Tablelands Trail — Attraction in Island of Newfoundland

This rocky trail isn't as simple as it seems at first glance. Just think about it, we are walking on the Earth's mantle that has come to surface!!! (And we know that the globe🌎 consist of the Earth's crust, mantle and core.) Such a thing can hardly be found anywhere else on the planet. The nearest way to get to the Earth's mantle is to drill a well 2 km deep in the Pacific Ocean off the Costa Rica coast. Such bizarre relief was formed 500 million years ago. When the two continents collided a fragment of Earth's mantle came up and formed a plateau. This landscape has been hiding under the ice🏔️ for a long time. And 12,000 years ago, the mantle was exposed. I was captivated by the color of the mountains and the soil of the Tablelands: red, rusty, brick. Scientist don't know much about the deep mantle layer, but it's surface layers mostly consist of rock🪨 called peridotite. Peridotite contains a lot of iron, which ensures its brown color. Saturated with iron, magnesium, nickel, cobalt and chromium, this rock is extreme for many plants. A rare species of plants is able to take root in such unfavorable soil, but they are there. And these plants no less beautiful than those that grow on the most favorable soil. In some places along the trail there are fluffy tussocks with small pink flowers. This is moss campion. A single blue bell on a thin stem (harebell) stubbornly makes its way among the stones. There is another kind of flora that can exist on this barren soil - carnivores. An example of such a plant growing on Tablelands is butterwort. But most often on my way I came across pearly everlasting🌼. This flower looks like a chamomile. But it is with a more fluffy flower. As you can see, the Tablelands flora is unique!!! The walk along the Tablelands Trail took us about an hour there and back. We started at 8:45 am and walking forward didn't meet a single tourist. At 9:00 am the first tourists appeared, and on the way back we already met large groups accompanied by guides. The walk along the Tablelands Trail wasn't too difficult physically, but it was very exciting in terms of...

The Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park is a truly extraordinary geological phenomenon. As one of only three places in the world where the Earth's mantle is exposed at the surface, it’s a unique opportunity to walk on a part of our planet typically hidden miles beneath our feet. This remarkable site was instrumental in proving the theory of plate tectonics, making it a place of immense scientific significance.

The hike to the Tablelands is approximately 2 kilometers, following a well-marked trail. The terrain is relatively easy to navigate, allowing visitors of all fitness levels to experience this natural wonder. While the main trail is clearly defined, the allure of exploring the vast, open landscape is undeniable. Off-trail hiking is permitted, but caution is advised due to the fragile environment.

The Tablelands are a stark and surreal landscape, characterized by exposed peridotite rock, which is typically found deep within the Earth's crust. The colors and textures are otherworldly, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

It’s important to note that while dogs are generally allowed in Gros Morne National Park, they are not permitted on the Tablelands to protect the delicate ecosystem. But dogs were allowed on the trail.

To access the Tablelands, a park pass is required. The current annual pass is CAD $143.60, and the daily pass is CAD $8.80 per person. Displaying your pass is mandatory to avoid fines. Due to the park's popularity, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and secure a parking spot.

The Tablelands is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology, nature, or simply experiencing the extraordinary. It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the immense power...

Here's the best advice for visiting this incredibly unique and beautiful place! Download the guided tour app, available for IPhone and Android, called "Gros Morne Guided Tour". It's by Parks Canada and available in both English and French. This wonderful app will make your visit much more informative and fun! It uses GPS to alert you when it's time for a brief blurb as you hike the 2K path. As the app promises, it truly delivers: "This guided tour app provides you with location-specific text, images, sound, and video as you walk along the Tablelands trail in Gros Morne National Park." Download when you have WiFi, like at your hotel the night before, and get much more enjoyment from this must-do easy hike. And, if your not able to download, stop at the Discovery center, just a few kilometers prior to the Tablelands, and ask to use one of their tablets that has the download on it! For free!! There is a live guided hike at 10 AM each day, as well as 2PM Monday and Wednesday during high season. If you miss the hike or prefer to go on your own, definitely use the app. At an easy pace, it's about 1.5 hours long. Children (and adults) would be thrilled to carry the phone or tablet and hear its musical notes indicating its time for a bit more cool information about this rare and...