The spectacular multi-coloured rock layers exposed here at Brook Point are from the Crown Hill Formation. These rocks are Ediacaran in age but do not contain the Ediacaran fossils you can observe on the other side of the peninsula. These coastal cliffs are a classic example of sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are one of three main rock types and can form from particles of sediment of all different types. Layers of sediment build and build, eventually getting buried under the newer layers. Over time, these multiple layers are squished and cemented together to form rock. In this case, a range of sand, silt, and mud was eroded by rivers from an ancient volcanic mountain range. The brilliant red colour of the rocks is due to the rusting or oxidation of fine, iron-rich grains when exposed to the ancient atmosphere or oxidized sea. Other colour variations are due to volcanic ash and chemical changes from ancient fluids percolating through the sediment.
Decoding the rocks: A closer look reveals these sediments were later deposited in an ancient environment that had alternating wet and dry conditions. Desiccation (mud) cracks show that muddy sediments shrink, dry out and sometimes crack when a water-rich mud dries out in the air.
Getting Here
Exit Route 235 at King’s Cove and follow the signage to the Lighthouse Trail. Park at the Roman Catholic church. (Vista at church)
UTM: 0327966E, 5382245N
From the Lighthouse keep on the main trail. Do not take the short route. Exit the trail at the Brook Point sign and descent to the bedding plane.
UTM: 0328450E, 5383307N
Trail
The Lighthouse Trail is maintained by our partner, Hike Discovery Inc.
| Distance | 3.5 looped |
| Hiking Level | Easy – Moderate |
| Discovery! Geological Tour App | Yes |
| Hike Discovery App | Yes |
Flora/Fauna
The Lighthouse Trail begins and ends as you travel through Pat Murphy’s Meadow and was the inspiration for the famous folk song of the same name. Most of the trail is through the boreal forest with bogs and ponds. Coastal vegetation consists of stunted or scrub spruce, while fir predominates as you approach the coast. Tuckamore occurs on coastal cliffs – a thicket of small stunted evergreen trees with gnarled and spreading roots, forming closely matted ground-cover or thickets on the barrens and coastal regions. Shrubs or bog or sheep (goo-witty) laurel, Labrador tea and rhodora grow in and around bogs, open areas and as forest undergrowth. Blackberry earth, irises, sedum, blueberry bushes and bakeapple plants are common.
Cultural/Historical Attractions
The Town of King’s Cove is known as the “Athens of the North”. It is the birthplace of businessman Gerald S Doyle and JM Devine (1876-1959), famous for composing the famous Newfoundland folksong Pat Murphy’s Meadow.
The King’s Cove Lighthouse, accessed via the Lighthouse Trail is a popular hiking trail destination. The trail includes lookout areas with interpretative signage. Parking available in the town of King’s Cove, including the Roman Catholic church or the wharf.
Cultural Attractions
Cultural Heritage Sites in King’s Cove:
| King’s Cove Head Lighthouse | A lighthouse built and made operational in 1893. It could be seen for 14 nautical miles. |
Historical Attractions
Historical Heritage Sites in King’s Cove:
| Gerald S. Doyle Memorial Museum, King’s Cove Historical Society, King’s Cove | A local museum commemorating the culture and economic diversity of this fishing village commonly known as “The Athens of the North”. |