The 12^th East Coast Trail Tely Hike

Five Awesome Hikes...two adventurous paths

We have five awesome hikes on two gorgeous paths planned for the 2012 East Coast Trail Tely Hike. Choose the hike that suits your hiking abilities. All five hikes are scheduled to finish at 2:30 pm at the Anglican Church Hall. Refer to Event Day Schedule for registration times, bus schedule and hike start and end times.

Hike 1: 13 km (moderate - difficult)

The Full Biscan Cove Path Experience

This hike option doesn't leave anything out. In brief, you'll experience panoramic views of Pouch Cove from Little Bald Head, hike over Horrid Gulch, see the gorgeous falls at Freshwater, meet place names like Polly Butts Gulch, pass by fox dens at Anvil Head, take in the commanding view of Biscan Cove, Cape St. Francis and beyond from Spud Rock Hill. Cape St. Francis, the end point of the North East Avalon, and entrance into Conception Bay.The hike is a workout with several elevations changes (up and down), and when you reach Cape St. Francis turn around and head back along the gravel road to Pouch Cove, and finish your hike at the Anglican Church Hall. See Map #N5 for details and exact elevation changes.

Hike 2: 11 km (moderate)

Stiles Cove Path starting at Satellite Road

No waiting for the shuttle bus, leave the school on foot proceeding northeast on Satellite Road 600 meters. Take the cart track that heads to Stiles Cove. At Stiles Cove head north, turn left along the Path, towards Pouch Cove and enjoy the amazing natural wonders this path has to offer:

• Stiles (Stiles) Cove with Half Moon Brook pouring out between the cliff onto the inaccessible beach below. Be sure to take in the view point here.
• Incredible curving cliffs and rock formations, open heath lands and mature forest
• Gorgeous overlooking views of the coastline from Black Head North
• Stunning viewpoints into Black Head Cove
• There are steep grades as the path drops into and ascends from Shoe Cove
• The last 3 km stretch from Shoe Cove will traipse through forests, along cliff edges, through open meadows and end at the Post Office in Pouch Cove.
• At this point turn right and walk along Route 20, finishing your hike at the Anglican Church Hall.
• For more details see Map #N4.

Hike 3: 6.5 km (easy - appropriate for novice hikers)

Biscan Cove Path - Pouch Cove to Boggy Bridge Trail

Don't be fooled by the Boggy Bridge name - it isn't. This hike allows you to spend additional time admiring the magnificent view of Pouch Cove from Little Bald Head, more time to stare down into Horrid Gulch and try and imagine the disaster that unfolded here. And perhaps remain seated longer on the flat shoreline rocks at the waterfalls of Freshwater River. After this viewpoint, the path crosses Freshwater River and ascends through a beautiful mature forest to a crossing of the Cold River. Approximately two hundred meters past the river you'll see the signs indicating the Boggy Bridge Trail intersection. Taking this exit, (veering left off the East Coast Trail) you will arrive at the Cape St. Francis Road after 200 meters (approximately 5 minutes). At this point turn left and walk along the gravel road back to Pouch Cove and finish your hike at the Anglican Church Hall. See Map #N5 for more details.

Hike 4: 4.5 km (moderate and suitable for families and novice hikers)

Biscan Cove Path - Pouch Cove to Big Bald Head.

This hike is for hikers who don't have the time to go all the way to the Cape, but want to get a 2-3 hour trek on some new trail. Like the previous hikes, you get to view the Town of Pouch Cove from Little Bald Head and the short climb is well worth the exertion. On top of Little Bald Head you can look north and see the Cape, before descending through a mixed forest of Balsam and Spruce to a viewpoint overlooking Horrid Gulch, the site of the 1875 Water Witch Disaster. After lingering awhile, the hike continues on uphill to a crossing at the head of Coakers Gulch, more like a deep ravine, before breaking out on the relatively flat Big Bald Head. After a short hike across the forested headland, the hike will turn around and proceed back to the Horrid Gulch area. Approximately 100 meters further south along the East Coast Trail, and after crossing a small brook, you will see directions to Cape St. Francis Road along an ATV cart track (approximately 5 minutes). At this point turn left and walk along the gravel road back to Pouch Cove and finish your hike at the Anglican Church Hall. See Map #N5 has the details.

Hike 5: 4 km (easy and suitable for families and novice hikers)

Stiles Cove Path - Shoe Cove Road to Pouch Cove. After taking the shuttle bus to Shoe Cove Road, you'll hike down Shoe Cove Road, approximately 1.0 km, to the intersection of the East Coast Trail as it ascends out of Shoe Cove. It is located in an alder patch on your left hand side. From here the path takes you up a steep incline (approximately 10 mins) and remains mostly level ground for the rest of the way to Pouch Cove with only minor inclines. Enjoy the cliff side views, the trail meandering through mature forests, across open heath lands, and every now and then a glimpse of Pouch Cove as it draws nearer. The entrance into Pouch Cove is along a grassed slope connecting with a lane at Marsh Brook which will lead you to the Main Road (Route 20) at St. Agnes Church. Turn right to head towards the Anglican Church Hall along Route 20. See Map #N4 for more details.

Hike End Points

• All 3 Biscan Cove Hikes (Hikes 1, 3 & 4) exit the Trail and place you on the gravel road that leads to Cape St. Francis lighthouse. Turn left at this point and walk along the gravel road to the town's Main Road (Route 20) and walk 1km on the paved road through the community to the Anglican Church Hall for the festivities. The Anglican Church Hall is on the right across from the Town Hall.
• Hikes 1 & 2 on Stiles Cove Path end at the Pouch Cove at the Post Office. Turn right onto the Main Road (Route 20) and walk through the community about 200 meters to the Anglican Church Hall. The Hall is on the left across from the Town Hall.

For All Hikes

• Hikers will be required to sign a waiver.
• There will be experienced volunteer trail guides and first aiders positioned along the route to help should you need it.
• The trail is well marked.
• Let the trail guides know if you are having any difficulty.
• Hiking shoes / boots are strongly recommended.
• Hiking poles are handy and make it easy on the knees, especially downhills.
• Bring a water bottle filled with drinking water, as well as enough food for the hike you choose.
• Choose the hike that suits you best.
• Leave no trace and take only pictures.

Find all your registration needs here! Check out the the adventurous prizes we have lined up, and here are some good fundraising tips to help you get started.

***The East Coast Trail Association is a registered charity BN#899356364 RR0001. Charitable Donation receipts will be issued as per the Canada Revenue Agency rules.