Gaff Point Trail
Gaff Point Trail
5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
35 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
wucie
Bern, Switzerland477 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
This 7 km loop offers a mix of beach, estuary, forest and rugged coastline, as well as ocean views and bracing sea breezes. The 124 acre property through which the trail weaves was designated a protected coastline and wilderness area so overnight camping and fires aren’t permitted, but it’s popular with day hikers, who come in droves, particularly at the weekend.
The trailhead starts at Hirtle Beach’s public parking lot which is generous though I suspect it might fill up fast on a hot summer’s day. The cobble and sand beach stretches for 3 km but the path to Gaff Point leads southwest for 1.5 km down it (through a private property which hikers can access provided the owners horses aren’t grazing). At the end of the beach and start of the forest is an interpretive sign (and a warning to tuck trousers into socks because of the ticks) which marks the start to the Gaff Point hike.
The trail plunges into a (largely spruce) forest for a short way before emerging at a lookout one side with fine views over Hartling Bay and a side trail on the other which leads to Grabble Cove and Sand Cove, a 30 mins detour, nestled between cliffs and accessed via a rope (use at your own risk). The main trail plunges back into thin forest before dividing to form the loop around the peninsula. Either way is good though most people were hiking clockwise. The hike is mostly in forest but with frequent sea views and access to the water in some places, especially at the rugged headland where we spotted seals as well as birds and butterflies flitting among the Asters and trees. The trail then loops back, past the William E Schwartz Memorial Point plaque, through the trees, with sections of boardwalk to regain the path leading back to Hirtle’s Beach.
This is an easy hike along a well marked trail affording views and varied landscape. Very enjoyable especially on a sunny day, though the good weather and Sunday also meant we shared the hike with numerous others.
The trailhead starts at Hirtle Beach’s public parking lot which is generous though I suspect it might fill up fast on a hot summer’s day. The cobble and sand beach stretches for 3 km but the path to Gaff Point leads southwest for 1.5 km down it (through a private property which hikers can access provided the owners horses aren’t grazing). At the end of the beach and start of the forest is an interpretive sign (and a warning to tuck trousers into socks because of the ticks) which marks the start to the Gaff Point hike.
The trail plunges into a (largely spruce) forest for a short way before emerging at a lookout one side with fine views over Hartling Bay and a side trail on the other which leads to Grabble Cove and Sand Cove, a 30 mins detour, nestled between cliffs and accessed via a rope (use at your own risk). The main trail plunges back into thin forest before dividing to form the loop around the peninsula. Either way is good though most people were hiking clockwise. The hike is mostly in forest but with frequent sea views and access to the water in some places, especially at the rugged headland where we spotted seals as well as birds and butterflies flitting among the Asters and trees. The trail then loops back, past the William E Schwartz Memorial Point plaque, through the trees, with sections of boardwalk to regain the path leading back to Hirtle’s Beach.
This is an easy hike along a well marked trail affording views and varied landscape. Very enjoyable especially on a sunny day, though the good weather and Sunday also meant we shared the hike with numerous others.
Written October 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan P
Turriff, UK21 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
This is a great walk, stumbling along the pebble / rocky beach and around the headland. We had a nice ice cream when we got back to the car patk.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn S
Granville Ferry, Canada47 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
We parked at Hirtle Beach and walked along the beach to get to Gaff Point Trail and we were not disappointed. Amazing views, well maintained trail a little over 6.5kms. Highly reccomend to anyone who but you do need proper footwear as it is a little uneven in spots.
Written July 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bobandlyana
North Carolina160 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
I saw someone's review on here where they said this is their favorite hike in the world, and I skeptically thought to myself, "yeah...right...". Well, let me tell you that we have been to many beautiful places in the world and hiked in Wales and Switzerland (those are our top two probably) and this hike is MAGNIFICENT! It's a roundtrip of about 6.5-7km. Completed in just under 2 hours with a few stops for pictures.
We drove from the La Have Islands, taking the river ferry to Riverport, followed the directions to Hirtle Beach on our GPS and easily found the parking lot. If you start following the boardwalk to the right, you will head in the right direction to the trail. The trail itself doesn't start till after you walk down the beach, but it's definitely a great addition to the scenery. It's a good 0.5 mile or so walk till the wooded area where the Gaff Point Trail stars.
WEAR STURDY SHOES! Even the walk on the beach is a bit challenging as it's really walking on huge "pebbles"/rocks of various sizes for a good chunk of time. We visited in the afternoon after it rained for a few hours in the morning and trail in the wooded area was absolutely soaked! Our hike was quite challenging in terms of dodging the pools of water on the trail, but it was all worth it. It's not really uphill or downhill, so I assume, it's not quite as strenuous when it's dry.
