The Great Northern Trail Association (GNTA) was established in October, 2020 by collective outdoor enthusiasts looking to create access to and share the beauty the Northern Peninsula has to offer. The GNTA was developed with the intention to create a multi-use trail network in St. Anthony and the surrounding area with a mission to promote community engagement, active lifestyles, and expand tourism opportunities within the area. It is intended to service children, families, and residents of all ages living on the Great Northern Peninsula. The GNTA consists of five executive members and four general members, with expressed interest from others in the community.

GNTA’s primary project aims to complete development of a multi-use trail with an Eastern Trail Head (end of Daredevil Trail) to Cartreau Point ending at a Western Trail Head (end of Cremaillere Road). The Cartreau Point Trail will provide a two-way trail that can be utilized for walking, trail running, mountain biking and snowshoeing.

 

Since the time of their IGA grant application in November of 2021, the Cartreau Point Trail has had its 6.5km route completely flagged for trail building and cleared of any necessary vegetation enough to make it possible to hike through. Many people are hiking the route, using GPS or markers to find their way, as the entire ground has not been developed. This includes widening the path, a “berm” (raised turn for bikes) installed, and the installation of two rock bridges which sustainably route the trail over the flow of water. Two platforms for pitching tents have been placed on the trail allowing users to backcountry camp.

To begin construction of the trail, GNTA had acquired enough funding to purchase some necessary tools. They were able to use these tools to help clear the path and begin establishing a treadway. To ensure users’ ease of following the trail route, it is of utmost importance to have adequate, appropriate signage placed at trailheads and along the trail. Since receiving the IGA grant, GNTA has been able to develop their signage. The signage on order was completed and received by Autumn 2022. Signage was unable to be installed as planned due to the early onset of winter conditions.

During this past winter, a local carpenter was contracted to construct the signposts. GNTA was able to use volunteers with snowmobiles to transport these signposts to designated sites. Two platforms to pitch tents onto were also built and brought on site via snowmobile. As the building season of 2023 starts, GNTA will ensure the signposts are erected at their sites with signs attached. Trailhead signs have also been developed and are being placed at their designated sites this spring.

The trail is publicly available for use, though more of a marked backcountry route. Cautions and disclaimers regarding the development state are posted at trailheads to ensure users understand the current trail state and risks. The trail requires much more work than the treadway to be suitable for mountain biking.

The IGA is very pleased to have been a part of this initiative!