Chrome Lode Trail

D Departure: from the car park near the Locomobile (at the beginning of the 20th century, this huge steam winch was used to move logs), head north along the dirt track for a distance of about 200m. Go past a toilet block, then leave the track to enter (eastwards) into the forest. 1 Intersection: take the path on the right which progresses on the left bank of the creek, winding between the trees. Reach another intersection. 2 Forestry track (GPS: 673 403 – 7 549 419; alt. 220m): turn right and climb the steep path to reach a new intersection (possibility of gaining a viewpoint over the Rivière Blanche marsh by taking the track which goes straight up). 3 Viewpoint (GPS: 673 365 – 7 549 342): head left. Follow the old track which descends gently to eastwards. It leads to a cul-de-sac. In the embankment on the left, look for the start of the path leading to the well of the chrome vein (slippery descent). After the shaft (remains of mining exploration in this sector), continue to descend to return to point 2 along the creek on the left bank for a short distance. 2 Forest track: when you come into contact with the track, turn right and leave following the level curve. Cross the stream of water. At the exit of the forest, do not take the first track branching off to the left, but continue opposite. Reach a second well-maintained track. 4 Intersection (GPS: 673 119 – 7 549 709; alt. 221m): turn left and descend towards the main road below. 5 Junction: from this point, join the car park by following the track towards the south-east. © Text by Jean Francis Clair FFRandonnée® Grading • Effort : (IBP 12) 1 Easy (green) • Technical difficulty: 2 Fairly easy (light blue) • Risk: 1 Easy (green) • Overall rating: Fairly easy (light blue)