EXPLORE THE NATURAL WONDERS OF NEWFOUNDLAND
THE BLOW-ME-DOWN MOUNTAINS
"Hiking in the Blow-Me-Down Mountains of Newfoundland"
by Clarence A. Pelley
Total distance 35 kilometres
| A large proportion of the Blow-Me-Down Mountains is composed of peridotite, a rusty brown rock containing iron, magnesium, chromium and nickel in such concentrations that the sparse soil is almost toxic to plant life. There are, however, several species that cling to life in this hostile environment. Alpine campion, sandworts, maidenhair fern, sea thrift, moss campion, and lapland rosebay are but a few.
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At 2501 feet above sea level, the Blow-Me-Down Mountains are among the highest on the island of Newfoundland. Sparkling streams, flowing from snowfields that persist throughout the summer, tumble and fall into spectacular canyons! Arctic hare can be seen grazing the sparse vegetation among the boulders. Caribou seek relief from the summer heat on the snowfields. Moose raise their young in the secluded valleys of the lowlands. Ptarmigan, perfectly camouflaged, will scarcely move as you pass. |
| The Blow-Me-Down Mountains are accessible only on foot. Trails are nonexistant. The terrain is rugged and sturdy footwear is recommended. Since the altitude varies from sealevel to over two thousand feet, night temperatures dip low. A warm sleeping bag and extra layers of warm clothes are necessary to ensure comfort. The weather is unpredictable and can change very quickly. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. |
Simms Brook |
| An expedition into the Blow-Me-Down Mountains will take you from sea level to over two thousand feet. In the course of this 35 kilometre hike, you will walk the bottom of glacier-carved canyons, over subarctic mountain tops and camp out under the big dipper. You will follow trails known only to moose and caribou. The Blow-Me-Down Mountains expedition is the best of its kind in eastern North America, and a unique wilderness experience. |
BLOW-ME-DOWN MOUNTAINS
TRAIL GUIDE
You can purchase a detailed description of the trail from Blow-Me-Down Brook, over the Blow-Me-Down Mountains to Simms Brook Canyon.
Please note that the BLOW-ME-DOWN MOUNTAINS TRAIL GUIDE is a part of the BLOW-ME-DOWN/LEWIS HILLS TRAVERSE.
It can be e-mailed to you in Adobe PDF format, or mailed to you as a printed hardcopy. Indicate your preference in the "Other notes or instructions" of the final checkout area.
It may include such helpful features as:
- Gear and equipment suggestions.
- List of topographic maps needed.
- Suggested drop-off and pick-up points.
- Detailed route guide using six-digit UTM grid reference on 1:50 000 Canadian topographic maps.
- Point-to-point compass bearings.
- Suggested campsites.
- Estimated times from point to point.
- Sources of fresh water.
- Scenic lookouts.
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RETURN TO HOMEPAGE
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