This route is an out-and-back starting from the trailhead for "The Crack" trail to the summit of Silver Peak and back following the La Cloche Silhouette Trail (https://fastestknowntime.com/route/la-cloche-trail-canada). This is quite possibly the best trail in Ontario, and this route links the two highlights: The Crack and Silver Peak.
The route is about 50 kilometers total on difficult but beautiful trail. The first few kilometers are smooth and flat, but at Kakakise Lake the trail turns technical and starts to climb up to "The Crack". The exposed quartzite along the climb is a good warm up for what the rest of the day will look like! From The Crack the trail follows the jagged spine of the La Cloche Mountains, often following cairns along the exposed quartzite. The trail between The Crack and Silver Lake is extremely technical in places as it follows a single continuous ridgeline with beautiful lakes off either side. After Silver Lake the trail joins with the canoe-access trail and follows it left towards Silver Peak. After a few easy kilometers, follow the well marked trail up Silver Peak. Enjoy the views, then turn around and do it all over again!
Navigation on this route is easy - just follow the blue markers for the backpacking trail until the climb up Silver Peak. Along the exposed quartzite follow the obvious cairns.
Comments
I hope to attempt this FKT unsupported on 8/17 or 8/18.
I Benjamin Wasylina will be attempting this route unsupported tomorrow (Thursday, October 15) wooooo!
Update: Drove up after work on Wednesday and got an ass sleep in the back of my car lol. The sunrise at the Crack was insane. Legs didn’t come alive until like 8km in after I took a caffeinated gel. The terrain was very technical and quartzite rocks were slippery even when dry. Apparently navigation is easy on this trail but I got crossed up a bunch in the first half (easier on the way back). Made it to the top of Silver Peak at 4hrs and chilled there for nearly 20 mins.
Although it wasn’t my plan to go for it I knew the FKT on this route was 7hrs 56mins. At around 30km I thought I still may have a shot at it so I kept ripping. The final 6-8km I was ripping as fast as I could. Took one more 50mg caf gel with 20 mins left and went all out. Made it back to the trailhead in 7hrs 57mins just shy of the FKT but it was a thrilling end. I think 7hrs is totally possible on this route if you don't stop for views, pictures etc. Overall so much fun!!
Strava file:Â https://www.strava.com/activities/20609555581
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