This is not an official trail, but it is a trail worth hiking if you would like to see a wild and untouched part of the park. It follows the river at the base of the waterfall seen from the viewpoint along a beautiful and rugged route. There are waterfalls along much of the route and pools in which you can enjoy the cool water. It is only recommendable under good weather conditions and for hikers who are both fit and skilled at route finding. There are no signs, but the trail is well marked with flagging and spraypaint. It is seldom used and is therefore narrow with no improvements. It is likely to be slippery and muddy on steep descents. The route requires frequent river crossings on slippery, precarious rocks. Wet shoes are likely.
I would recommend it be done as a descent. The trail effectively ends when it meets the Parakeet Trail and I would therefore suggest doing it as a loop with the Parakeet Trail if your transport is still at Plaine Champagne.
I found it relatively easy to follow, although my GPS stopped working where the canyon narrows. I would therefore not suggest anyone rely too heavily upon technology for navigation here.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back/One Way/Loop with Parakeet Trail
- Start point: Trailhead off Plaine Champagne Road
- End Point: Black River Gorges NP – Riviere Noire Entrance
- Length: 4.5 miles one way
- Duration: 2-3 hours one way
- Lowest point: 423ft
- Highest point: 2276ft
The route begins at Black River Gorges Viewpoint and follows the Trochetia Trail until it reaches a wide break/road cut through the forest. The Trochetia Trail turns right here, towards the road. Turn left and follow the trail at the end of the break. The initial steep descent lasts half an hour or so. Once it begins to level out there are a couple of points here where you have to make an effort to find the next marker, but they are not difficult to find.
After a bit there is another steep descent towards the roaring river. Where the trail initially reaches the river is a great place for a break. Follow the trail markers as the proceed down river. The trail never strays too far from the river and frequently crosses it. I stepped across on rocks, inched across logs, and climbed out upon a tree to cross and keep my feet dry – be creative, but also very careful. The trail crosses the river one last time where it meets the Parakeet Trail. You could return on the Parakeet Trail or head to the Black River Gorges Riviere Noir entrance.
From Riviere Noire:
Follow the signs for the Parakeet Trail until you reach a junction where the Parakeet Trail turns left and goes up (see photos). You will go straight instead of turning left and cross the river. You will begin following the orange spray-painted markers and flagging. The trail never strays too far from the river and frequently crosses it. I stepped across on rocks, inched across logs, and climbed out upon a tree to cross and keep my feet dry – be creative but careful. There are great places to swim along the way as you ascend. Near the end of the river portion the canyon begins to narrow around the trail and you are merely crossing back and forth in the river. The trail turns to the left and leaves the river after not too long. Just keep following the markers. You will ascend a very steep section and then the trail will flatten out – once it begins to level out there are a couple of points here where you have to make an effort to find the next marker, but it is not too difficult. You will then have a very steep and sustained climb to the rim. Once the trail opens up you can turn right and follow the Trochetia Trail to the Gorges Viewpoint or continue straight to reach the main road.