Newfoundland Trail

Newfoundland Trail is a part of the Épinette Creek Trail System located in Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The trail begins at a parking lot just off of Highway #5 and then winds its way through hills to an oxbow lake (called Jackfish Lake) near the Assiniboine River. The trail is 38 km in length if you take the full loop. The first several kilometers of the trail are used frequently by bikers during the summer. Highlight along this trail include views of the Assiniboine River valley, rolling landscapes, and murmuring streams, all backed by the sounds of heavy gunfire coming from nearby Canadian Forces Base Shilo. The trail is closed during big-game hunting season.

Camp sites and Huts

Three fully-enclosed shelters are located along this trail, each with a privy, water pump, indoor stove, axe, and even a pile of firewood for your convenience. There is room for several tents by each hut and a couple of picnic tables to sit on. Huts #3 and #4 have lofts that can be slept in. There is also a small hut (#1) located at the trail head in the parking lot, but there is no water available there.

Hiking the Trail

The trail is marked at frequent intervals by bright, yellow signs nailed on to posts. These come in handy at several points where the trail crosses service roads that resemble the trail. Junctions are clearly marked by brown, wood "park" signs with heavy, white lettering.

Season

This trail can be hiked at anytime of the year. In the warmer months, the trail is used by day hikers, backpackers, and bike riders. Trails are groomed during the winter for cross-country skiers. During the big game hunting season you may encounter hunters along this trail. Hunting seasons vary by species and year, but generally fall between September and November.

External links

Official sites
* [http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/index_e.asp Spruce Woods Provincial Park]

Hiking guides
* [http://www.pemmican.org/trails/newfoundland/newfoundland.php Pemmican.org's - Guide/Maps for the Newfoundland Trail]