Nature is at our doorstep in the Laurentians, and a fabulous new trail system in Lac-Supérieur is capitalizing on just that.

A trek with a view

Tentatively named Fourche de la Diable (the Devil’s Fork), the series of trails has been a labour of love undertaken by the municipality, which is committed to helping its residents embrace the majesty of our great outdoors.

Accessible from a new municipal parking area at the dead end of Chemin Boulé Ouest and from Chemin Croissant de la Colline, it builds on an old trail network originally developed when the government was harvesting wood about two decades ago. The new trails interconnect with those older ones, including a 2.4K passage with improved access to the Rivière du Diable. The views are absolutely remarkable.

New sections of wood-planked walkways protect the tree roots and make the trails more accessible. A 35-metre stairway now rises at the south end. At the north end, a trail has been cut through a steep hillside and joins the walkways. It’s an absolutely amazing undertaking that must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

A year-round adventure

The municipality has created a terrific place for snowshoeing or Nordic skiing in the winter. It will also be an absolute paradise to explore after the snow melts.

There is a new mountain bike skill zone for beginner to intermediate riders. Complete with wooden pathways and a flow track, it will be a blast to ride next summer. Preserving the environment was key. Not one tree was cut for this project.

Expert trail guide Lucie Lamy introduced me to this new trail system. But you won’t need a guide to take a trek, as temporary signs will be up for the winter.

You’ll never know what’s on the other side of the hill if you don’t go and see for yourself.

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