Our kids ages 10, 13 and 15 all enjoyed the hike. The surprising ocean views then wooded areas then grassy areas and coastal again were so beautiful!
They do have washrooms at the parking lot but they weren't in clean enough condition for me to want to use them.
We drove from the La Have Islands, taking the river ferry to Riverport, followed the directions to Hirtle Beach on our GPS and easily found the parking lot. If you start following the boardwalk to the right, you will head in the right direction to the trail. The trail itself doesn't start till after you walk down the beach, but it's definitely a great addition to the scenery. It's a good 0.5 mile or so walk till the wooded area where the Gaff Point Trail stars.
WEAR STURDY SHOES! Even the walk on the beach is a bit challenging as it's really walking on huge "pebbles"/rocks of various sizes for a good chunk of time. We visited in the afternoon after it rained for a few hours in the morning and trail in the wooded area was absolutely soaked! Our hike was quite challenging in terms of dodging the pools of water on the trail, but it was all worth it. It's not really uphill or downhill, so I assume, it's not quite as strenuous when it's dry.
Our kids ages 10, 13 and 15 all enjoyed the hike. The surprising ocean views then wooded areas then grassy areas and coastal again were so beautiful!
They do have washrooms at the parking lot but they weren't in clean enough condition for me to want to use them.
Written July 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boreal Owl
17 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
One of the most enjoyable trails I have ever hiked. My wife and I return on a regular basis. We love this place!
Written August 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brandi
Vancouver, Canada6 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Gaff Point Trail was a beautiful hike! My partner and I parked at Hirtle Beach and walked across the beach to get to the trail head. The walk was relaxing although it takes a good 25 minutes to walk across the rocks that cover much of the beach. The hike was fairly easy with only a few slopes here and there. There are wooden planks and rocks placed on muddy sections of the trail to make them easier to cross. I was glad I put on sunscreen and wore a hat as you are exposed to the sun for long portions of the hike, not covered by trees as I had imagined. Bug spray was important too. We made sure not to brush up against long grass to avoid picking up ticks. The hike is comfortably done in 1.5- 2 hours.
Written July 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TorontoKevin
Aurora, Canada61 contributions
Aug 2018 • Friends
Went on this trail with a few friends in August. It wasn't busy at all. We parked at Hirtle's Beach and then walked south-west to the point. The cobblestone beach can be a a bit of a challenge for young kids or elders. You also need some good shoes - hikers preferably that have some decent soles and ankle support if you want to meander off the main trail and onto the rocky shoreline.
The views of the ocean were spectacular! We took our time doing the whole loop and it took a couple of hours. We came prepared bringing some water canisters and energy bars for a snack. I didn't see any washrooms so probably why it was not a busy spot.
The views of the ocean were spectacular! We took our time doing the whole loop and it took a couple of hours. We came prepared bringing some water canisters and energy bars for a snack. I didn't see any washrooms so probably why it was not a busy spot.
Written October 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruno S
Toronto, Canada708 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
It is easiest to access the trail at low tide as you can walk there on the sand instead of over small rocks.
The trail terrain is quite variable; low areas that are made somewhat easier as rocks and boards have been put down, and some clambering over shale, and then some easier terrain.
Views are spectacular.
It took us 2 hours from the parking at Hirtles Beach to do the loop.
Probably more of a challenge on a wet day as it would be quite slippery.
Very highly recommended for both the exercise and the spectacular views.
There was no canteen or any way to get drinks or food, so bring your own.
The trail terrain is quite variable; low areas that are made somewhat easier as rocks and boards have been put down, and some clambering over shale, and then some easier terrain.
Views are spectacular.
It took us 2 hours from the parking at Hirtles Beach to do the loop.
Probably more of a challenge on a wet day as it would be quite slippery.
Very highly recommended for both the exercise and the spectacular views.
There was no canteen or any way to get drinks or food, so bring your own.
Written August 25, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olfgangfriedel
Bad Bayersoien, Germany2 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
We People from Europe usually are equipped with the best Pants, the best shoes...... walk that trail barefoot - what an experience!
Written October 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carriehill
nova scotia23 contributions
Oct 2019
Great trail for hiking , a little challenging walking on the beach rock at the beginning and end of the trail . So worth the trip , well maintained trail and the water views are stunning. Be sure to wear good footwear , hiking shoes or sneakers.
Written November 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just drove past Riverport to Hirtle's Beach and there was a big car park there. It was a great walk along the beach, round a peninsula and then back.
Written November 10, 2019
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