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Larose forest doesn’t get enough credit! Or maybe it does and I just haven’t given it enough credit on this blog so far.
Anyways, this massive forest just east of Ottawa is an amazing spot for so many activities, year round. I’ve only ever gone snowshoeing and hiking there, but my recent winter walk made me think I REALLY want to try mountain biking there next summer.
The trails are easy, flow-y (that’s mountain biker language, I’m sure of it), and a nice long distance.
What I really loved about my recent hike there were that the trails feel nice and long. There’s a lot of distance between trail intersections, meaning you really don’t have to think very hard at all about where you are or where you’re going. You can completely immerse yourself in nature and just let your mind wander.
On my last trip out there, I headed out on the snowshoe trails that start from P4. These trails are use by fatbikers as well.
The hike was long, but easy. Dogs are allowed on the trails (even in wintertime!).
There were no facilities at the trailhead.
There are a variety of trails out at Larose forest, used for a variety of activities, including hiking, snowshoeing, biking, fatbiking, cross country skiing, dog sledding, and horseback riding.
Getting There
Planning to start my hike from P4 in Larose forest, I made my way out to Bourget, ON. You can use these coordinates to get there: 45.404981, -75.141249.
On the side of the road was a massive sign for P$- it would have been impossible to miss. The parking lot was huge, with space for at least 50 cars. And the trailhead was incredibly easy to find because there are massive flags up at the beginning of the trail.
There was also a huge map posted at the trailhead. The map there is much better than any I’ve found online so far. It lists the exact distance of each trail. But I guess since you’re reading this blog post, you’ll already know all that by the time you arrive.
Can’t miss it!
My Route
I had planned to hike the trail counter clockwise, for no real reason. But as soon as I reached the first trail split, I realized that because the trail is shared between snowshoers and fatbikers, the hope is for “traffic” to travel in one direction. So I switched up my plan right away, and hiked the route clockwise instead.
At each trail intersection, I chose the route that would get me the longest hike possible. One section of the trail was closed (the southern part of the big loop on the south side), so that section was the only exception to the rule. This closure was well marked on every single map that I saw.
There was a detailed map posted at the trailhead, and at each trail split.
The Trail
The trail through Larose forest didn’t vary much as I hiked along. It was an incredibly easy trail to walk, as there was no technical footwork, and the whole thing was fairly flat. The trail was well defined and always easy to pick out and follow. In spots, it wound through the forest switching back on itself, creating great corners for the bikers.
In a handful of other spots, there were tiny hills built into the trail (more like bumps really), that looked like they would be fun on a bike.
There was only one spot on the trail where there was a little hill that was steep enough that I was glad I had brought my hiking poles. It was actually quite steep and if I hadn’t had my poles and my microspikes I actually might have sat down and just scooted my way down the hill. Which is probably a pretty dramatic approach considering it was probably about 10 feet of trail that I was traversing.
The hiking trail brought me along ravines, over short bridges, and through tons and tons of pine.
Larose Forest has a very uniform feel throughout most of it, which I happened to really enjoy! Thanks for capturing it so beautifully @bradley_mcmillan.
Trail Markers
There were no trail markers along the way, and they weren’t needed since the trail was so well established. At each trail intersection, there was a sign posted indicating which “point” I was at, i.e. R2, with a map below it to help me navigate. The intersections were far enough apart in many cases that I really just zoned out as I hiked along (which I really enjoyed!).
In a handful of spots, there were picnic tables set up. These are indicated on the map to help you decide where you might want to stop for a break or for lunch.
I found myself crossing over a few active roads, and a handful of old logging roads as well. It was always easy to find the trail again on the other side, and interesting to see how the forest takes back what was once cleared for logging!
Distances to Trail Splits and the Directions I Took
Trailhead to R1, 50 metres. Turned left onto trail 200.
R1 to R2, 240 metres. Kept straight on trail 201.
R2 to R3, 1.7 km. Turned left onto trail 202. Option to turn right here to take trail 211 and shorten the hike by 2 km.
Total distance so far: Approx. 2 km.
*There’s a picnic table beside a small pond between R3 and R11. It looks as if the trail might continue behind the picnic table, but it does not. Return to the trail where you left it and follow the double track straight ahead from that point.*
R3 to R11, 2 km. Turned left and crossed over the ravine. Trail 212 headed off to my right, but I followed the sign for 202 on my left.
R11 to R13, .43 km. Turned left to stick with trail 202.
R13 to R4, .1 km. No trail split here, but trail 203 begins.
R4 to R14, .1 km. Stayed to the left to remain on trail 203.
Total distance so far: Approx. 4.6 km.
R14 to R5, 1.8 km. Trail switches from 203 to 204, stay straight for 204.
R5 to R6, .5 km. Turned right onto trail 205. Trail 215 behind me was closed (this was marked on every map I saw).
Total distance so far: Approx. 6.9 km.
R6 to R7, 1.7 km. Turned left and crossed a wide bridge to get on trail 207.
R7 to R8, .7 km. I can spot the trailhead down the road from where I am, but take trail 209 behind me.
R8 to trailhead, .4 km.
Total distance: Approx. 9.8 km.
Easy, beautiful hiking.
Trail Thoughts
By the time I arrived back at the parking lot, I had covered a total distance of 9.8 km. I was able to hike this distance in just over two and a half hours. But, I was moving pretty quickly (if I do say so myself!), and didn’t stop for any breaks.
By that time, I was also planning on coming back in the summer to try biking these trails. Larose forest really is a stunning little gem, and I’ll be sure to remember it as the seasons change!
Larose is so perfect for so many different activities. Thanks for the reminder and the gorgeous photo @davidvonslingshot!
Map and Elevation Gain
My GPS tracked route of the trails out at Larose Forest.
Whenever I’m hiking somewhere new, I tend to wonder about who was on, and who took care of that land before me. I’ve enjoyed using this website as a place to start learning more about the indigenous people whose land I’m on: Native-land.ca.
Elevation gain along the trail. Very little!
So easy a baby could hike it! I love this photo by @mayorgaadventures!
Just happen To be there today, nothing but praise about this trail. Well indiquated and not too steep. Ideal for beginners and serious hikers as well. Highly recommandable!