A High-Level Hike

For hiking buffs in search of a challenge, look no further! Mont Orford’s particular topography and different grades of difficulty offer a challenge for experts, athletes and all the adventurous mountain climbers wishing to go on a high-level hike. Here are three exciting options:

LA SUPER – MONT ORFORD SUMMIT

Technical Information

Ascent : 35 to 50 min.
Descent : 25 to 35 min. via the 4 KM trail
Difficulty level : Difficult

Located right underneath the gondolas, La Super trail is ... super challenging but takes you straight to the top of Mont Orford. The trail begins on a wide gravel path that brings you to the first difficult part of the trail. Fasten your hiking boots because this is where the challenge begins!

The uphill climb is steep and doesn’t give hikers many chances to rest. Full of rocky steps, rugged terrain, and narrow passages where hikers will literally climb through the brush. Need to catch your breath? Once you reach the halfway point, after the first challenge, you can take the Trois-Ruisseaux trail for a less rugged, but still challenging way up the mountain.

Finally, because everything that goes up must come down, for your safety, we highly recommend that you head towards the 4 KM trail, situated on the left once you arrive at the summit.

LE SENTIER DES CRÊTES TRAIL

Technical Information

Distance: 18.7 km (11.6 mi.) if you take the loop
Duration: 9 hrs.
Shortest trail: 11.4 km (7 mi.) if you only go one way and park a second car at the ski resort.
Duration: 5 hrs
Difficulty level: Difficult

In terms of layout, the Sentiers des Crêtes trail is completely unique. It’s considered one of the park’s crown jewels and must-see attractions of the Mont-Orford National Park. It’s known for offering one of the most breathtaking hiking experiences in the Eastern Townships.

On September 21, 2010, Anne Pelouas described it as such in Géo Plein Air :

“The trail was already beautiful, and somehow, it’s now even better than before. Mont Orford’s Sentier des Crêtes is one of the trails that Sépaq redesigned without losing any of its substance or beauty. It’s retained all of its charm including the rocky, uneven footing and its many challenges, which make the panoramic views at the top feel like the ultimate prize. The north-side departure has been only partially restored. [From Le Bonnallie service center], what you need to do is take the access path 9 for 1.5 km [0.9 mi.] before reaching the foot of the trail …. After a short walk in the forest, the trail begins to head upwards into a forested area with an all-natural staircase carved into rock by nature. Here you’ll come across the first visual treat. It then becomes a switchback trail and continues to climb up Pic de la Roche Fendue, which looks down on Lake Stukely. From there, the Pic de l’Ours is still about 800 m [2,625 ft.] away and 740 m [2,428 ft.] above sea level. The trail goes along the ridge, crosses through a few groves, and continues over grassy or rocky open ground before finally reaching the summit.

From the south side of Pic de l’Ours, hikers can enjoy a stunning view of Lake Memphrémagog. Then from there, it’s possible to continue on to Mont Orford …. It truly highlights all the different geological formations, forest strata and points of view.”

Read the full article here

Although this trail counts as part of the Mont-Orford National Park trail system, you will either start or finish the course at the ski station. Therefore, it is important that you also pay Sépaq fees to access the trail. If you enter the trail in the Sépaq section of the park, you can pay your fees on location. Alternatively, if you take the ski resort entrance, pay your access fees at the entry point located at the top of the Grande Coulée.

LA MAGNUM – GIROUX SUMMIT

Technical information

Ascent :25 and 40 min.
Descent : 15 to 20 min.
Difficulty level : Intermediate-difficult

Located directly under the Mont Giroux Nord lift, this trail is the perfect option for busy athletes looking for a quick and efficient workout. Just like La Super, the departure for this trail is rather easy and is made up of a gravel path leading all the way to a more challenging incline. The real challenge begins once you reach an almost straight narrow trail. The path itself is made up of rocky stairs that were created when workers used dynamite to make the trail wider.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to bask in the stunning view from the top of Mont Giroux – it’s the perfect reward for your efforts! We recommend that you descend from the summit by La Familiale trail located on the right and then rejoin the bottom of the 4 KM trail for a more safe and secure return.