Just 90 minutes from Montreal, the Sutton Mountains are one of the last remaining wilderness areas in southern Quebec. Thanks to the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton (PENS), this extension of Vermont’s Green Mountains is accessible via 82 km of hiking trails giving access to four peaks and four mountain lakes.
This vast network allows you to criss-cross the massif at altitudes ranging from 400 to 968 metres. And if you’re fed up with linear trails leading to a single viewpoint, the PENS is for you. It’s easy to make loops and create long or short itineraries, depending on your fitness level.
Of course, Round Top, the massif’s highest point at 968 metres, is the park’s main attraction, but those seeking peace and quiet will want to avoid this area, as weekends can be very busy. Other worthwhile trails include the Moose Back and Lake Mohawk.
Le Dos d’Orignal
The starting point is the Val Sutton parking lot, at an altitude of 520 metres. You’ll have access to three lookouts offering different views of Monts Glen and Orford, the Sutton ski area and Round Top. As you progress towards Dos d’orignal, an 810-metre summit facing the Mont Sutton ski slope, you’ll also enjoy a number of other enchanting panoramas. This 6 km loop can take from 3 to 4 hours.
Lake Mohawk
This 4 km (linear) intermediate trail climbs to the Abénakis summit (732 m) via Lake Mohawk, a high-altitude body of water. Lake Mohawk is ideal for swimming, while the Abénakis summit offers magnificent views. Allow 4 to 5 hours for the round trip. Departure is from the Alt 400 parking lot, next to another gate to pay the entrance fee.
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