Forillon National Park

Hiker's heaven

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Forillon is a park that beckons to be explored on foot and offers a wide variety of trails. The park is also part of the renowned International Appalachian Trail (IAT). The IAT is the continuation of the Appalachian Trail, which terminates at Maine's Mount Katahdin. Here, the IAT continues through Maine, crosses into New Brunswick and up into Quebec, through the Matapedia Valley, Matane Reserve, and Gaspisie Provincial Park. The trail comes to its end, running along the north of Gaspi Peninsula, into Forillon and the tip of Cap-Gaspi where the Appalachian Mountains plunge beneath the sea.

Forillon Hiking Trails

Prelude a Forillon Trail
A short 0.6-km interpretive loop that presents the theme of Forillon: "The Harmony between Man, the Land, and the Sea."

Une Tournee Dans Les Parages Trail
Beginning near the fishing harbor, the trail follows Fruing beach on the way to Anse Blanchette. The path then leads through fields and past a series of old barns and dwellings. Displays tell of life at Grande-Grave. The trail is a 3-km loop.

La Chute Trail
From the base of a waterfall and into a maple forest, this 1-km loop makes a pleasant and easy walk.

Les Graves Trail
This 7.8-km path begins at Anse-aux-Sauvages and passes along coves and pebble beaches. A side trail ventures to the tip of the Forillon Peninsula at Cap-Gaspi. Keep your eyes open for whales and seals.

Mont Saint-Alban Trail
The Mont Saint-Alban Trail is blessed with magnificent seaside scenery. Hikers make a steady ascent as the path leads to an observation tower over 80 feet high. Two loops lead from either Petit-Gaspi Beach or from Cap-Bon-Ami. The distances are 8.5 and 9.1 km.

Les Cretes Trail
At 17.9 km, this trail gives several panoramic views over the Anse-au-Griffon Valley and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Two camping areas are present along the trail.

Les Lacs Trail
Les Lacs is the gateway trail to the IAT within Forillon. The path leads to the summits of Forillon and provides spectacular views of the Riviere Morris Valley. As the name suggests, the trail also passes by a number of small lakes. Trail length is 15.8 km one-way and the trail is rated difficult.

Le Portage Trail
This 11-km trail in the southern part of Forillon is noted for the habitat it passes through. This is the one to watch for black bears and small animals.

La Vallee Trail
This trail skirts the Anse-au-Griffon River and connects with Le Portage Trail. This is another good one for observing wildlife. Length is 9.2 km and the trail is rated intermediate.