Long Range Traverse
~3 days · 35.7 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Long Range Traverse is known for
An unmarked wilderness route across the highlands of Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, beginning at the head of the Western Brook Pond fjord and crossing tundra plateau, bog, and glacial valleys before descending near Gros Morne Mountain. It is a point-to-point traverse with no maintained trail, requiring off-track navigation across the Long Range Mountains. It is known as one of Canada's more serious backcountry navigation routes, typically reached by tour boat up the fjord to the start.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 56 ft to 2,306 ft over 35.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 8.3 mi · 23%
- Downhill 7.9 mi · 22%
- Flat 19.3 mi · 54%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Long Range Traverse?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Long Range Traverse scores 25/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best attempted in summer through early fall (roughly late June to September), when the plateau is largely snow-free and boat access on Western Brook Pond is running.
Permits: Requires a Parks Canada backcountry permit and a mandatory navigation/route registration for Gros Morne National Park, with a demonstrated navigation check before departure.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Long Range Traverse take?
Most backpackers hike the Long Range Traverse in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 35.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Long Range Traverse?
The Long Range Traverse climbs roughly 6,207 ft total — about 174 ft per mile, topping out near 2,349 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Long Range Traverse?
Best attempted in summer through early fall (roughly late June to September), when the plateau is largely snow-free and boat access on Western Brook Pond is running.
Do you need a permit for the Long Range Traverse?
Requires a Parks Canada backcountry permit and a mandatory navigation/route registration for Gros Morne National Park, with a demonstrated navigation check before departure.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.