The Madeleine Falls and the Netcha site

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A short hike in the heart of a magnificent botanical reserve that runs alongside the Rivière des Lacs. Madeleine waterfalls, endemic trees, red earth... all in all, a very beautiful hike. The route follows the marked paths of the botanical trail and the Sentier des Agathis. Swimming is possible at the Netcha site.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.52 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 85 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 69 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 856 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 751 ft
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Photos

View of the Rivière des Lacs
Endemic trees (2)
Endemic Trees (1)
Pontoon for access to the falls

Description of the walk

Park in the Madeleine Falls Park car park. There is an entrance fee for the park.

(S/E) Head east, following the yellow markings to the Madeleine Falls observation platform.

(1) You can get closer via a path that descends to the right along the river. Cross a small wooden bridge, continue straight ahead up a small pile of black rocks, then turn immediately left to reach a sign near the falls.

(2) Turn around and return to the observation platform.

(1) Continue straight ahead on the path overlooking the river, which leads to another viewpoint.

(3) Continue straight ahead, then stay on the right-hand path at the fork about 150 m further on. You will reach a second viewpoint overlooking the river.

(4) Continue following the yellow markings until you reach a fork.

(5) Continue straight ahead and follow the path that runs alongside Route du Carénage for a few hundred metres, then veers off to the right.

(6) Turn left, following the yellow markings until you reach Netcha, where swimming and camping are permitted. This is also the starting point for many mountain bike trails.

(7) Turn around.

(6) Turn left to continue following the outward route in the opposite direction.

(5) Take the path on the right that climbs up into a shaded area.

(8) Continue straight ahead on the marked path and return to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 820 ft - Parc des Chutes de la Madeleine car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.18 - alt. 804 ft - Viewing platform
  3. 2 : mi 0.32 - alt. 794 ft - Sign
  4. 3 : mi 0.59 - alt. 801 ft - Viewpoint overlooking the river
  5. 4 : mi 0.8 - alt. 791 ft - Second viewpoint
  6. 5 : mi 1.17 - alt. 781 ft - Netcha site junction
  7. 6 : mi 1.79 - alt. 778 ft - Crossroads
  8. 7 : mi 2.07 - alt. 751 ft - Netcha website
  9. 8 : mi 3.12 - alt. 856 ft - Junction
  10. S/E : mi 3.52 - alt. 820 ft - Parc des Chutes de la Madeleine car park

Notes

(S/E) There is an entry fee for the park, 400 CFP per person; the same applies if you wish to start the hike from the Netcha site, as there is also a charge for this, but you only pay once for access to both sites.

Bring water and sun protection: a cap, sunglasses, sun cream, etc.

(7) There is a water point at the Netcha site, but the water is not drinkable; it can only be consumed with water purification tablets. Please plan ahead accordingly.
Swimming is possible, but it is prohibited in the Parc des Chutes de la Madeleine: please bring a swimsuit accordingly.

(5) Alternative route: for a shorter walk, you can turn left to return to (S/E).

Link to the official route of the Sentier des Agathis, which crosses the road twice:

https://www.sudtourisme.nc/offres/sentier-des-agathis-yate-fr-2783774/

Worth a visit

Botanical trail: many endemic species.

Madeleine Falls, views of the Rivière des Lacs.

Swimming possible at the Netcha site.

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