Stage 8 of the East Coast Trail covers 18.6 km from Petty Harbour to Little Bald Head campsite, with 634 m of ascent and 618 m of descent. The highest point is 137 m. Allow about 7.5 hours of walking, plus breaks.
Distance, climb and elevation come from the Outest route data. Difficulty and time are estimates from distance and climb; your pace will vary with heat, pack weight and photo stops.
Free ECTA wilderness campsite on the Spout Path, 5.3 km from the Shoal Bay Road trailhead: 11 sites, seven with tent platforms, and a pit toilet; first come, first served. No fires; no bailout points on this path, carry enough water.
Free ECTA wilderness campsite on the Motion Path, 12.7 km from the Petty Harbour trailhead and about 7 km before Little Bald Head: levelled tent sites (no platforms) and a pit toilet. Beavers upstream: boil or treat water.
Checked online in October 2026. Places marked "listed, not confirmed" appear on a public listing (the East Coast Trail Association directory or a taxi list) but could not be confirmed on their own website or the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism listings. The six ECTA wilderness campsites are free and first come, first served. Outport B&Bs and holiday homes are few and many open only from May or June to September: book ahead, especially for July and August.
Emergency: call 911 and ask for the police. Health advice 24 h: 811. Emergency & health guide
Pharmacies, ATMs, shops and stops: © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hospitals and health centres checked online.
The full stage works offline in Outest, with the route, elevation, water and village points, and a trail guide you can ask about conditions and the next place to sleep.