On May 18 IAT/IATNL President Paul Wylezol and Financial Director Kevin Noseworthy pulled on their hiking boots for the first time in 2010. The occasion was a 10-hour trek into Gros Morne National Park’s Overfall in Trout River Valley to survey the potential for an IATNL / Gros Morne trail connecting Trout River Pond to the IATNL’s future Chimney Cove Valley Trail.
The IATNL and Park have been discussing trail routes in the park for a number of years, but the timing now appears right to partner on a new trail in the park’s underutilized – but scenic – southwest corner, bordering on the IATNL/CBPPL (Corner Brook Pulp and Paper) Chimney Cove Valley Special Management Area.
The area between Trout River Pond and the Overfalls, a 500 ft (150 m) east-facing waterfalls with good sight lines,
is a gently sloping forested valley with a number of small streams and tributaries.
The walking surface is mostly dry and even, and the spacing between old-growth trees provides easy off-trail exploring. Along the way hikers get the opportunity to view the metamorphic Tablelands mountains and abundant wildlife, as well as cool off in tranquil pools below small waterfalls.
Â
Access to a future Overfalls Trail would be by a one-hour boat ride across Trout River Pond, from the community of Trout River.
Stay tuned for more news of an IATNL / Gros Morne National Park partnership to development trails in this remote and beautiful area.
Â
