03 Jun Blow-Me-Down – Copper Mine to Blow-Me-Down Brook
22 km
This route is a combination of marked and unmarked trails covering 22 km. The marked sections include both the IATNLs Copper Mine Brook Trail, which I then leave, and traverse east, south east across the open expanse of the Blow-Me-Down range, and then descend to the Blow-Me-Down Brook Trail, which is a semi-marked trail in dis-repair. This is usually one of the first trail/ off-trail runs I do where the wind swept nature of the outer rim of the Blow-Me-Down range looses snow quite early, and offers some amazing views of the Bay of Island, the Blow-Me-Down range, and Corner Brook area in general.
Located 37 km outside of Corner Brook on route 450 (the southern shore), IATNLs Copper Mine Brook Trail is easy to locate where there is a large sign marking it on the highway. The trail starts with a marked portion from Copper Mine Brook, with a little over a 3.5 km, 650 meter climb to the top of Blow-Me-Down head. This trail alone, with its views, is a must do. After topping out on Blow-Me-Down head, the marked portion of the route ends, as you descend over a rock/ tuck/ moss mix towards Rattler Brook… the river as seen in the last photo quickly turns into the Rattler Waterfall. Crossing the river you continue along a trail of sorts…more of a game trail… you continue along the edge catching views looking east towards Corner Brook, or looking over the Bay of Islands, for 7km… again can’t emphasize the views enough! Its why this route is one of my favorite. Hitting the 10 km mark, and shortly after passing a few ponds, you have to start making your way north and slowly crawling down a steep section looking for markers of where to descend (markers being some rock cairns, and a worn path). After a short technical section of ~200 meters, the descent opens up to a fine scree slope which you can motor down…. this is by far the easiest way to exit the Blow-Me-Downs. After about 1 km of running down hill you meet up with the old Blow-Me-Down Brook Trail which consists of a 2.5 km semi-marked trail to the highway…. and once on the highway, it was another 5km to my park vehicle. Always a great way to start the trail running for the season!!
The drive from Corner Brook out towards the Bay of Islands is always a delight, with views not only of the Bay, but also of Blow-Me-Down range, and North Arm Hills (on the opposing side). 37km on route 450 to the Copper Mine Brook Parking Lot
Copper Mine Brook Parking Lot. Also a great view of Blow-Me-Down head, ~650 meter climb on a well marked IATNL/ OBIEC Trail.
After what seems a descent climb you hit the halfway point….
Reaching the top of Blow-Me-Down head you get amazing views of the Bay of Islands
Looking south from Blow-Me Down head you can see the rugged terrain. The marked trail ends shortly after the peak.
Looking north back towards Blow-Me-Down Head. You can see the makings of the “Trail” used… it isn’t a marked trail, more of a worn route… mostly created by moose and other animals
What I love most about this route, is that your skirting by the edge of the Blow-Me-Down range for most of the trip providing amazing views of the area, and some nice vertical drop to keep me on my toes!
Again the photo provides prescriptive in that you literal skirt around the edge of the Blow-Me-Downs.
Blow-Me-Down Brook Gulch. Its part of the same geological complex underlying the Tablelands in Gros Morne National park…hence the red hue.
Looking east towards Corner Brook.. the terminus of Blow-Me-Down Brook Gulch
Descending from the Blow-Me-Down range… a beauty rhododendron. Just below Ill run into the Blow-Me Down Brook Trail
I had to run the highway back to my car… Rattler waterfall.
IATNL info on Copper Mine to Cape Trail – Well marked 3 km return, with a 600+ meter climb. http://www.iatnl.com/index.php/news/20/26/Copper-Mine-To-Cape-Trail/
Outer Bay of Islands Enhancement Committee also has a great deal of info on the Copper Mine trail as well as a few others in the area. https://www.obiec.ca/
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