Gracefield Gravel Gobbler (85km)

Location: Low, Vallee-de-la-Gatineau, Quebec

Estimated Gravel Time: 85%

Full Route Map:

Download GPX File

Distance: 85km (52.8 miles)

Suggested Tire Width: 35mm or more

Amenities: The hamlet of Low has a depanneur and a family restaurant. The village of Gracefield, at the approximate halfway point, has a chip stand, pub, convenience store and grocery store.

Parking: Central Gatineau Arena, Low

Route Description:

This 85km route includes a stop in Gracefield, the approximate halfway point of the loop, with several amenities. From here, riders have the option of a mellow ride back to the start in Low along the Veloroute des Draveur rail trail.

Starting from the Central Gatineau arena in Low, riders travel north (counter clockwise) via Chemin de Martindale. This lengthy section of the route starts as a mix of pavement and "Quebec Pave", then transitions to gravel for an extended period, before the route turns right on Chemin du Lac Ste-Marie, and returns to tarmac as the route crosses the Gatineau River. This road does not have a paved shoulder and caution ought to be exercised, as traffic can move swiftly.

From here, riders can continue on Chemin du Lac Ste-Marie to the village of Lac-Sainte-Marie, where there are a couple of depanneurs available. Staying on route, riders turn left on Chemin de la Chute, a pretty section of gravel that parallels the Gatineau River for most of its length. Eventually, the route turns left on Chemin du Rapide-Faucher, then left again across the Gatineau River to the town of Gracefield.

Here, riders have access to several amenities including a grocery store, gas station/convenience store, a chip stand and pub.

After crossing Route 105 (caution ought to be exercised as this road can see high volumes of fast-moving traffic), the route joins the Veloroute des Draveur, which riders can follow south all the way back to the starting point in Low. However, those choosing to follow the route exit the rail trail after a few kilometers, turning left onto Chemin Coulombe.

Remains of Venosta Train Station on the Veloroute des Draveur

From here, the route proceeds south on a mix of paved and gravel roads, rejoining the Veloroute de Draveur every now and then, before arriving back at the starting point in Low.