Mill Cove Lookout Trail is a short hike in the north part of Terra Nova National Park. I absolutely recommend doing this trail, whether you are stopping in Terra Nova for the day or driving through.
The hike takes about 30-45 minutes and leads to a rocky hill overlooking Mill Cove and the surrounding area. You can see parts of the nearby Traytown to the north, as well as Malady Head to the south. Take a break from driving here, stretch your legs, and soak in the views, or add this trail to your list while visiting the park.
Mill Cove Lookout Trail Summary
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- Distance: 1.5 km round trip
- Elevation: 38 metres
- Trail type: Out-and-back
- Time: 30 minutes to an hour
- Trailhead: Ochre Hill Lookout
To find the lookout parking area from the Trans Canada, take the turn for Highway 310 (signs for Malady Head Campground). The trailhead has a small pullout for parking on the left side of the road about 2.5 km from the exit off Highway 1.
Mill Cove Lookout Trail Description
The start of Mill Cove Lookout Trail begins in deciduous forest that quickly turns more bog like. The early path is dirt, but soon there is a boardwalk section that elevates you above the plants to protect the sensitive ground here.
Along this section of the trail I found flowers like the brilliant pink sheep’s laurel and some Rhodedendron canadense (rhodora) growing here. As with any hike in or outside of a national park, please don’t pick the flowers!
Shortly after the boardwalk the uphill section of the hike begins. There are paths across rocky ascents, and near the final push to the summit there is a set of stairs to make the climb easier and protect the lichen and vegetation growing on the rocky ground. Please stay on the trails here to protect the plants here!
On these rockier sections, we saw the unique tamarack tree with is clusters of needles and the 4-petaled white bunchberry flower. There were also many types of mosses and lichens across the rocks in various colours.
At the top of the hill, we were rewarded with clear views across Mill Cove. We could see the Road to the Beaches curving around us, with parts of Traytown visible amongst the trees to the north and Malady Head rising behind us.
The descent wasn’t too steep and with proper hiking shoes we maintained good grip. I’d be sure to wear good footwear here, despite the trail being so short, as sandals or shoes lacking grips would possibly make the way down more treacherous.
