Sentier du ruisseau — Attraction in Austin

Followed the route "Mont Orford via Sentier du Ruisseau des Chênes" on AllTrails. Started at 11:50am, 12.73km in distance, 849m of elevation gain, for a total time of 3h46m.

Definitely not for the faint of heart. The beginning portion passes between plenty of trees with leaves pretty much covering the ground and passing along a stream. Eventually there will be sections that are entirely rocks, going at a pretty significant incline (imagine a stair master). There are opportunities to take breaks in between the inclined sections. Just over half-way through you will descend, to then go up in elevation to reach a wide gravel path to the summits. A challenging one, but thoroughly worth the effort once you reach the top. Be prepared to layer and de-layer as you pass between the more strenuous sections.

Would not recommend going if raining or recently rained as the rocks will...

Nice little trail. We didn't see anything from the first couple of lookout points we supposedly passed; not sure why. Wasn't horribly muddy despite all the rain lately. We didn't go all the way. The youngest group member was 10 years old, and got tired after about 40 minutes, so we turned back. The oldest was a very in-shape 75-year-old who probably could have gone all the way up. It's moderately uphill for the first bit, with much climbing stair-like over rocks and exposed roots in proximity of a small, cascading stream. I found the use of a walking stick significantly helpful. There is a 350-metre walk along the highway from the parking area to the start of the trail. Cross the road from the parking area to follow a path to get there instead of walking right by the side of the road with cars...

Anybody believing that hiking is a leisure activity, should do this trail to prove themselves wrong. This is a 3.7 km trail that more or less provides a steep challenge going up, and is an equal challenge going down, because it is so steep in places. Both your quads and hamstrings will be equally quivering at the end. The last 1.7 km of the trail is the most challenging and ends at the top of Mount Orford. Round trip, from Summit back to trailhead, it will take a relatively fit senior-ish person like me 🙂 about 4.5 to 6 hours. Bring lots of food and water, you will need the energy. Walking sticks also recommended, because you will be going over very uneven terrain, literally stepping over boulders and tree roots for 15 to 20...