terra nova redux

In a post last year I wrote about a trip to Terra Nova National Park.  Well, we found ourselves there again this year, albeit a month earlier (October) than last year (November).  The best part about being there in October is that the colours are SPECTACULAR!

A sample of the fall colours (a Marc P photo).

What I really want to write about are the trails we rode, to update what the conditions were like, and to tell you about a trail I hadn’t blogged about before.

Sandy Pond – same as we found it last year.  A flat, 2km loop around Sandy Pond.  Scenic singletrack.  A good warmup before you hit Ocre Hill.

Ochre Hill – a little wetter than last year.  There were a couple of places where the trail was submerged by the pond.  This is always a group favourite.  The riding is good and the vistas are stunning.

On the way to Ochre Hill (a Marc P photo)

Riding near Ochre Hill (a Marc P photo)

The view from Ochre Hill (a Marc P photo)

Coastal Trail – the trail was, as always, the premier ride of the trip.  You can fill a day on this trail.  Start at the Marine Interpretation Centre at Saltons Brook and head toward Newman Sound campground and ride until you can ride no further.  Come back the way you came or incorporate parts of the Campground Trail.

Southwest Brook – sadly, still unrideable.  Lots of blow-downs and parts of the trail submerged.

Louil Hill – another crowd favourite.  It is only a 2 km loop but it is fun!  We rode it clockwise and counterclockwise and couldn’t decide which way was better.  Ride it for yourself and see if you have a preferred direction! Around the halfway point of the loop there are stairs that take you to a scenic lookout.  I highly recommend going up!

On the Louil Hill trail (a Marc P photo)

The view from atop Louil Hill (a Marc P photo)

Malady Head – here’s a trail we hadn’t ridden before.  This is a pretty good trail for riding but what makes it worth doing is the view at the end.  It is uphill going in so it is a blast coming back out.  Consider leaving your bike where the stairs begin and walk the remaining 5 minutes (I did).  Stronger riders will want to take their bikes all the way.

The view at the end of the Malady Head trail (a Marc P photo)