Thru-hike of 51-54 km
This fabulous outdoor experience offers adventure enthusiasts the opportunity to take on a true personal challenge while traversing various ecosystems. This route, which is marked but not mechanically groomed in winter, is reserved for experienced skiers and seasoned hikers and meets the expectations of seasoned cyclists.
This route follows the same trail as the long 105-kilometer thru-hike, but is divided into two halves. You have the option of the first or the second half.
The trail
- Our formula offers a self-guided hike through nature on a well-marked trail where the terrain sometimes requires good experience.
- First half from the Zec des Martres visitor center (or Dôme parking + 4 km) to the Hautes-Gorges National Park: 51 km with a total elevation gain of +1862 m / -2420 m (cabins: Écureuil, Marmotte, Chouette)
- Second half from Hautes-Gorges National Park to Mont Grand-Fonds: 54 km with a total elevation gain of +1434 m / -1266 m (cabins: Geai Bleu, Coyote, Épervier)
- Booking in advance is mandatory and you must check in at the office (km 10.6 route 381) for registration and information.
- Hiking can be done from late May until the snowfall, around late October.
- During the hunting season, it is necessary to wear an orange vest (available for sale/rent).
If you would like to complete the hike with your dog, please call to make your reservation.
Brief information
2 nights / 3 days or 3 nights / 4 days
Accommodation in cabins or camping
Self-sufficient or baggage transportation possible
Vehicle transfer possible
Food drop-off possible
15-20 km/day
Visit Our Services for more details and our rates.
Half-crossing in winter
- The winter excursion takes place from late December to late March and is exclusively done on skis. Nordic skis are recommended and the use of classic cross-country skis, backcountry skis, or even Hok skis (snowshoe skis) is discouraged.
- The use of climbing skins is highly recommended and is used both in ascents and steep descents (rental available).
- The use of a sled is also not recommended. The terrain makes its use very difficult, if not impossible.
- Snowshoes are allowed only exceptionally in early and late season when conditions are not favorable for skis.
Accomodations
Throughout your hike, you’ll have the chance to sleep each night in one of our 12-person cabins or on our newly developed campsites.
See the list of equipment available in each cabin.
Daily Itinerary (1st Half)
Day 1 (Zec des Martres – Écureuil)
Walking, skiing, and biking from the ZEC des Martres reception (km 26.8 on route 381): 4.2 km
Walking from the Mont du Dôme parking lot (km 23.2 on route 381): 8 km
Day 2 (Écureuil – Marmotte)
Walking, skiing, and biking: 14.9 km
Day 3 (Marmotte – Chouette)
Walking and skiing;
Without climbing the Montagne de la Noyée: 10.5 km.
With the climb of the Montagne de la Noyée: 17.2 km
Biking: 10 km
Day 4 (Chouette – Parc des Hautes Gorges)
On foot and skiing;
Without hiking the Bihoreau loop: 8.5 km
With the hike of the Bihoreau loop: 14.5 km
Biking: 9.9 km
Daily Itinerary (2nd Half)
Day 1 (Parc des Hautes Gorges – Geai Bleu)
Walking and skiing: 6 km
Biking: 5 km
Day 2 (Geai Bleu – Coyote)
Walking, skiing, and biking: 16.2 km
Day 3 (Coyote – Épervier)
Walking and skiing: 19.7 km
Biking: 20.3 km
Day 4 (Épervier – Mont Grand-Fonds)
Walking: 10.9 km
Ski: 12.4 km
Biking: 10.3 km