Details
Length: 14.5km (8.7mi)
Maximum Elevation: 340m (1,115ft)
Trailhead Elevation/Location: 10m (33ft) at Ballam Bridge (N48.95337 W57.88649) / 40m (131ft) at Humber Village (N48.98780 W57.78445) / 70m (230ft) at Wild Cove Road (N48.96928 W57.82658)
Time: 1 Day (6-8 hours)
Trail Type: Cut Trail through forest
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging*
Condition: In Spring 2023, the Ballam Bridge to Man In Mountain section of this trail has been cleared of windfalls. The MIM section to Wild Cove Road is currently undergoing maintenance, and is approximatyely half complete. There remains a significant number of windfalls on the last 3kms to Wild Cove Road. The Wild Cove Road to Humber Village section of trail is largely deciduous, with few windfalls. However it is due for small brush and shrub removal.
Experience: Given its length and elevation gain, hiking the entire Humber Valley Trail in one day is not recommended for beginner hikers or those not in good hiking condition. However being a cut and marked forest trail in its entire length, it is not especially difficult to follow. Nevertheless, past Man In Mountain Lookoff the trail receives much less use, so due diligence is required to follow the route through sparse or overgrown sections, or around small ponds. If hikers are having difficulty following the trail, it is recommended they retrace their steps back to the starting trailhead.
Highlights: Arne’s Lookout, Man In Mountain Lookout, Scott’s Lookout, Wild Cove Lookout, Barry’s Lookout, old growth birch forests
Cell Service: Entire Trail
Water Sources: As the ponds and streams along the trail are not especially large and may contain beaver dams, it is not recommended that hikers drink the water. However in a pinch, the faster flowing streams, especially in spring or early summer, may suffice if filtered.
Camping: There are no designated campsites along the Humber Valley Trail, and few suitable locations. It is recommended that hikers camp at the nearby Prince Edward Park, approximately 1.3kms past the Ballam Bridge trailhead on Route 440.
Hunting Season: As the trail route crosses big game hunting areas, caution is recommended beginning in late August (for bow) and early September (for rifle). (Exact starting dates vary from year to year.) Hikers should wear a bright color and keep a safe distance from hunters and big game.
Dog Rating: Dog Friendly
* Easy > Moderate > Challenging > Difficult
Directions
The Ballam Bridge (western) trailhead (N48.95337 W57.88649) is located 175m (574ft) off Route 440. Turn right immediately after crossing Ballam Bridge over Humber River. (See gpx track below. May not be visible until downloaded.)
The Humber Village (eastern) trailhead (N48.98780 W57.78445) is located 125m (410ft) past the cell tower in Humber Village. After crossing Humber Village Bridge, drive 2kms while making two consecutive left turns. Note: Humber Village is a private community and some access restrictions may periodically apply. (See gpx track below. May not be visible until downloaded.)
The Wild Cove trailheads (N48.96928 W57.82658) are located 4.9km (2.9mi) in Wild Cove gravel road, which intersects with Route 440 approximately 2.7km (1.6mi) from Ballam Bridge. These central trailheads allow access to the mid-section of Humber Valley Trail. (See gpx track below. May not be visible until downloaded.)