Hike Discovery Inc. is a partnership between (7) seven communities (King's Cove, Trinity, Port Rexton, Champney's West, Trinity Bay North, Elliston and Bonavista) to develop and maintain the coastal trails on the Bonavista Peninsula. The trails allow visitors to experience the breathtaking scenery and the natural beauty of the rugged shorelines of these communities on the Bonavista Peninsula, along with observing sea birds, whales, icebergs, etc., The development of the trails are also beneficial for our residents as places to enjoy a stroll for the benefit of their health as well as enjoy the scenery. <br /> In recent months, Hike Discovery was approached for the inclusion of two other trails into the network: The Fox Island Trail located in Champney's West and the Little Catalina to Maberly Trail in Trinity Bay North. The work has been completed on the Fox Island Trail to bring it up to acceptable standards and is now open to the public for hiking. Work is currently on-going on the Little Catalina to Maberly Trail and we are hoping it will be open to the public in the Summer 2017.<br /> The trails that are currently a part of the Hike Discovery network are: <br /> 1. Lighthouse Trail King's Cove<br /> 2. Skerwink Trail Port Rexton<br /> 3. Gun Hill Trail Trinity<br /> 4. Fox Island Trail Champney's West<br /> 5. Murphy's Cove Lodges Pond Trail Trinity Bay North<br /> 6. Klondike Trail Elliston<br /> 7. Cape Shore Trail Bonavista<br /> Hike Discovery is also in the process of trying to raise its profile through good marketing and promotion to make the area an even more popular hiking trail destination for visitors. Going forward we plan to develop maps for each trail, brochures, advertise through social media and develop a more extensive website that will have downloadable trail maps, sponsorship recognition and listing of events that we hope to plan for each trail. Mrs. Ashley King, Coordinator/Planner has been recently hired to assist with the promotion of the trails, plan various events throughout the trail network and will work closely with marketing firms to assist in a promotional campaign. She will also be meeting with local businesses to highlight to them the benefits of being a part of the Hike Discovery Network which involves paying an annual $300.00 fee to have advertising placards on each trail kiosk and links to their business on our website. The funds that are raised will be used to assist with the maintenance and upkeep of existing trail infrastructure. <br /> You can find out more from our Website &acirc;�&quot; www.hikediscovery.com<br /> Follow us: Facebook Hike Discovery Twitter - @hikediscovery<br /> For more information or questions on Hike Discovery Inc. please contact Ashley King at [email protected] or 709-464-7687<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Skerwink Trail, Port Rexton the hiking jewel of the region, is internationally recognized and was ranked amongst the top 35 trails in North America and Europe by Travel &amp; Leisure magazine (2003). The 5.3km coastal loop begins near St Andrews Church in Trinity East and provides an opportunity to view and photograph seabirds, eagles, sea stacks, icebergs and whales (in season) as well as the surrounding communities. <br /> Gun Hill Trail, Trinity consisting of two short trails (Upper and Lower) both provide you with breathe taking views of the historic Town of Trinity and the surrounding area. The Upper Trail takes you to the top of the central point of the Town of Trinity, Gun Hill, from which amazing views of the Town, adjacent communities and Trinity Bay can be absorbed and understood as to why this place was settled early for its protective harbour. The Lower Trail gives you a different perspective of Trinity as you break through a wooded area and come out into the clear to view the historic community. Parts of the trails are a little difficult but well worth the hike. <br /> Murphy's Cove-Lodge's Pond Trail, Trinity Bay North the entrance is located next to St Catherines Haven in Port Union. The 7.7 km coastal loop trail will take you through the abandoned community of Murphys Cove and overlooks the Green Island Lighthouse.This looped trail has a variety of headlands that provide viewing platforms where surrounding communities, whales, seabirds and fishing vessels can be photographed. The halfway point provides a lookout where users can view the Green Island Lighthouse, one of the last remaining manned lighthouses in the province. The trail follows the coastline offering great photo opportunities. <br /> Klondike Trail, Elliston located on the northern section of Elliston, it was regularly used years ago as a horse and cart trail, leading from Elliston to the community of Spillars Cove. This walk takes you from forest to wetlands, heathlands to sea. Learn about the plants and animals inhabiting our area while looking for our provincial bird, the puffin. You may also see whales, kittiwakes and other sea life as well as spectacular coastal scenery. This area was initially called Bird Island Cove and offers hikers spectacular oceanfront scenery with plenty of seabirds and wildlife along the way.<br /> Cape Bonavista Trail, Bonavista a 3.5 km trail along the coastline that runs parallel to the main road from the Town of Bonavista to the Cape. This trail provides one with a spectacular view of Bonavista Bay as you enjoy a leisurely walk on a marked trail to the Cape Bonavista Lighthouse. Along this route you can enjoy the rugged coast line while watching for birds and whales (in season). Stop for a picnic along the trail or at the John Cabot Municipal Park. <br /> Lighthouse Trail, King's Cove a former country road once known as Batterton's Path, connected the lighthouse on the headland to the community of King's Cove. Now restored, the traditional path consists of a 1.7 km inner loop and 3.5 km outer loop providing access to spectacular coastal scenery with the first and last parts of the trail taking you through the meadows famously known as &acirc;��Paddy Murphy&acirc;��s Meadow&acirc;��, which was also the inspiration for the famous folk song of that same name.<br /> Fox Island Trail is a 5.5 km hike. It is an easy-moderate difficulty. The trail displays the beautiful coastal scenery, views of the surrounding communities and local wildlife, then to finish with walking through the fishing village of Champney&acirc;��s West. Take the time to walk down and view the fishing stages. <br /> <br />   Submitted By: Ashley King