Rugged SxS Backcountry — Eight Hours Through Newfoundland’s Forgotten Roads

DEER LAKE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Rugged SxS Backcountry — Eight Hours Through Newfoundland’s Forgotten Roads

An 8-hour private side-by-side (SxS) guided tour that pushes deep into Deer Lake’s abandoned logging and forestry roads; this guide explains what to expect and what to pack.

Rugged SxS Backcountry — Eight Hours Through Newfoundland’s Forgotten Roads.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Deer Lake
Operator
Rob Clarke Motorsports
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set off from Deer Lake for a full-day, 8-hour exploration of Newfoundland’s remote backcountry. The Private SxS Explore Tour follows abandoned logging and old forestry roads that thread through wild, cell-service–free terrain, offering close-up encounters with moose, black bears and other native wildlife, repeated mountain viewpoints and a pond-side boil-up lunch.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Abandoned Logging Roads and Mountain Vistas

The day is spent on rugged logging and old forestry roads that span remote sections of the island, with multiple viewing areas that open onto the Appalachian Mountain foothills.

THE WILDLIFE

Frequent Wildlife Encounters

Expect to share the trails with moose, caribou and black bears, plus coyotes, foxes and a variety of birds—wildlife is a regular part of the backcountry experience.

THE MOMENT

Pond-side Boil-up Lunch and Trout Attempts

Midday stops include breaks at ponds or creeks for a traditional boil-up lunch; guides often give guests time to fish for trout while soaking in the remote setting.

What the day feels like

What the Day Feels Like

This is a full, hands-on backcountry day: you’ll leave main trails to test machine and driver on rough, remote tracks, pause at quiet ponds for lunch and fishing attempts, and climb to several viewing areas that frame the Appalachian Mountains—the route is deliberately away from cell coverage and civilization.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits — and who should reconsider.

1
Independent DriversWell suited for drivers aged 19 and older who want an all-day, vehicle-focused backcountry experience.
2
Teen Drivers with GuardiansTeens aged 16–18 can participate as drivers only with parental supervision, making this a viable option for families with older teens.
3
Passengers of Any AgeThere are no age requirements for passengers, so non-driving family members and friends can join the ride.
4
Travelers Needing Phone CoverageNot ideal for those who require reliable cell service during the day—the route goes into areas without coverage.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is an 8-hour private tour that runs deep into the backcountry; plan for a full day away from services.

What to Bring

Bring a change of dry clothes (summer and winter), extra dry socks and gloves, any protective gear you normally use (operator provides motocross-style helmets and goggles), extra medications, and a small backpack for water, lunch and dry clothes.

What’s Provided

Trail/crossover SxS rental, certified backcountry guide, fuel and oil, and motocross-style helmets and goggles are included.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the tour?

The Private SxS Explore Tour is an 8-hour experience.

What are the driver age requirements?

Drivers must be 19 or older, or 16+ if accompanied by parental supervision.

Are there age limits for passengers?

There are no age requirements for passengers.

Is safety equipment provided?

Motocross-style helmets and goggles are provided; participants should also bring any personal protective equipment they would normally wear.

What’s included in the trip price?

Included are the trail/crossover SxS rental, a certified backcountry guide, fuel and oil, plus helmets and goggles.

Will I have cell phone reception?

No—parts of the route go deep into the backcountry and have no cell service.