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“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less travelled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost
Our Town's rich logging history means that there are lots of old paths and trails through the woods within and surrounding Clarenville that you don't see on the Town's official list of trails. Many of these are interesting gems that if you're adventurous enough, you should check out - and share with visitors:
Here are my top picks for 'unofficial' off-the-beaten-path trails:
Pittman's Point Trail: (3 km return)
Most people are aware of the TCH overlook just east of Clarenville. From there you can take a path to the beach at Pittmans Point. This well-marked 1.5km trail (one way) skirts along the slope through a rich forest to a beautiful beach - a great spot for a boil-up or beach fire.
Shoal Harbour River Trail: (5/9 km return )
As the name suggests, the Shoal Harbour River Trail follows along the Shoal Harbour River, starting at the Town's water intake structure at the end of Huntley Drive, the trail chases up the Shoal Harbour Valley to the Trans Canada Highway. There you have a choice, circle back along a loop that chases the river (5km total) or go out to the TCH, cross the Shoal Harbour River Bridge and return via the T'railway (9km).
Scholar John's Lookout Trail:
John Tilley is credited with being Clarenville's first settler. He taught himself to read and write and went on to be a successful businessman. The Shoal Harbour river was key to his sawmilling success and from the top of a hill called "Lion's Face," he could have seen the river and his milling operations. The old logging trail to Lion's Face is located off Myra Place and brings you to the viewpoint.
Clench's Brook Trail: (up to 6km return)
Clench's Brook trail follows the brook that flows from the Syanite -TCH to the Shoal Harbour River just at the Town's water intake structure. You can easily access this trail from the Trailway. The trail follows the Brook past several beautiful waterfalls and lookout areas - if you want, you can walk all the way up to the TCH.
Burgoyne's Cove RB36 Peacemaker Crash Site Trail (3km return, 200m elevation)
If you're a cold-war history buff, you will find this trail to be one of the most interesting trails in the province. In mid-March of 1953, a giant RB36 Peacemaker crashed near Burgoynes Cove, killing the 23 members of its crew. The trail is steep, but not too long. This is an impressive hike.
Southwest River Falls Trail: (2.5km return)
The Southwest river flows into Bonavista Bay at Port Blandford. That river has a waterfall that rivals anything I have seen in this province. The trail can be accessed at the western entrance to the Thorburn Lake cottage area, approximately 20km west of Clarenville. The most difficult part of the trail is the last 300 meters, as you have to go down a rope-lined path. You will be rewarded at the bottom!
Hickman's Harbour Cave Trail(4.5km return)
It's really more of a mine shaft than a cave, but it's so much more than that too! Historic Hickman's Harbour is the largest community on Random Island and is just a 40-minute drive from Clarenville.
Once there you can pick up the 4.5 km (return) trail from the community to the cave and Strong's Tickle. The trailhead is located at the end of Topsail Road. It is a well marked trail with lots to see along the way.
If you are adventurous, make sure you take the opportunity to check out these trails. (CLICK HERE TO SEE GOOGLE MAPS OF THESE TRAILS) .
Remember, the trails I described here are not maintained and can be challenging. But that's part of the appeal. Not so adventurous? There are beautiful trail walks that are part of the official Clarenville Trail System - be sure to check these out as well.
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