Coppermine DH Trail Report - Dry - Oct 18, 2019

Hiked the Cape Blow Me Down Trail (aka Copper Mine) Oct. 12, 2019. A huge shout out and thanks to Mr. Swift and Wally (a friendly mountain biker and his lovely pooch I met on my travels) for introducing me to Trailforks!! I’m in!! Just wish I’d know sooner... could have tracked so many hikes in western NL... But I’m on it. Haha. Anyhow, Oct. 12 was a glorious, fall day in NL and while the uphill slog was challenging, it was super rewarding. Definitely feel like you earned the approx 650 m summit. Quads be forewarned. If hiking, the return trip (via the linear trail, starting at the trailhead at the parking lot) is around 7.5km-ish. Give or take a 1/2 km. Lots of view points earlier in the trail to distract you, take you slightly off trail and make you unearth your phone for some pics. Trail was pretty dry after a stretch of warm, dry weather and in decent condition. Needs a little TLC in places in terms of overgrowth. In my opinion, an 8 of 10, avid hiker-wise. Took me about 1 hour, 45 minutes to ascend (to the summit, with some brief rests and a chat with Mr. Swift), about 1 hour, 10 minutes-ish to descend but the going was really good, great hiking conditions (for those who dig a challenge and have a foam roller. Haha.) Though know that I was moving quickly and I’m in good, physical, avid hiker/runner shape. The summit is fantastic, super windy. Break out your camera. As hot as I was (after the climb), I cooled off very quickly but very much wanted to keep going on the IATNL. Phenomenal views that call your sense to adventure. In retrospect, would recommend a walking stick or poles for sections. Terrain can be tricky in parts, definitely need good hikers or boots. There’s a few benches along the way but they are primitive but serve the purpose. I would not recommend this trail for anyone out of shape. Saw a few hikers (on my descent) that looked like they were struggling on the ascent. Not a lot of readily, accessible (river) water, at least, in October. This trail is a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike for experienced, in shape hikers and I wholeheartedly recommend it.