Dogs Unknown
Features
Views
Need to Know
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.
Description
Although there are many other ways to reach the Roc de Chere viewpoint, this trail is the easiest - boasting less elevation gain, easier trail surface, and ample parking at the trailhead.
The trail begins near the Lake Annecy golf course, across the street from the Echarvines parking lot. Just past the info board and small farm building, the trail forks. This loop trail can be done in either direction, but this description goes clockwise - so take a left at the fork.
Ascend a wide trail that alternates between packed dirt and slabs of rock. The steep section is short, and the grade eases as you wind around interesting rock outcroppings and small hillocks. The mossy forest provides good shade for the majority of the route.
Soon after the trail starts going downhill, you reach the trail junction called Belvedere de la Crete and its minor viewpoint. Continue the descent towards the Sous la Crete trail junction where you'll turn to the west, following signs for the Belvedere du Roc de Chere. This is the most dramatic viewpoint in the park, situated on huge slabs of rounded rock. You'll have good views of Lake Annecy, the Dungit peninsula, Talloires and the surrounding peaks.
Leave the viewpoint area and follow signs north to the La Patte d' Oi trail junction. This is mostly level going through dense, pretty forest. At the Patte d'Oi junction, continue north towards the Echarvines direction. After a short, somewhat abrupt descent, the path parallels the golf course for a ways before arriving at the original trail fork. Head straight and then left to reach the trailhead and parking area.
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.
Flora & Fauna
Sessile oak, hornbeam trees, moss, rhododendron. Martins, peregrine falcon, gulls, black kite.
Shared By:
Megan W
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