the tablelands

First of all id like to say it's somewhat an honour to have hiked the tablelands not once, but twice. The tectonic plates shifted so vigorously that it is one of the only places on earth to have so many different plates exposed. It took us approximately 9 hours to hike to the very top where they suggest you start,and then back down the side of the canyon/gorge. If you're lucky you will be able to see mountain goat or two as they tend to roam searching for small plants. If you happen to see an inukshuk with a "pro skate - Halifax NS " sticker on it take a picture! I'd love to see if its still standing. I do not recommend trying to do the hike with small children. Some parts are very steep going both ways. You may find yourself jumping numerous feet to continue climbing downward. We were lucky enough to hike with family that were locals. Their dog who had done the hike a few times before was a great guide as to where and where not to step. If you are healthy and ready for adventure this hike is for you! Remember to start early in the morning if you plan to do the entire mountain.

This was a beautiful hike. The baron land is fascinating. We climbed up the Tablelands and got some magnificent views. Again, we were the only ones there for the most part. The geology of this area is amazing. Be sure to read the trail information plaques along the way, lots of knowledge to be learned!We visited at the end of August 2013

I know I am copping out, but take a look at the reviews entitled:“Uncharted hike” 5 September 2014 “Welcome to Mars” 3 September 2014 “avoid the free tour, download the app” 27 August 2014 Especially: “Exceptionnal hiking to Tablelands” 19 August 2014 - where they filled in the gap on what they saw after climbing to the top. Bcus I didn't climb to the top, they enabled me to vivaciously live through their experience. Thank you, Georges D. of La Prairie, Canada! An hour or two to just do the easy walk from the parking to the platform; but many hours to climb to the top and back. Although easy for the able, not so much for the disabled as the gravel & rocky path climb can be difficult to negotiate. I will just add a few pix instead...

We hike a route marked on the map but isn't marked on the ground. It could have been bad for us if the dog was worse and we weren't experienced. The view was lost on is because of the fog and the "trail" we were on was treacherous with loose rock. Stay on the trail and enjoy.

Visually this is one of the most stunning parts of the Gros Morne park, and geologically of course, it's one of the main reasons this is a National Park in the first place.We took the free tour (starts at 10 AM) and really enjoyed it. The guide, Deanna, was great, personable, knowledgeable, and to the point.You never know who's going to show up, and we had a geologist from Portugal on our tour who'd come here specifically to see it, and he had a lot of interesting things to add to the standard tour information.To really get the most out of this site you really need a guide, book, or something else to point out what you're really looking at. Even if you're a geologist and understand the rocks, you will probably miss all the arctic plants that live along the trail. I hiked here about 10 years ago without the benefit of a guide and totally missed the significance of the place.We didn't hike up to the plateau (that guided hike is an all-day trip), though you can keep on from the end of the guided tour if you really want to.The main trail used to be the road to Trout River, so it's a pretty easy hike, and I'm pretty sure you could get a wheel-chair up most of it pretty easily.

This is a very easy trail. We joined the 10am tour to learn more about the history and significance of the Tablelands; as the Tablelands is one of the main reasons that Gros Morne was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. My GPS indicated that during the first 45 minutes of this guided walk, our moving time was 4 minutes and our stopped time was 41 minutes. I learned more about the guide's personal life (where he and his wife were from, where they bought property, where they are moving to, a course that he had recently took, that he will be unemployed this fall, etc), than I did about the Tablelands. As a consequence, we and several others broke from the group and hiked the remainder of the trail alone. My recommendation: skip the guided walk and: download the Explora Gros Morne app, or acquire the information online, or pickup the Explora device at the Discovery Centre beforehand, and hike/walk the trail alone. Meyers Minerals in Pasadena, NL sells the serpentinite and polished peridotite rocks (as coasters, bookends, etc) found at the Tablelands. They make a lovely souvenir from the earth's mantle. If you like hiking, consider the 15 km Trout River Pond trail, where you will hike through a pristine part of the Tablelands.

Driving down the road, there is a desolate and barren landscape on one side, and on the other is lush greenery! Just weird, and beautiful.

The Tablelands are almost entirely barren of any life. There are a few small plants, but it is sparse. There is a 3km trail which takes you some moving water and a good view. There is also the opportunity to go farther into the Tablelands if you so desire. It makes for a nice little walk to see some uncommon terrain.

There is a main trail of the Tablelands that leads to a wooden platform near the brook that crosses the ravine 3 km from the parking lot. Easy walk and nice picture spot. But this is only the beginning if you are adventurous! This trail is for experienced hikers only!We walked up to the summit of the moutain flat summit located 2-3 hours further high. Note that there is no trail nor trail markings! You must walk along the brook up to the summit, going across huge moraines of rocks, crossing the brook a couple a time! Make sure to wear good hiking boot and bring food and warm clothes. Consult parks official for details and to get a GPS head point in order to reach the summit by the safest and fastest way. DO NOT GO if rain or foggy weather is expected as it is very easy to get lost or to slip. THere entire hike to us 5-6 hours, but plan for the entire day if you which to spend a few hours on the summit.

Note: Prior to going to the Tablelands, we downloaded the free self-guided tour app from Parks Canada ("Explora", available from the Parks Canada website). Otherwise, I'd recommend going with the guided tour or renting an iPad from the Tablelands Visitor Centre.Our walk along the trail from parking lot (just West of Bonne Bay) took about an hour. The Explora app provided us with a video and audio guide from naturalists and geologists about the formation of the Tablelands and their significant. The views themselves were impressive; the stark and desolate tableland rocks at the foot of the cliff compared to the verdant hills opposite. The trail itself was easy, and the level terrain gave us lots of chances to look around.There is a camp toilet at the trailhead/parking lot, but otherwise nothing along the trail.

Be sure to leave aside at least 4 hours for this place. If you are lucky you will be the only one on the hike. We spent so much time simply admiring the scenery and taking in the fresh air. The trails are really easy and this is a truly magical place to be.

Even though the weather was not the best (wind/rain) when I was there, it was wonderful to see the Tablelands. The trail was an easy walk and I could see a great place for cooling off in the stream in hot weather.

I have learned that this place is one of the very few places on earth where you can literally walk on the mantle of the earth. Parks Canada offer a short 1h30 walk with interpretive stops and it is included in your parks pass! The walk is very easy!

We caught the 10 am guided tour provided by the park service. We learned a lot about the geology of the Tablelands and the plant life that survives in this beautiful area. Great photo ops.

This was a fascinating exposure to the amazing mysteries of geology and biology. The guide was an excellent teacher, engaging the young and 'mature' in equal measure.