TRAIL Route - Les Balcons du Dos Rond
With a distance of 16.9 km and just over 1,000m above sea level, this course is for savvy trail runners keen on long outings over hilly terrain. Please note that the route is not signposted on the ground.
As always, departure is from the heart of Montchavin, and the first part of the trail – to the hamlet of Crévaillet – is the same as Red Route no. 3. From Crévaillet you climb the forest path to Plan Bois. Then, after a short stint on the forest road, you join the magnificent "single" into the heart of the Bois de Follie.
On the second part of the climb, the hairpins come thick and fast as you make your way between the larch, spruce and other stone pines. Emerging from the forest, you've reached the highest point of the course (about 2,250m above sea level), from where can enjoy a splendid 360° view of the surrounding peaks. The descent begins by taking you gradually down to Pierres Blanches lake and then runs over varied terrain to the Lac Noir peat bog.
From here, a narrow path leads you through the forest to les Coches, where you take the cart track back to Montchavin.
