Grande Cascade Trail

> Most of the route is shared with the GR® NC1. Double marking.

D - Departure (GPS: 669 133 – 7 555 791; alt. 245m): cross the barrier and head north-west (GR® NC1 trail, double markings). Follow the old forest road that runs along the Blue River (left bank) at a distance, about 60m above the water level. Cross several fords (be careful, do not cross in rainy weather) (destroyed culverts, remains of logging), then pass the Tristaniopsis hut, which is located in a bend. The track then engages deep enough in the thalweg of a tributary to circumvent a hillock from the north. Leave the old Haute Pourina path on the right
and reach the Trench (GPS: 668 011 – 7 557 252) (small defile of red earth, view over the wooded valley). Continue on the good forest track (some plant species are endemic to this specific area) to reach a fork.

1 Beginning of the Kaori track (GPS: 667 463 – 7 557 587; alt. 318 m): continues opposite. The route then follows zigzags to circumvent a hillock from the north, before returning to the river. The track gradually turns into a path and leads to a confluence.

2 First Devil's Horn (GPS: 666 176 – 7 558 853; alt. 332m): cross the tributary (be careful, do not cross in case of flooding). Beyond, the path becomes more demanding (roots, rocks, damp earth). Continue to go up the left bank of the Blue River. Reach the potholes (holes of blue water cut in the rock by erosion, suitable for swimming). Continue the progression towards the west following the level curve.

3 Fork (GPS: 665 689 – 7 558 686; alt. 351m): leave the GR® NC1 route before the confluence and go to the right. A path, sometimes rather discreet, wends among the palm trees with aerial roots (Cyphophoenix fulcita) and the tree ferns (the silence of the forest is disturbed by the guttural call of the Imperial pigeon or by the hissing of the mountain beetle). After crossing a tributary on slippery rocks, emerge at the edge of a large basin set in a circle of greenery.

4 Waterfall (GPS: 665 385 – 7 559 355; alt. 404m): (pleasant picnic spot by the cool water).
Follow the same route back.

© Text by Jean Francis Clair

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