Erin Mountain Trail | Barachois Pond Provincial Park

The Erin Mountain Trail is within the Barachois Pond Provincial Park. You will drive on the Trans Canada Highway (TCH) between the two exits for Stephenville (Routes 460 and 490). The park entry is on the east side of the road. A narrow road takes you down into a valley containing Barachois Pond and Erin Mountain. Your first view of the mountain is a little daunting! The trail head is in the park amongst camping sites. Just park near the trail sign. Make sure you have lots of water with you and energy snacks. It can be quite windy when you reach the summit so have appropriate clothing.

The first part of the trail is easily walked with a lot of boardwalks that are well maintained. You will come to a lower lookout that has a well appreciated bench. The view of the valley below is quite rewarding. This was where we found the first moose tracks.

From this point on the trail becomes much more challenging. The climb is steep and the trail is quite narrow in places. Much of the trail is covered with rocks that are fist sized and larger, making for rough footing. In the most difficult sections stairs and railing have been installed. Quite frequently you will come across moose tracks and moose scat (droppings). Envision piles of large brown marbles. The moose obviously use the trails when it is convenient!

The summit is 340 meters and provides a 360° view that includes Bay St. George, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the top of the Long Range Mountains.

A “hiker” can do this in under 2 hours we were told at the park entry, we were the better part of 4 hours. There is a beach and swimming area in the park that you will have passed on the way in. You may want to partake in a swim as a reward for a good climb on a warm day.