Hiking in Au Diable Vert: trails, map and practical info

Description

Au Diable Vert is a tucked-away outdoor destination in the Cantons-de-l’Est where the main draw is simple: big mountain-and-valley scenery, quiet forest trails, and enough on-site adventure to fill a day or stretch into a full weekend. Set in Glen Sutton, Quebec, it’s the kind of place that works for committed hikers who want time on the trail, and for anyone who just needs an easy way to get outside and reset in nature.

Setting and what makes it stand out

Being in Glen Sutton puts Au Diable Vert right in the heart of Eastern Townships terrain—rolling mountains, long views, and a mix of forest and open vantage points that let the landscape feel bigger than you expect. The resort is known for panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the trails are designed to bring you to those wide-open moments after you’ve spent time moving through quieter sections of woods. It’s a satisfying contrast: sheltered, green stretches where you can hear water and birds, followed by lookout-style viewpoints that give you a clear sense of where you are in the region.

Hiking experience on the trails

Hiking at Au Diable Vert is built around variety. Trails cater to all levels, from beginners looking for a low-stress walk to seasoned trekkers who still want a well-managed trail system. On the ground, expect a mix of natural surfaces as you move through lush forest, with sections that run alongside babbling brooks. The terrain experience is less about technical obstacles and more about steady immersion: shade from the trees, the sound of moving water, and the gradual shift as you gain access to viewpoints.

The trails are well-marked and maintained, which makes it easier to relax into the outing—especially if you’re visiting for the first time or hiking with a mixed-experience group. With clear signage and a cared-for trail network, it’s a place where you can focus on pacing, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery rather than constantly wondering if you missed a turn.

If you’re planning your day around a bigger outing, the available trail information lists a 21.1 km route with about 300 m of elevation gain, rated Easy. That combination suggests a long, approachable day where endurance matters more than steep, punishing climbs—ideal if you prefer sustained movement and frequent scenic pauses instead of grinding ascents. Because the on-trail experience includes forest, water, and viewpoints, it’s a route style that rewards taking your time: stop near the brooks, slow down as the landscape opens up, and make space for those panoramic moments that the area is known for.

Viewpoints, forests, and water along the way

The standout moments here come from the way the trails move through different “feels” in a single hike. In the forest, you’ll get that enclosed, calm atmosphere where the woods soften wind and noise. Near the brooks, the sound of water adds a natural rhythm to your walk, and those cooler, damp edges of trail can feel especially refreshing during warm weather. Then there are the viewpoints—described as awe-inspiring—which are where the surrounding mountains and valleys really take over the experience. Those open views are a big part of why people remember Au Diable Vert after they leave.

VéloVolant: a treetop ride you can add to your day

One of the most unusual features at Au Diable Vert is the VéloVolant, an innovative, suspended recumbent bicycle ride that runs through the treetops. You pedal while elevated in the forest canopy, which changes your perspective completely: instead of looking up at the trees, you’re moving through them. The experience is described as eco-friendly and gives you a bird’s-eye view over the landscape below—an easy way to add something memorable to your visit without needing extra hiking skill. If you like pairing a trail day with one signature activity, this is the on-site feature that helps Au Diable Vert feel different from a typical trail network.

Staying overnight: cabins and treehouses

If you don’t want to rush your time outdoors, Au Diable Vert also offers accommodations that let you turn a day trip into a longer stay. Options range from rustic cabins to cozy treehouses. The appeal is straightforward: you can wake up close to the trails, step outside into fresh mountain air, and start the day already surrounded by the sounds of nature—especially birds in the morning. Staying on-site also makes it easier to break up activities: hike earlier when the forest is quiet, try the VéloVolant later, and keep your evenings slow.

Other outdoor activities on and near the site

Hiking is the main focus, but it’s not the only way to spend time here. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking on nearby rivers, which is a good option if you want a lower-impact activity or a change of pace from walking. Evenings can be about slowing down: Au Diable Vert is a place for stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Quebec, or simply relaxing by a campfire with friends and family. Those quieter options are a big part of why this spot works for groups with different interests—some people can chase viewpoints and trail miles, while others lean into the calm parts of being outside.

Planning your visit: how it feels as a day out

The overall experience at Au Diable Vert is a blend of adventure and tranquility. In practical terms, that means you can structure your visit around your energy level. If you want an active day, you can focus on a longer hike and build in time for viewpoints. If you want something more relaxed, you can choose a gentler trail, spend more time near the brooks, and add one activity like the VéloVolant. If you’re staying overnight, the rhythm becomes even easier—hike, eat, stargaze, and end the day by a campfire without needing to drive anywhere after dark.

Because the trails are described as well-marked and maintained, it’s also a comfortable choice when you’re trying to keep logistics simple. You’re still in a real mountain-and-forest environment, but you’re exploring it through a system designed to be approachable for a wide range of hikers. That’s a big part of what makes Au Diable Vert feel like a “hidden gem” in the Cantons-de-l’Est: it delivers the scenery people come to this region for, while keeping the on-the-ground experience friendly and easy to navigate.