Newfoundland man hikes Gros Morne's two longest trails in one day

A Newfoundland man completed the two longest hikes in Gros Morne National Park in one day on Sunday, trekking 63 km in 12 hours and 47 minutes.

Steve Wheeler has always been keen for adventures. He is an avid hiker and guide on the island's west coast and said he knows the trails like the back of his hand.

So when a friend challenged him to hike the Long Range Traverse and the North Rim Traverse in one day, he couldn't resist.

As the longest and most difficult hike in Gros Morne, the Long Range takes the average hiker three days to complete. It's an extremely difficult trail that is completely unmarked.

It, combined with the North Rim, is the equivalent of a marathon and a half.

"In doing these sorts of adventures I just find them really fun. I find that I really push myself physically and mentally. I enjoy the challenge," Wheeler told CBC's Corner Brook Morning Show.

Wheeler estimates he hiked a kilometre every 10 minutes, or five kilometres an hour. Throughout it all, he only stopped once for a 15-minute break.

"I did have a nice 15 minute break at the end of Western Brook Pond, that kind of picturesque view, had a slice of moose meat pizza tucked away in my backpack," he said. "You know [I] sat down there and drank some water and enjoyed the view for 15 minutes."

Doing both hikes isn't something Wheeler took lightly; he put in a considerable amount of training beforehand. Wheeler said he trained so well, he's already ready to get back on his feet.

"I was feeling good yesterday, I'll probably be out for a run today."