Head to the car park at the Parc Provincial des Grandes Fougères (PPGF), a 2-hour drive from Nouméa.
Please note: the track is a bit bumpy over the last few kilometres.
Signposting: The colour markings are clear at every junction; please refer to the signs. If in doubt, check the GPS track, but the trails are generally very well signposted in the park.
(S/E) Pass by the visitor centre hut, to the right of the car park, to reach the shared start point for the hiking trails. For this first section, follow the yellow markings of the Sentier du Pic Monnier. Follow the wide track until you reach a wooden footbridge on your left; this is the one to take. After about a hundred metres, the route leaves the footbridge and continues along a dirt track to the left. At the next junction, continue straight ahead.
(1) First river crossing. There will be others. As with every crossing, take great care not to slip on the wet rocks. The path continues straight ahead, then turn right at the junction. This section of the path passes through a magnificent dry Niaoulis forest. At the junction, continue left to climb up to Pic Monnier.
(2) Panoramic view from Pic Monnier, stretching as far as the Coral Sea. Turn back and stay on the main path until you reach a picnic table. From there, leave the Yellow trail and follow the Brown markings; this is the Cascade Trail. A short climb, no particular difficulty; there is only one path through this area, so no trouble finding your way either. Continue to follow the Brown markings.
Note: at times the markings revert to yellow – perhaps remnants of old routes? In any case, don’t panic; carry on.
(3) and (4) Rivers to cross. It may be difficult to keep your feet dry depending on the water level.
(5) Junction: follow the sign pointing to the Heart of Farino on the right. This is located in the river below, about fifty metres from the path (follow the signs pointing to it).
(6) The Heart of Farino. Please note: the heart is not visible if the water level is too high. Turn back and head up to the junction.
(5) Then, follow the brown markings again.
(7) and (8) Rivers. On this section, the markings are of all colours; there is only one path common to all routes after the point (7).
(9) Bread oven, of historical interest, but no need to make a detour to see it.
(10) Last river to cross; always follow the markings.
(11) On the left are wooden footbridges leading to the park’s arboretum. It’s about 300m long; it’s a lovely circular path to do before finishing the walk and returning to the car park (S/E).