Mid Septmeber here on the west coast is still at times like summer. One Saturday morning my Mountain Biking buddy and I decided that we were going to take the day, head into Gros Morne and drop into Chimney Cove. Chimney Cove is a resettled community located approximately 15k outside the Town of Trout River. It is completely accessible by mountain bike, side by side or quad in summer and snowmobile in winter. You could technically get a vehicle in so far but i wouldn't recommend.
For parking you are able to park at the Trout River Campground or on the woods road located just outside the park. If you require bathroom facilities the park staff may be nice enough to let you avail of them. I will say that showers were necessary when we returned to camp. Three river crossings in September along with the mud and dirt that early fall brings left us in quite the state but ill get to that a little later.
It was a beautiful morning. Shorts and T-shirt kind of day, sun splitting the rocks! Great day for a drive through the park. First thing, Caribou! BAM.
For parking you are able to park at the Trout River Campground or on the woods road located just outside the park. If you require bathroom facilities the park staff may be nice enough to let you avail of them. I will say that showers were necessary when we returned to camp. Three river crossings in September along with the mud and dirt that early fall brings left us in quite the state but ill get to that a little later.
It was a beautiful morning. Shorts and T-shirt kind of day, sun splitting the rocks! Great day for a drive through the park. First thing, Caribou! BAM.
I absolutely love seeing caribou in my travels. This particular morning we were graced with a beautiful calf and a cow right along the roadside near the Tablelands. Naturally we stopped and lingered for a while to get some photos before carrying on. The morning had started off right, I knew then that this day was going to be of epic proportions.
We offloaded at the park and got ready to head out. Along the road we had saw several signs of black bear, massive patties of dog berries were a clear sign that the bears residing in the area frequently used this roadway. The droppings were also a sign that the bears were eating a lot of these berries and passing them whole meaning that their bodies are not able to break down the berries and extract any nutrition from them.
The views along the trail in were rewarding enough. Gros Morne never disappoints.
At 8.7Kms in we started our decent down into the valley. The road was littered with some big rocks so choosing a clear line was essential to not wiping out.
Guess who wiped out?
Me.
Thankfully the spill was not bad. A skinned elbow and a bruise on the keister never hurt anybody. ( it was almost a week later before I noticed the bruise and had NO idea where it came from. Meanwhile I thought I'd hurt my hip....)
This road is frequently used by cabin owners and locals who have livestock out to pasture by the beach.
This is the best part..... Well its why I went to chimney cove.
This pasture is home to Horses and Cows in the summer months, at times sheep! Many residence of Trout River have cottages or fishing stages in the valley over looking the ocean and it is absolutely beautiful.
To get to the pasture you have to cross a river two, sometimes three times depending on the height. If it has been a dry summers you may not have to make a river crossing at all because water levels are low.
In September I was not as fortunate. Three river crossings...... with my mountain bike on my shoulder!
I go for Gainz, Thank You!!
Really I was thankful Jonathan was with me for his super human strength and Long Gams to help me.
This is the best part..... Well its why I went to chimney cove.
This pasture is home to Horses and Cows in the summer months, at times sheep! Many residence of Trout River have cottages or fishing stages in the valley over looking the ocean and it is absolutely beautiful.
To get to the pasture you have to cross a river two, sometimes three times depending on the height. If it has been a dry summers you may not have to make a river crossing at all because water levels are low.
In September I was not as fortunate. Three river crossings...... with my mountain bike on my shoulder!
I go for Gainz, Thank You!!
Really I was thankful Jonathan was with me for his super human strength and Long Gams to help me.
Elevation For Chimney Cove MTB
Once across the river it was clear sailing to one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been on. The grass was lush and green ( thank you to the cows and horses) and not a sound could be heard other than the waves rolling on the beach. In the distance I could see cottages and fishing stages, but in the foreground was the highlight, Horses!
We approached with caution. I had carrots as a backup.
As you do!
We approached with caution. I had carrots as a backup.
As you do!
Horses Grazing in the foreground- Cattle on the hill
Once we had befriended most of the livestock ( I bribed them), chatted with a few locals we found a lovely piece of drift wood and decided to take a spell and have some lunch. It was just a good time as any to try and dry my socks.
The afternoon wasn't long going by, we had to start making our way out so we would be back at the jeep before dark.
On our way up what was the steepest decent of the day two local men from Trout River stopped and asked us if we wanted a lift to the top of the hill.
I wasnt about to say no!
Both mtb were strapped to the Side by side and off we went.
Turns out one of the nice gentlemen that helped us out owns a lovely little craft shop on the water front in Trout River. Newly opened, the name escapes me but it is impossible to miss. I plan on visiting this summer ( his wife makes and sells sheeps wool socks <3) to knock some more hikes off the list and to purchase some new wool socks. A little tradition I started years ago.
All in all it was a kick ass day. Sick views, friendly chats, some one on one time with the horses who might I add love visitors and quality tome with a special someone.
I would recommend this adventure to anyone, anytime!
Chimney Cove- GO
-E
The afternoon wasn't long going by, we had to start making our way out so we would be back at the jeep before dark.
On our way up what was the steepest decent of the day two local men from Trout River stopped and asked us if we wanted a lift to the top of the hill.
I wasnt about to say no!
Both mtb were strapped to the Side by side and off we went.
Turns out one of the nice gentlemen that helped us out owns a lovely little craft shop on the water front in Trout River. Newly opened, the name escapes me but it is impossible to miss. I plan on visiting this summer ( his wife makes and sells sheeps wool socks <3) to knock some more hikes off the list and to purchase some new wool socks. A little tradition I started years ago.
All in all it was a kick ass day. Sick views, friendly chats, some one on one time with the horses who might I add love visitors and quality tome with a special someone.
I would recommend this adventure to anyone, anytime!
Chimney Cove- GO
-E