GR52A: Moulinet to Sospel

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The GR52 (Grande Randonnée: Panoramique du Mercantour) runs 212 km (132 mi) through the alpine environment of the Parc National du Mercantour from Colmars to the Italian border at Colle di Tenda. This section covers the Moulinet to Sospel segment.

This portion of the GR52 starts in Moulinet. The first 3.2 km (2 mi) is a moderate 7% climb along forest road through a heavy hardwood forest. At that point, you'll see the entrance to a singletrack at the left (follow the GR52 signs). The singletrack is narrow, at times technical, and perched along the side of the mountain at about 1000 m (3400 ft) elevation. There are some great views of the la Bevera Valley from this stretch, and also some exposure.

Starting at the 6 km (3.7 mi) mark, the trail begins descending steeply among a loose rock field. Unless you've developed the capability to hover, expect to hike-a-bike/rock scramble down part of the next 1 km (0.6 mi) or so. The trail then levels out for a while before resuming the descent, still with an expert character.

At 8 km (5 mi), you'll cross an ancient stone bridge over la Ruisseau de Cuous (river). A narrow, twisting, technical, and at times muddy singletrack roughly follows the river until you reach the D2566 provincial road. This will take you back into Sospel.