Details
Length: 48km (29mi) trek across the North Arm Hills from Stowbridges Cove in North Arm, Bay of Islands (location of an IATNL basecamp) to Chimney Cove Road near Trout River Pond Campground in Gros Morne National Park
Maximum Elevation: 650m (2,133ft)
Trailhead Elevation/Location: Southern Trailhead at Stowbridges Cove (N49.21684 W58.09559) = 1m / Northern Trailhead at Chimney Cove Road (N49.43876 W58.13260) = 90m (295ft)
Time: 2 – 3 days / 1 – 2 nights in tent
Trail Type: Mostly barren (i.e., both dry rock and damp vegetation) with some minor bushwhacking. Elephant Trail cut trail on northern end.
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging*
Condition: In the north, access to/from the mountains is via Mogul ATV road, which is generally in good walking condition. However in spring and fall and after several days of heavy rain, the road may be muddy in places. From Mogul ATV road, the route follows the IATNL Elephant Trail, which is in good condition apart from a couple of short wet sections which are being improved. On the southern end, the trail route crosses no ATV road, cut trail or wetland, and is dry rocky barrens. The lengthy wilderness mid-section is a mix of dry rock barrens, damp wetlands and patches of scrub that require the occasional short bushwhack.
Experience: This is primarily an unmarked wilderness route across barren mountaintop terrain. Experience with backcountry navigation and wilderness camping is a must, and use of a gps (ideally with trail route track) is highly recommended.
Highlights: Spectacular views of Bay of Islands, Tablelands and Trout River Pond, serpentine barrens, sub-arctic landscape, moose, caribou and black bear.
Cell Service: Only cell service above 250m (820ft) on south side of North Arm Hill, above North Arm, Bay of Islands
Water Sources: All substantial streams and lakes contain potable water. Small slow-moving brooks and bog ponds should be avoided if possible.
Hunting Season: As the trail route crosses big game hunting areas, including those allocated to hunting outfitters, 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: Challenging
* Easy > Moderate > Challenging > Difficult
Directions
To reach the North Arm Traverse southern startpoint at Stowbridges Cove in North Arm, hikers must travel 13km (8mi) in 20-40 minutes (weather dependent) by dory from Cox’s Cove in Middle Arm or 25km (15mi) in 30 minutes by zodiac from Benoit’s Cove in Humber Arm. (Contact us for details, availability and rates, as well as availability and rates to rent IATNL/Cabox Basecamp at Stowbridges.)
To reach the northern startpoint, hikers must turn right near the end of Main Street in the town of Trout River at the western end of Trout River Pond, then cross the bridge over Trout River and proceed to Trout River Campground (approx 1.6km or 1mi). From there, they must continue on Chimney Cove gravel road for approximately 2km (1.2mi) until they cross a cattle grate in the road with a fence on each side. The North Arm Traverse ends (or begins) here where Mogul ATV Road (immediately to the left after crossing the cattle grate) intersects Chimney Cove Road. The Elephant Trail trailhead is located 3.3km (2mi) down Mogul ATV Road. (See gpx track below for start of Mogul ATV Road.)
As a one-way trek, the IATNL North Arm Traverse requires either a pick-up at one end, drop-off of a vehicle (in the case of south to north), or both (hikers must either drop off a vehicle at the boat launch or arrange pickup) in the case of north to south. Contact us for drop off or pick up options.
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