The best cycling routes around Saint-Jérôme

There are 27 touring cycling routes around Saint-Jérôme, offering a variety of experiences. These include 7 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 8 more challenging options.

The routes primarily follow the P'tit Train du Nord linear park, which features a relatively flat gradient. The surface varies; the southern portion from Labelle to Saint-Jérôme is hard-packed crushed stone, suitable for most bike types. You'll cycle through lush forests, river valleys, and wetlands, with scenic views of the Rivière du Nord and the Laurentian Mountains.

Yes, the P'tit Train du Nord, with its relatively flat gradient and car-free environment, is excellent for families. Routes like the easy Rivière du Nord Rapids – Winding Forest Path loop from Saint-Jérôme, which is about 20.7 km, offer a pleasant experience through winding forest paths along the Rivière du Nord.

Yes, many routes in the area are loops. For example, the Fauvel Lake – Fauvel Lakes loop from Saint-Jérôme is a popular 44.2 km moderate route, and the Rivière du Nord Rapids – View of the Rivière du Nord loop from Parc naturel des Fagnes offers a longer 59.5 km moderate option.

The P'tit Train du Nord is well-equipped. Former train stations along the route have been converted into rest areas, tourist information centers, cafes, and even a bike shop. Numerous towns and villages provide access to stores, hotels, inns, B&Bs, campgrounds, pubs, bars, and restaurants, many with outdoor terraces. Bike repair stations are also available.

You'll encounter diverse natural beauty. The Rivière du Nord is a prominent feature, with routes offering views of its rapids. The Parc Régional de la Rivière-du-Nord features the impressive Wilson Falls. The region also boasts picturesque peat bogs, serene wooded countryside, and views of the Laurentian Mountains. You can also cycle around lakes like Lac Point Zéro.

Yes, Saint-Jérôme and its surroundings offer several points of interest. You might pass by the Shawbridge Microbrewery or the Microbrasserie Dieu Du Ciel. For scenic views, consider the Mont Shaw Lookout. There are also cafes like Café Saint-Hermène for a break.

Saint-Jérôme serves as "Mile 0" for the P'tit Train du Nord, and parking is generally available at the trailheads and in the town itself, providing convenient access to the network. Specific parking information for individual trail sections can often be found at local tourist information centers.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, car-free paths of the P'tit Train du Nord, the beautiful Laurentian scenery, and the convenience of amenities along the routes.

The spring, summer, and autumn months offer ideal conditions for touring cycling in Saint-Jérôme. The trail is well-suited for cycling during these seasons, with autumn providing particularly scenic views as the Laurentian forests change color. In winter, the trails transform for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but fat biking is also popular on designated trails.

While the P'tit Train du Nord is a multi-use trail, specific regulations regarding dogs can vary. It's generally advisable to check local signage or the official website for the P'tit Train du Nord (Wikipedia) or Parc Régional de la Rivière-du-Nord for the most current rules on pets, especially regarding leash requirements and waste disposal.