Long Range Mountains, Codroy Valley

Overview

Relatively short mountains, but the dominate chain in the area. Offer's terrific views. Several well kept trails lead up mountian face. Easily accesible to the public via several well kept hiking trails.

LAT/Long position listed above is from a random spot on the mountain. The mountian chain runs through the Codroy Valley for over 20 miles, so the coordinates were taken on a random point in the mountains.

The Long Range Mountains stretch from the SouthWest corner of the Island of Newfoundland all the way upto the tip of the Great Nothern Pennisula, along the Island's West Coast. At the very SW point of the Island is the Codroy Valley, a valley formed by the boudaries of the Anguille Mountains and the larger Long Range Mountains. As one looks at the Long Range Mountains from within the Valley, on will see several hanging valleys and Cirques which were formed by Glaciers.
The mountains practically rise directly out of the sea, to heights between 1500 and 2100 feet. The faces of the mountains are fairly steep, but are accessible via several clearly marked trails. Once atop the mountains, the terrain basically levels off, giving rise to the local name of "Table Top Mountains". Most of the trails end at top of the mountains. However, due to the meadow like terrain atop the mountains, hiking in and around the top of the chain is fairly easy, and can offer some spectacular scenery of the valley below.

Getting There

TCH runs along base of mountain chain. Several trails leave right from the main highway.

If entering Newfoundland via the Port-Aux-Basque ferry, on will see the Long Range Mountains nearly right away. Simply follow the TCH for approximately 30 miles and you will find yourself in the heart of the Codroy Valley, and near the StarLite Trail, which is one of the more popular trails used to ascend the mountain faces. The location of this trail is clearly marked, via a large sign at the trails entrance, directly off the TCH. This trail splits and either takes you around the to the backside of the mountain to Cambell's Lake, or will take you to the top of what is locally known as the StarLite mountain, elevation approximately 1250 feet. Although there is no further trail from here, the meadow like terrane at the top will allow hikers to gradually clime to heights upto 2100 feet from the end of the StarLite trail. However, the most scenic shots are from the face of the mountains overlooking the Codroy Valley and also from in and around the hanging valley's. These Valleys extend several miles in from the mountain face, and as such can take you to elevations of over 1900 feet just to get to the head of the valley's.

Red Tape

No permits required. Several trails open to the public.

When To Climb

Year round, although weater can be quiet harsh and quick weather changes can be expected between November and April.

Here's a link with weather information for the area.
http://www.fallingrain.com/world/CA/5/Codroy.html

Due to the near level top of the mountains, winds can be quiet sever. In addition, the hanging valleys carved into the mountains by glaciers tend to funnel the wind down of the top of the moutians and into the Codroy Valley below. These winds have been known to funnel down at hurricane force. One area particularly known to be subjected to thes 150mph+ winds is the Wreckhouse area. This area got it's name after the railway was put through the area. Winter storms and these viloent funneling winds were know to lift railcars completely off the tracks. Although the trains no longer run here, the winds still claim several transport trucks a year as the province's main highway run through this area as well.

Camping

Several serviced campgrounds near by. Camping on mountian also allow. Fee's charged for compgrounds only.

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Images

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