The Great Northern Trail Association Inc. (GNTA) is a dynamic not-for-profit organization driven by passionate volunteers committed to enhancing our community’s outdoor experience.
Discover the great northern trail network
Stretching over 250 km, the Great Northern Trail Network invites you to explore a rugged coastline shaped by wind, waves, and history. This evolving network of trails, built in collaboration with coastal communities along the Northern Coast, blends newly built paths, restored heritage routes, and remote backcountry treks into a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply seeking connection with nature, the GNTA offers trails that inspire. Every step tells a story—and every trail brings you closer to the edge of the world.
GNTA relies heavily on the generosity of our community through annual memberships from individuals and donations to secure vital support and funding. By forging partnerships with larger organizations, we’re able to strategically plan and execute projects that enhance our trail network and outdoor amenities. This collaborative approach ensures the realization of our vision for vibrant outdoor spaces that enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting sustainable recreation.
Breathtaking Trails & unforgettable adventures
The Great Northern Trail Association Inc. is a dedicated, volunteer-driven organization passionate about creating and maintaining exceptional trails on Newfoundland and Labrador’s stunning Great Northern Peninsula. Our mission is to foster health, wellness, and environmental stewardship through premier hiking and outdoor recreation experiences.
Join us as we expand our vibrant trail network. Your support through membership or donations helps ensure these natural treasures remain accessible and inspiring for generations to come.
TRail risks
USE AT OWN RISK
The GNTA is not responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur while using these trails. Hikers understand that there are inherent risks to outdoor trail use. By using these trails, hikers acknowledge and accept the risks involved and agree to hold the GNTA harmless from any liability.
WARNING
These trails have many natural hazards, including high cliffs, slippery slopes, sharp rocks, and deep, frigid waters. Wildlife such as moose or coyote may be on trail. Never attempt to approach or feed wildlife, and always keep your distance.
Our focus lies in the preservation, development, and stewardship of trails, cultivating a premier hiking destination at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. With a mission centered on fostering health, wellness, and environmental stewardship, we strive to create inviting outdoor spaces that inspire exploration and connection with nature.
We have collaborated with communities along the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula to officially create the Great Northern Trail Network—adding each community trail to the network and providing updates and improvements when feasible. Currently, our endeavours include the ambitious creation of new trails, with plans for continued expansion.
In recent years, GNTA has continued to move from vision to reality, expanding the Great Northern Trail Network through new trail construction, improved signage, route planning, stewardship, and continued collaboration with communities across the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula. Building on the completion of the 9 km Cartreau Point Trail, GNTA has advanced additional coastal trail projects and strengthened the network as a connected outdoor recreation asset for residents and visitors.
A major focus remains the Iceberg Trail, a breathtaking long-distance coastal route linking L’Anse aux Meadows, St. Lunaire-Griquet, and surrounding communities. This multi-year project continues to bring together purpose-built sustainable trail, restored historic footpaths, community connections, and dramatic coastal landscapes into an unforgettable through-hiking experience.
Our work continues beyond trail construction. The Great Northern Trail Race, first launched in 2025 during the Iceberg Festival, has grown into a signature event celebrating trails, community, and the rugged beauty of our coastline. GNTA-branded merchandise, community programming, stewardship initiatives, and ongoing partnerships all help support the continued growth and care of the trail network.
GNTA has also reached a major national milestone, with the Great Northern Trail Network now officially connected to the Trans Canada Trail. This recognition places our region within Canada’s national trail system and highlights the growing importance of the Great Northern Peninsula as a destination for sustainable outdoor recreation, trail-based tourism, and community-led trail development.
This progress would not be possible without the generous support of our members, volunteers, communities, sponsors, donors, and key partners, including the International Grenfell Association, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, and Trans Canada Trail. Together, we are continuing to build, protect, and celebrate one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most inspiring coastal trail networks.
