Scenic Views · Camping & Hiking · Quebec
A small municipal park in Orford with free parking and a playground that serves as the trailhead for Mont Chauve in Parc national du Mont-Orford. Rocky, rooty trails and fine autumn colour.
Parc municipal de l'Érablière is a modest park on Chemin de la Sucrerie in Orford, with parking and a children's playground. Its real role is as the starting point for hikes up Mont Chauve, a summit in Parc national du Mont-Orford known for open rock and long views over the Eastern Townships.
The usual route follows the Ruisseau-David trail to the top, roughly 8 to 9 km return. Reviewers rate it intermediate: the path is narrow, rocky and full of roots, with steep sections where you need to pick your footing, though it's manageable for children and dogs taking their time. One hiker took about three hours up and back, with a full loop adding another hour or so. Walking poles help.
Autumn is the favourite season, when the maple forest turns. The summit makes a good lunch stop. Because the trail enters a Sépaq national park, you need a daily access pass, and there's no payment booth at this entrance, so buy it online before you go.
One hiker, several years ago, was caught out by trail distances that ran much longer than expected and by a mountain storm, without enough water. Check the current park map, carry more water than you think you'll need, and watch the forecast.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 176 Google reviews. Conditions and rules change — check current park, access and fishing regulations before you go.
