Bras-du-Nord

Dist: 8.94 mi	Points: 490	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

BDN001

Location: 47.075032°, -71.894757°
The trailhead parking lot is large, but fills up on summer weekends. There is another larger lot (both have restrooms, but no water) just a short distance away on Rang Saguenay.

BDN002

Location: 47.075361°, -71.895690°
The narrow, bouncing suspension bridge over the Ste-Anne, Bras-du-Nord River is the only way to access these trails. Stand your bike up on one wheel and plan to maneuver it slowly to avoid slipping or catching your handlebars in the safety netting. Turn right on the bridge's far side toward the Boulevard a Gerald.

BDN003

Location: 47.079759°, -71.894038°
This route turns left on the Barbe a Gendron which winds uphill on soft, narrow singletrack.

BDN004

Location: 47.081137°, -71.898505°
To add an additional 0.4 mile, take a hard left at this 4-way junction for a short loop on Coulee Douche. The trail lands back here after a 5-minute twist through the trees to your left. Continue north toward more trails by following the end of Barbe a Gendron to the right

BDN005

Location: 47.081959°, -71.895186°
Turn left onto the Boulevard a Gerald for a 0.9-mile stretch of doubletrack headed north toward another network of trails.

BDN006

Location: 47.093135°, -71.897192°
Just north of the Nulle Part, turn left onto the Chute a Gilles which runs generally parallel to the Boulevard, but crosses the river beneath a 30-foot waterfall just before mile 3. Depending on the water level and your comfort with slick stones, you may want to dismount for the crossing, but for an advanced-level rider, it's a simple maneuver.

BDN007

Location: 47.099227°, -71.900990°
Bear right and cross a wooden bridge above "The Crater." The banked, loop rolls downhill to the right and crosses under the bridge. Stay to the left of the trail to cross under the bridge on the raised path.

BDN008

Location: 47.099913°, -71.901762°
Turn left onto the Boulevard and left again on the first trail to reconnect with the Chute a Gilles. You'll climb and roll north before two big switchbacks drop sharply to cross the road again.

BDN009

Location: 47.102279°, -71.907363°
After a short stretch along the south side of the Boulevard, turn left to reconnect with the doubletrack and head south. The trail rolls 0.75 mile between head-high bushes before turning back onto singletrack.

BDN010

Location: 47.094998°, -71.897686°
The Tomahawk Trail is the most technical segment on this route. There are a few big switchbacks and steep downhills over some technical rocks. This advanced-level section reconnects with the doubletrack in less than 0.5 mile. If it's wet, or if you're uncomfortable with steep drops, consider sticking to the doubletrack instead.

BDN011

Location: 47.092237°, -71.894381°
After skirting the river near the southern edge of the Tomahawk Trail, turn left onto the Grande Evasion. This stretch parallels the Boulevard on fast, fun, and rolling trail through the trees.

BDN012

Location: 47.082192°, -71.894059°
The southern end of the Grande Evasion glides down a super fun stretch of 10 smooth, hard-packed, turns. Watch for the ribbon-marked tree-trunks hugging the trail, but lay into the banks for a fast ride. There is an easy climbing doubletrack return to the top of this section, so you can ride it several times.

BDN013

Location: 47.080169°, -71.893662°
Follow the trail south over the river and past the 6-person yurts, built and furnished in 2009. Just before the suspension bridge, turn right onto the 2.5-mile Beurre d'erable for another rolling add-on. If you're short on time, consider riding this segment on its own, it incorporates the best of the area's characteristics: fast, fun turns; hard-packed banks; and rolling ups-and-downs.

BDN014

Location: 47.072657°, -71.898619°
You'll be riding through the hoses and taps of an active maple-harvesting area. Watch for low-hanging tubing, its light blue glow adds an air of whimsy to this stretch of trail.

BDN015

Location: 47.069150°, -71.896516°
This route turns right onto the Chemin a Sylvain for the 0.7-mile ride back toward the suspension bridge and trailhead. This wide, easy trail is old doubletrack and makes an easy cool-down after your ride. The Beurre d'erable is rideable in both directions, so if you'd prefer to ride singletrack, ride it in the opposite direction instead.

Tomahawk Trail

Location: 47.094961°, -71.897106°
The rugged lines and aggressive angles of the Tomahawk Trail are the most challenging on this route. © Gilles Morneau

Trailhead

Location: 47.074857°, -71.890755°
The Shannahan Trailhead is on the main road, and has lots of parking. This ride begins at a smaller trailhead next to the bridge, but look for these signs as you approach the Vallee and plan to park here if it's a busy weekend. © Gilles Morneau

Suspension Bridge

Location: 47.075836°, -71.893555°

Bridge

Location: 47.075200°, -71.895282°
The suspension bridge providing access to the Valle's trails is too narrow to fit most handle bars. Practice walking your bike on one tire before taking to the wobbly, 9-inch platform above the river. © Gilles Morneau

Coulee Douce

Location: 47.079401°, -71.900024°
© Gilles Morneau

Waterfall

Location: 47.094151°, -71.898855°
The trail cruises directly below this beautiful cascade, but a rocky crossing could land you in the cold water. Take a look at the approach before committing and you'll probably avoid getting wet. © Gilles Morneau

The Crater

Location: 47.099198°, -71.900496°
The long, sweeping curve nicknamed, "The Crater." © Gilles Morneau

Banks

Location: 47.073191°, -71.897964°
There are a series of fun banked turns on the Beurre d'erable, don't skip this southern stretch of the trail, but do consider riding it if you don't have enough time for this entire route. © Gilles Morneau

Hut

Location: 47.079708°, -71.893458°
Several bike-accessible huts and yurts line the trail. Consider making adding an overnight stay so you can explore even more of the area's trails. © Gilles Morneau