Trail running in Estrie: mountains and trails of the Eastern Townships

Whether you’re a road runner curious to try trail running or a seasoned trail runner looking for new routes, this region deserves a spot on your list. Here, we’ll introduce you to the must-visit trail running spots in Estrie, including their terrain, elevation gain, possible distances, and panoramic views worth the detour. We’ll wrap up with a few tips to help you get started in the area safely, avoid injury, and make the most of every run.

Must-visit trail running spots in the Estrie region

The Estrie region offers a wonderful variety of terrain: alpine peaks, spectacular gorges, easily accessible urban hills, and a long linear trail that crosses the entire region. Here are the spots you need to know, from the most accessible to the most challenging.

Mont Bellevue, in Sherbrooke

You can’t talk about trail running in the Estrie without starting with Mont Bellevue, this large urban park in the heart of Sherbrooke. It’s the ultimate training ground for runners in the region, accessible on foot or by bike from several neighbourhoods.

• Terrain: rolling forest trails, a few more technical sections, a well-marked network shared with mountain bikers.
• Elevation gain: moderate; the summit rises to about 300 metres and offers a beautiful view of the city.
• Difficulty: perfect for beginners, but large enough to string together loops and build up a long training session.
• Distances: Several kilometres of trails allow for runs ranging from 3 to 15 km, depending on the loops you choose.

It’s the ideal spot for a first trail running experience near the city. If you live in the area, check out our guide to the best places to run in Sherbrooke.

Mont-Orford National park

The crown jewel of SEPAQ in the Estrie region, Mont-Orford National Park features an extensive network of trails around its three peaks: Mont Orford, Mont Chauve, and Pic de l’Ours. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for serious elevation gain.

• Terrain: a mix of classic hiking trails, rocky sections, and steep climbs through mixed forest.
• Elevation gain: significant; Mont Orford reaches 853 metres, and the climb is well worth the effort.
• Difficulty: intermediate to advanced for the peaks, but gentler trails are available near Stukely and Fraser Lakes.
• Views: 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Mount Orford, overlooking the lakes and hills of the Cantons.

The park also serves as a gateway to the Sentiers d’Estrie trail network, allowing you to extend your hikes almost indefinitely.

Mont-Mégantic National park

Renowned for its starry skies and observatory, Mont Mégantic is also an exceptional trail running destination. The International Dark Sky Reserve lends a unique atmosphere to late-afternoon runs.

• Terrain: well-maintained mountain trails, dense forest at lower elevations, and alpine vegetation near the summits.
• Elevation gain: Challenging—Mont Mégantic rises over 1,100 metres, and Mont Saint-Joseph is around 1,000 metres.
• Difficulty: Advanced; expect long climbs and technical descents that really test your legs.
• Views: Among the highest accessible peaks in southern Québec, with views stretching all the way to the mountains of the United States on clear days.

It’s a top choice for fit runners looking to tackle significant elevation gain in a spectacular setting.

Mount Sutton and its trails

Well-known to skiers and hikers, Mount Sutton boasts a magnificent network of trails in the Green Mountains, managed primarily by Sentiers de l’Estrie and the Sutton Natural Environment Park. The forest here is particularly beautiful.

• Terrain: technical mountain trails featuring roots, rocks, and streams, set in a remarkable old-growth forest.
• Elevation gain: Steep; several peaks in the area exceed 900 metres.
• Difficulty: intermediate to advanced; the terrain rewards runners comfortable with technical trails.
• Views: numerous natural lookouts over the valley and surrounding mountains, spectacular in the fall.

Sutton is a real favourite among lovers of wild and well-preserved trails.

Coaticook gorge park

More gentle and family-friendly, Coaticook Gorge Park offers a different experience, centreed around its spectacular gorge and famous suspension bridge—one of the longest of its kind in North America.

• Terrain: wide, well-maintained trails along the river and the gorge, with a few staircases and footbridges.
• Elevation gain: low to moderate, making it accessible to almost everyone.
• Level: Beginner, ideal for a first-time visit or a family run.
• Highlights: the suspension bridge, the gorge’s cliffs, and the site’s very photogenic atmosphere.

