Reviewed by: CHRIS , from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Summary:
I actually like riding this trail in the oposite direction than Dave described. IE - Riding from the parking lot and going straight instead of turning left and going up hill (I love that downhill for the trip back!) It is a great ride around the lake.

Recommended Route:
Same as everyone else - the parking lot is free and is visible from the highway (less worry about break-ins)

Reviewed by: DirtDog , from Ottawa

Summary:
Pretty much following the same route, but at Lac Phillippe, you can head out towards Lusk Lake (illegal trail) and create a big loop that connects to the return loop without any pavement riding. Youare still close enough to the beach to check out the talent or pick up some food or water. Don't be swayed by the previous review, the trails are mostly fireroad and not very technical. There are much more difficult climbs elsewhere in the Park (i.e. Ridge Road past Wolf Trail, Trail # 8 near the Champlain Parkway, Trail #40 from McCloskey Beach to name a few). this is a great hammer ride, just put your bike into high gear and go. this ride is also a good alternative during the fall colors season when crowds are unbearable in and around Old Chelsea.

Recommended Route:
Same as above with a few modifications. Park at NCC Lot off Hwy 5 just past the liquor store outside of Wakefield.

Reviewed by: Dave , from Wakefield

Summary:
The trail begins on some pasture land but soon turns on to a fire road called Kennedy road. Watch for trail # 52 on your left. Now you start the first long, gradual cimb up into typical Gatineau Park hardwood forest. At the top of this cimb there is a section of undulating trail that ends with a high speed decent into an open meadow. Continue on and cross a small stream and a few more minutes of easy riding will find you at the bottom of the hardest climb of the circuit. This sucker seems to go on and on. The last 50 meters you will probably have to walk (I've yet to see anyone ride up this one). Now your pretty much at the top of the Gats and you will find some roots, a couple rock gardens, a few logs, and serveral small hills to go up and down. As you approach trail # 50 you will be rewarded with a nice long high speed downhill with some good twist and turns. Turn right on trail # 50. This is a gravel road that will take you to the south end of Lac Phillipe. There's a nice beach here if your in the mood for a swim. Next, follow # 50 past the camp grounds. There's a small store if you need to re-fuel. From this point for the next several kilometers the road is paved. The last hill down to P18 you can top 50 kms per hour. From P18 take trail # 53 back to Wakefield. This is all hilly fire road for a bout 6.5 clicks. The scenery is great and wildlife is plentiful. If your in semi-decent shape this one will give you a good workout and take about an hour and a half. Just enough thrills to make this an interseting ride

Recommended Route:
From P17 go a few hundred meters and turn left on to #52. Follow this trail to #50 and turn right. Ride to Lac Phillipe past the camp grounds and beaches. At P18 turn right and follow #53 back to starting point.