Five Scenic Trails Across the Exploits Region

From riverside paths and peaceful wetlands to coastal boardwalks and historic railway routes, the Exploits Region offers plenty of memorable ways to explore on foot. These five trails showcase a mix of scenery, wildlife, local history, and family-friendly outdoor experiences, with routes suited to everything from a relaxed stroll to a more substantial walk.

1. Corduroy Brook Nature Trail

With more than 15 kilometres of connected trails, Corduroy Brook offers plenty of room to explore while allowing visitors to choose a route that suits their time and ability. More than eight kilometres of the system are fully accessible, with mostly flat terrain and several loops for shorter or longer outings. Along the way, the landscape shifts between brooks, ponds, wetlands, regenerating forest, and open spaces, creating opportunities to spot ducks, songbirds, beavers, and other wildlife. Rest areas, picnic spaces, playgrounds, shelters, interpretive signs, and other amenities make this an especially welcoming option for families and visitors looking for a relaxed outdoor experience.

Location: Grand Falls-Windsor
Distance: More than 15 km of connected trails
Best for: Accessible walking, families, wildlife, and flexible routes.

2. Logger’s Way Walking Trail

Following the Little Red Indian River, Exploits River, and Badger River, Logger’s Way offers five kilometres of peaceful walking through a natural riverside setting. The route is a good choice for families and visitors hoping to spot local birdlife, ducks, moose, caribou, and other wildlife along the way.

Location: Badger
Distance: 5 km
Best for: Riverside scenery, wildlife watching, and family walks.

3. Deadman’s Cove Trail

Deadman’s Cove Trail follows a 3.8-kilometre route of boardwalk and gravel path along Mile Pond and the cliffs overlooking the ocean. The mix of easy and moderate terrain leads through a striking coastal landscape, with plenty of viewpoints for photographers and anyone who enjoys slowing down to take in the scenery. At Deadman’s Cove Beach, visitors can listen to the waves, watch for Arctic terns, and learn about the nearby resettled islands whose residents once floated their homes across the water. On a clear day, views may extend across Fortune Bay toward Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Location: Harbour Breton
Distance: 3.8 km
Best for: Coastal scenery, photography, birdwatching, and local history.

4. Botwood Walking Trails

Botwood’s walking trail network connects four routes that combine coastal scenery, community history, and elevated viewpoints. Visitors can explore the 1.1-kilometre Killick Island Walk, which crosses a causeway to a small rocky island and passes Second World War bunkers and a vintage flying boat display. From there, the seaside walks at Lighthouse Point and the Old Railway Link offer more opportunities to follow the shoreline, while King Ridge Lookout leads to a gazebo overlooking the surrounding area.

Location: Botwood
Best for: Seaside walking, Second World War history, and combining several short routes.

5. Bishop’s Falls Trestle

Built in 1901, the Bishop’s Falls Trestle stretches more than 900 feet across the Exploits River and is recognized as the longest railway trestle in Newfoundland. Once part of the province’s railway system, it now forms a memorable section of the Newfoundland T’Railway, welcoming walkers, cyclists, ATV riders, and other trail users. The crossing offers broad views of the river and surrounding landscape, making it an easy way to combine local history with a scenic outdoor stop.

Location: Bishop’s Falls
Best for: Railway history, river views, photography, and a leisurely walk.

Looking for more routes? Check out more trails in the Exploits Region here.