.JPG)
Among experienced hikers, trails are sometimes evaluated purely in terms of their challenge, with the "best" being the most difficult. I cannot agree with this method of grading because some paths, like the Parcours Louis-Joseph-Papineau, offer so much more than just the opportunity to work up a sweat. Of course, at 20-km for a return trip, the parcours may qualify as a good workout as well.But what is most distinctive about this wonderful trail is the public art distributed throughout its entire length. Dozens of creative pieces, from the delightfully whimsical to the unabashedly bizarre, may be found in the fields and forest bordering the crushed stone path.
And they are designed to be touched. Near the trailhead, sheltered beneath a grove of Hemlocks, sits a big drum. Try to walk past without a test tap or two: can't be done. Less that a kilometre later you will encounter Le Métronome Organique, another piece of musical art. Not every piece generates sounds: I was amused by the sculptures of the big geese, but my favourite La Bibliothèque minérale - a library of stones.
.JPG)
This is no abandoned rail-line. Although wide like a rail-line, the parcours climbs several substantial hills, ending in a viewing platform with a reasonably scenic panorama of the neighbouring river valley and ridge line. This hard-to-find trail is a true hidden gem.Directions: From the MacDonald-Champlain Bridge, follow Highway 5 to Exit 2 and turn right onto Highway 50, 2-km. Follow Highway 50 to Exit 166, 30-km. Turn left at junction with Highway 315, 600m after exit. Drive 500m to streetlight and junction with Highway 148. Continue straight, then left, following Highway 148 for 33-km to community of Papineauville and junction with Highway 321. Turn left, and continue for 13-km to Saint-André-Avellin.
Entrance to parking area is dirt lane on left immediately past the Bar Chez Max and opposite the Depanneur du Village, 39 rue Principale. Trailhead is set back from road about 50m.
Trailhead: N45°43”13.1’ W75°03”28.8'
3 comments:
Sounds like an interesting hike. Are bikes allowed on the trail? Where can I obtain a map of the trail? Thanks.
Lorraine
Bikes are definitely allowed on the trail. No map is published on the Web or in a brochure. However, there is a map posted at the trailhead.
One of the reasons that I call this a "hidden" gem is that there is almost nothing available anywhere that mentions it. A map of the route will be available in "Hiking Trails of Ottawa."
It was a nice bike ride along this path. Sometimes along slopes, the stonedust trail is not hard packed and you have to walk your bike.
I started at the SAJO vacation centre. It was nice to have the charming village of ST-Andre Avellin as the "destination".
Post a Comment