La Route des Zingues

Located in the municipality of Duhamel, this section of the national trail winds between Lac Gagnon and Lac Preston. It passes through ancestral forests and provides access to several lakes. Along the way, in mountainous terrain, you’ll discover many interesting viewpoints.

The trail begins near the south beach of Lac Gagnon on the Julie trail, part of the Route des Zingues. The hike begins at the foot of Mont Kajakokanak. Then take part of the sentier des Pins, about 200 m, before continuing on the Route des Zingues. You’ll be impressed by the beautiful Lac Marcault, which runs almost the entire length of the trail. You then pass over the Col du Trou-Malin, which leads to a viewpoint over Lac Preston. A little further on, a short 275 m ramp brings you to Sisyphe Rock and a superb view of the entire western side of Réserve Faunique Papineau-Labelle. Back on the trail, you’ll see Lac Chavoy and Lac Rognon, where this first 8 km section of the Route des Zingues temporarily ends.

The second section, from Lac Rognon to north of Lac Preston, totals 4.9 km. It ends at the Preston River. No bridges have been built. You’ll have to retrace your steps.

Back at Lac Rognon, a 500 m outing on the Caroline trail takes you back to the road. You’ll find yourself on chemin du Lac-Gagnon Est near parking lots P5 and P6.

Note: During the big game hunting season, it is forbidden to use the section of the trail that lies within the Réserve Faunique Papineau-Labelle, i.e. from parking lot P3 to P7. In winter, the trail is accessible by snowshoe.