Chemin Forestier de la Zec de la Rivière-Madeleine — Gaspésie Coastal Highland Interior Circuit

The ZEC Rivière-Madeleine sits tucked behind the coastal fishing villages of Haute-Gaspésie, and most drivers blow right past it on Highway 132 without a second thought. That’s your advantage. The forestry network here cuts inland from near Grande-Vallée, climbing through boreal mixedwood into the Chic-Choc foothills, crossing the Madeleine River multiple times at unimproved fords that can run knee-deep during snowmelt and after hard rain. Expect deep-rutted clay sections on north-facing slopes that don’t see sun until June, blown-down timber across the track in spring, and views of the St. Lawrence from high ridgelines that will stop you cold. The ZEC access gate requires a daily or seasonal permit purchased from the ZEC office or their online portal — fish and wildlife rules apply throughout.

This is legitimate mud country. A locker on at least one axle will earn its keep on the clay climbs, and all-terrain tires are the minimum ante. July through October is the window — May and June turn sections into tire-sucking soup and seasonal gate closures are common. Fuel in Grande-Vallée before entering; there’s nothing inside. Bring your own water. Dispersed camping is permitted in designated ZEC zones with your access pass. What you get is genuine Gaspésie backcountry: moose, river crossings, and not another overlander in sight.