The newest section of the East Coast Trail is now open.
The East Coast Trail Association cut ribbon at Topsail Beach yesterday, officially marking the opening of the 52 kilometre northern section.
Three trails make up the section, including just over 18 km between Topsail Beach and Portugal Cove, around 15 km from Portugal Cove and Bauline which features Freshwater Falls and Brocks Head Lookout, as well as White Horse Path, which is just under 19 km of rugged hiking from Bauline to Cape St. Francis and has been dubbed the hardest path on the East Coast Trail.
A ceremonial hike is taking place to mark the opening.@VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/SzluVrQ59b
— Noah Sheppard (@SheppardNoah14) May 19, 2022
Municipal and provincial government officials marked the opening by joining in with a short ceremonial hike led by members of the association.
East Coast Trail Association President Randy Murphy says with the expansion completed, they are now focusing on self-sustainability.
He says the hope is that by 2030, they will be generating enough revenue on their own to offset staffing and maintenance costs.
