Campground Falls & Coastangs Trail
Cheeseman Provincial Park
Before leaving the Cheeseman campground, I decided to go visit the falls that must have been very close because I could hear them while I was sleeping. Eight campsites away and a few steps into the forest there was a staircase leading down to the falls. The falls weren’t spectacular but they did have water. There was more water in these falls than in Watkins Glen. There was a brownish yellow color to the water. I’m not sure what minerals make that color.
Codroy Valley - Western Newfoundland
At the Information center yesterday, I asked if there were any interesting trails to hike in the area. They gave me a range of trails for various activities (hiking, cycling, RV’ing) and asked if I was looking for easy, moderate or difficult trails. I told them I didn’t really care, but I was looking for the trails with the best photography. The unanimous choice was The Coastangs Trail. AllTrails suggests this is a moderate level, 6.4 mile trail.
Looking at the profile it would seem this trail is rather easy. What makes it moderate is the tall grasses, marshy wet areas, some downed trees and a few locations were it is dangerously close to the cliff edge. The trail is obviously maintained and certain sections could use a little more care.
I was glad I had jeans on because of some prickly bramble type brush below the grasses. There were also raspberry bushes along the way. I only found one berry remaining. I work hiking shoes, not boots. I feel that either would be appropriate.
If you’ve read my past few posts, I’ve been talking about dirt roads and how difficult they can be to maneuver. The roads from the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) to the trail were paved but most were pockmarked with one foot deep potholes. In addition, new drainage piping was installed under the roads. The piping is simply covered with stone and dirt. In a few places you have to come to almost a full stop.
Coastangs Trail Head
The Trail
Once you get to the trail head, you are presented with spectacular views of the mountains, ocean and grassy areas around the cove. I talked to a couple guys that were looking at the area to go fishing from.
The trail runs completely along the coast. There are no signs or blazes along the trail. It seems they run an RV over the trail from time to time to mark it. In the dense grassy areas it looks like they attempt to cut the grasses a little.
About a mile out, the coast takes a turn and various wild flowers are growing. The mountains provide a nice backdrop. This was a good spot to take a hydration brake.
There is one house located on the trail and the trail meanders around the back of the property. The house sits back about 200 feet from the edge of the cliff. I noticed a woman below on the rocky beach below the 60 foot cliffs and wondered how she got there. On my way back, I noticed an aluminum ladder was against the cliff. I’m not sure I would take a ladder to get down that cliff.
After passing the house you eventually come to what I would call the Hobbit forest. The trees were short dense scrub pines in many odd shapes. Probably something to do with the shortened growing season. The floor was covered with moss and thick wild grasses. It was difficult to get through in places because of the mud and dense trees.
Along the way, there are two interesting rock formations.
The second rock formation, I called “Mushroom Rock” is a little beyond the end of the trail.
I turned back thinking I hadn’t seen anyone the entire length of the trail. Moments later I heard voices heading towards me. A group of six woman were coming through the thick grass and greeted me.
Additional images from the trail:
After the hike, I headed Northeast to Gros Mourne National Park.