore, you’ll certainly find hikers, bird watchers, and families enjoying the stunning scenery that reaches all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. In the 1980s, a determined community came together to take better care of Manuels River. Their goal was to protect the river valley, educate the public about its treasures, and encourage recreational activities. This led to the formation of the Manuels River Natural Heritage Society in 1989.

This scenic route follows along one of the oldest river systems in North America. What ancient fossils will you find along your trail trek?

Route Access: Wheelchair accessible
Type: Linear (Out & Back); nature, scenic, riverside
Difficulty: Easy; Walk, Hike, and Bike
Distance: 5km
Time: 45 – 65 minutes
Location: Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre, 7 Conception Bay Highway

Further Information

Watch the trail guide video.

Gateway Trail

This picturesque wooded trail will take you through the Sgt. Thomas Ricketts Memorial Park Peace Park, with storyboards detailing the Newfoundland soldier who as awarded the Victoria Cross during WWI. You’ll pass the Community Garden with its very own magical fairy garden trail before you return to the T’Railway.