It’s a great option for a first trail run or for a change of pace without tackling steep elevation gains.

The Sentiers de l’Estrie

The backbone of trail running in the region, the Sentiers de l’Estrie form a long, linear trail connecting several mountain ranges, from Mont Sutton in the south to the Mont-Orford area and beyond, spanning over 200 kilometres in total.

• Terrain: highly varied, alternating between ridges, woodlands, summit climbs, and more rolling sections.
• Elevation gain: varies by section, often challenging as the trail winds through a series of peaks.
• Difficulty: suitable for all skill levels, provided you choose your section carefully.
• Highlights: the ability to customize your runs—whether short or very long—and to explore the region from one mountain range to the next.

Access to the Sentiers de l’Estrie requires a membership card or a trail pass—a fee that helps support the maintenance of this volunteer-maintained trail network. Check the details before you go to ensure you follow the access rules.

Mount Ham

A bit off the beaten path, Mont Ham, in the Ham-Sud area, offers one of the region’s most beautiful 360-degree views for a reasonable amount of effort. The regional park has developed beautiful trails there.

• Terrain: well-marked mountain trails, a gradual ascent followed by an open, rocky summit.
• Elevation gain: moderate to steep, with a summit at approximately 713 metres.
• Difficulty: intermediate, accessible to a runner in reasonably good shape.
• Views: Exceptional, completely unobstructed views of the Appalachians and the valleys—a reward well worth the climb.

Mont Ham is perfect for a half-day run that combines moderate exertion with a spectacular visual reward.

Getting started with trail running in Estrie

The region is wonderfully suited for learning trail running, but the Appalachian terrain requires you to follow a few guidelines. Here’s how to approach your first runs the smart way.

Take it step by step

Don’t start with Mont Mégantic or a long section of the Sentiers d’Estrie. Start with gentle trails like Mont Bellevue or the Coaticook Gorge, then gradually increase the elevation gain and distance. On trails, we think in terms of time spent rather than kilometres: a one-hour run with elevation gain can be more demanding than a 12-km flat run on the road. To lay the groundwork, our guide to getting started with trail running is an excellent starting point.

Choosing the right season

The best season for trail running in the Eastern Townships runs mainly from late May through October. In the spring, some trails remain muddy and closed to protect the soil: be sure to follow the opening notices from the parks and Sentiers d’Estrie. Summer offers ideal conditions, while fall—with its vibrant colours in the maple groves—is probably the most beautiful time to run in the Eastern Townships. In winter, many trails become snowshoe or fat bike routes, which require appropriate gear.

Stay safe in the mountains

Even though the Estrie peaks may seem modest, conditions change quickly at higher elevations and in the forest. Here are a few essential safety precautions:

• Let someone know your route and your expected return time, especially on long, isolated stretches.
• Bring a map or a downloaded GPS track, as cell service is sometimes unavailable in the mountains.
• Keep an eye on the weather: a thunderstorm or fog can turn a pleasant outing into a tricky situation near the peaks.
• Stay on marked trails to protect nature and avoid getting lost.

Packing the right gear

You don’t need to buy everything at once, but a few items really make a difference on the Appalachian Trail:

• Trail running shoes with good traction—essential for navigating the region’s wet roots and rocks.
• A backpack or hydration belt to carry water, snacks, and an extra layer of clothing.
• A lightweight rain jacket, since the weather changes quickly in the mountains.
• A charged phone, a whistle, and some snacks to prepare for the unexpected on long runs.

Once you’re comfortable, you can explore other trails throughout the province using our trails section, or challenge yourself by signing up for one of the trail running races in the Estrie region.

Conclusion

The Estrie region embodies everything we love about Québec trail running: peaks worth the climb, spectacular gorges, accessible hills in town, and a long, legendary trail connecting the mountain ranges. From Mont Bellevue to Mont Mégantic, via Sutton, Orford, Coaticook, and Mont Ham, every runner will find terrain suited to their level. Start slow, respect the mountain, gear up properly, and let yourself be amazed by the beauty of the Eastern Townships. And when you’re ready to turn your training into a goal, check out the race calendar in Québec to find your next trail running adventure.