High Route

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors

The Roc de Chere Nature Reserve is criss-crossed with lots of identical looking, unnamed trails. To navigate, be sure to figure out the name of your destination ahead of time, using the info boards at the trailheads. Use the name of your destination to follow the abundant directional signs that are posted at trail junctions. The trail junctions are also named, and have been noted using "points of interest markers" on this Hiking Project map.

This trail is a handy connector through the northern part of the preserve, linking the Le Mur des Moines junction with the La Patte d'Oie junction.

Starting from the open, barren Le Mur des Moines trail junction area, head slightly uphill though a shallow ravine (in the Patte d'Oie direction). Almost immediately, you encounter a fence and gate beyond which is a golf course. The trail does indeed cross through the golf course, so ignore the unmarked social trails that thread through the trees along the fence to the right of the gate.

Pass through the gate and follow the "promeneur" (hiker) signs as they guide you left along the edge of the golf course on a pea gravel path. This path is shared with golf carts, so be sure to follow the hiker signs and not the tee signs. After rounding a switchback and heading across a section of golf course, you pass through another gate to exit out of the golf course and back into forest.

Back on the wide trails of the wonderfully mossy nature reserve, head uphill past an old stone foundation. This is a really peaceful and pleasant part of the trail, away from the bustle of Lake Annecy. This section of trail ends at the Patte d'Oie trail junction. From here, you can exit the nature preserve by going north to the Echarvines parking/trailhead area or continue south to the inspiring overlook on the Belvedere du Roc de Chere - Viewpoint Loop trail.

Background: The Roc de Chere National Nature Reserve was created in 1977 to protect its high levels of biodiversity and microclimates. Its sandstone and limestone rocks were carved by a glacier from the south, and the glacier also created a peat bog here. Monks from the nearby Abbey of Talloires had previously logged this forest and created the trail system.

Sessile oak, hornbeam trees, moss, rhododendron. Martins, peregrine falcon, gulls, black kite.