Glenhope Scenic Reserve, 16km from St Arnaud via Howard valley.
Historic Booth's Cottage was built back in 1933 during the n ot-so-Great Depression by Sid Booth and Ray Clarke. This was the family hom e of Sid and Eva Booth and their son Teddy for over 10 years. The old-timer is situated in a small forest clearing, above Louis Creek on an old miners ’ track. Expect other users in the area ... 4WD vehicles, quad bikes, motor bikes and mountain bikers.
Initially, it takes 30 mins on a clay 4WD track to Louis Creek fossicking area. (In 2024 this pine forest had been c leared, and new forestry roads added.) Then, a DOC sign indicates the start of public conservation land, as you enter the native forest. Soon a privat e dwelling is passed, and eventually the track becomes eroded at the conflu ence of two streams. Care is needed here to cross, reaching a the Jewellers Shop on the far bank. This includes the remains of a hut, along with minin g tailings. It's a steady climb then sidle around on a tramping track up to the restored cottage.
Next, we push on up a broad ridge of open beec h. The NZFS had marked the track with permolat, and will take about half an hour to reach the 4WD road that drops into Lake Rotoroa. By 2024, mountain bikers have made this trail obvious. Hard work done, we follow the Porika Road past a gold miner’s memorial cairn, and more locked cabins, back down to the car. An easy circuit.