Hiking Deadmans Bay Path on the East Coast Trail from Blackhead to Fort Amherst offers staggering views and impressive photo opportunities. This path is located just outside the City of St. John's and is 10.6 kilometers long, the perfect day hike.
Attractions
Blackhead village
Blackhead village is a gorgeous little cove home to very few residents. The village is located on the route to Cape Spear and is just roughly 10 minutes outside of St. John’s city center. There is adequate parking in the area, and it is well-marked within the town.
Peggys Leg
Around 3.6 km into the trail from Blackhead is Peggys Leg, a point that displays the drastic cliffs that drop to the Atlantic below. This is *one of* the best photo opportunities on the trail as you can capture the massive cliffs and ocean with a chance to see Signal Hill in the background. If you are interested in this view, then keep walking the trail, and roughly 1 minute further down the path you can see Peggys Leg from the opposite angle. This is shown below!
Freshwater Bay
This is an abandoned community that is situated just about the halfway point of the trail. This is the perfect spot to rest and snack in the right weather conditions. This is the resting place for various shipwrecks, including the SS Thetis, which still has remnants on the beach at Freshwater Bay.
Fort Amherst
Fort Amherst is a neighbourhood within St. John’s that sits opposite Signal Hill. It is rich with history as it was used during World War II to defend against German U-boats. Today, the concrete barracks in Fort Amherst are deserted and graffitied, however, two of the decommissioned guns still remain. The fortifications provide stellar photo opportunities (although you may have to climb through a fence to get there).
Our Experience
We started the hike in Blackhead and worked our way to Fort Amherst. We did this by parking one car at each end however, if you only have one car, ending in St. John’s, it will be easy to access a taxi to return to your vehicle. Although it can be done, either way, we prefer this route as you end the hike with the dramatic descent into St. John’s and you can glimpse beautiful views of Signal Hill and Cabot Tower throughout the hike (if the fog allows you to see it!) If you start at Fort Amherst, expect to climb 170 meters in the first half kilometer.
We hiked this path in January, and although this is not the optimal time of the year for this trail, the weather has been mild and the snow on the trail was minimal. The weather was perfect at the beginning, however, after climbing to the South Side Hills the wind was gusting to 80 km an hour and it began to rain. Luckily we prepared for this and it didn’t affect us!
Tips for the Trek
This trail is rated moderate to difficult by the East Coast Trail, however, if this is beyond your comfort zone, there are many access trails that allow for an easier hike. The hike between Blackhead and Freshwater Bay is suitable for inexperienced hikers as you can take the 2.2 km access road from Freshwater Bay back to the highway, this would be 7.5 km through.
The suggested time to complete the entire hike is 4-7 hours. I would suggest allowing for at least 4.5 hours if you plan to enjoy the scenery and stop for a snack. Make sure that you check the time of the sunset to ensure you will complete the hike within that time, as it is never good to get stuck on the trail without light to guide you. The path is very well maintained and easy to follow the signs that guide the way.
The best time to complete this trail is May to October as the chance of encountering snow and ice is *less* likely. The weather in Newfoundland changes on a dime so it is necessary to check and recheck the weather prior to the adventure no matter the time of year. As previously mentioned, we completed this hike in January which is doable just as long as you are experienced in hiking and have the proper equipment.
If you are interested in the detailed maps and guides for this trail, or any of the other East Coast Trail paths, it can be purchased through the link below. We have them and find them to be so valuable for preparing for the hike and knowing what to expect!
What to Bring
It is essential to bring lots of water and a snack. It is important to dress according to the weather but to always bring layers regardless of what the weather suggests. Weather conditions are more extreme on the South Side Hills so prepare for potential changes. With respect to footwear, the trail can be completed in regular sneakers but it is recommended to wear proper hiking shoes and high socks.
If you are an experienced hiker looking to do the trail during the winter or early spring (given snow conditions allow for it) it is necessary to have proper hiking footwear and a type of crampon or microspike as the trail can get icy and this prevents slippage and allows for more confidence. Lots of layers should be brought along to prepare for all the elements.
As always, make sure to leave no trace. Ensure that everything you pack in, you pack out.
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