Les cascades du Hérisson / The Hérisson (Hedgehog) Waterfalls
The walk descends the Hérisson ('hedgehog') River with its series of rapids and waterfalls, then returns via Bonlieu, passing through the Dame Blanche viewpoint, with a panoramic view over lakes Val and Chambly and the Herisson valley.
Technical sheet No. 4098385
Calculated time: 4h25[?] 
Distance : 12.11 km
Vertical gain : 329 m
Vertical drop : 336 m
Highest point : 821 m
Lowest point : 601 m 
Difficulty : Moderate
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Location : La Chaux-du-Dombief
(39150) 
Starting point : N 46.615218° / E 5.885574° 
Today's forecast :
Description
Starting from the car park in Ilay, follow the trail (GR559A) downhill to the first waterfall (Saut Girard). (1) At the bottom of the Girard falls, cross the river and follow the track along the left bank. The path is wide and easy at first but can get slippery after the Saut de la Forge. It becomes slightly steeper but is well maintained.
Continue downstream to the Sarrazine footbridge (2), then follow the yellow waymarks and continue towards "Bonlieu". (3) Here you can follow the barrier to admire the view. On the way back, just before the end of the barrier, turn right towards Bonlieu. The uphill path is a bit narrow and very steep on the right, so be careful!
When you are almost above the cliff, you can either continue directly to Bonlieu, or take a detour to the Dame Blanche viewpoint (definitely worthwhile) (4). To get there, follow the yellow waymarks which lead to the viewpoint, then on to Bonlieu.
(5) Go through the village, first taking the rue de la Maison Blanche, then the main street taking you to the other side of the village.
(6) When leaving the village, follow the GR signs up a small road, which becomes a track then a forest path.
The GR markings will lead you back to your starting point via the Girard falls (1).
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 770 m - Auberge du Hérisson
1 : km 0.44 - alt. 741 m - Saut Girard
2 : km 2.87 - alt. 643 m
3 : km 3.05 - alt. 616 m - Cascade de l'Éventail
4 : km 5.81 - alt. 715 m - Dame Blanche viewpoint - Belvédère de la Dame Blanche
5 : km 8.61 - alt. 773 m
6 : km 9.09 - alt. 794 m
D/A : km 12.11 - alt. 769 m
Useful Information
It is possible to start from different points along the route.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
During the walk or to do/see around
Boissellerie du Hérisson, Auberge du Hérisson, Auberge l'Eolienne. (Auberge: Hostel/Restaurant)
Opinions and comments
Average
Global average : 4.5/5
Number of opinions : 2
Clarity of route description : 4.5/5
Clarity of route map : 4.5/5
Walk interest : 4.5/5
Walker
Global average : 4 / 5
Date of walk
: 17/07/22
Clarity of route description
: Good
Clarity of route map
: Good
Walk interest
: Good
Good walk, but during the summer heat wave there is very little water going through the waterfalls. It's probably much nicer to do this walk in spring or autumn. The second part of the walk after waypoint 4 is mostly in open air with very little shade - keep this in mind in case you want to do this hike in summer. Just next to waypoint 5 in the centre of the village there is a water fountain with drinking water where you can refill your water bottles.
The routemap might be a bit confusing around waypoint 3. You should remain on the south side of the little bridge (passarelle) and continue on a little footpath which goes uphill. If you cross the bridge, you can descend to take a nice photo of the final waterfall but you'll need to climb back up to continue the hike.
Walker
Global average : 5 / 5
Date of walk
: 04/09/19
Clarity of route description
: Very good
Clarity of route map
: Very good
Walk interest
: Very good
Hello! Tried to follow this rout, but the footpath is closed where you should turn away from the river, just after way point 3. Very sad 
Other walks in the area
4.87 km
+197 m
-208 m
1h55
Easy
Starting point in La Chaux-du-Dombief - 39 - Jura Very nice and easy walk above the lakes of the Jura, Maclu and Illay.
11.52 km
+183 m
-174 m
3h50
Easy
Starting point in Le Frasnois - 39 - Jura A hike to do preferentially during fall to admire the beautiful colors of the Indian summer reflecting off the lakes.
5.82 km
+228 m
-225 m
2h20
Easy
Starting point in Bourg-de-Sirod - 39 - Jura Pleasure in cascades.
This extraordinary walk around the Pertes de l’Ain gorges sets out from the remarkable site of the old forges and is a delight for all the senses.
Along the way: The Pertes de l’Ain, gorges, cascades, the ruins of Villain castle, and the relics of an old village.
10.72 km
+468 m
-461 m
4h25
Moderate
Starting point in Baume-les-Messieurs - 39 - Jura Discover one of the most beautiful natural sites and one of the prettiest villages in the Franche-Comté.
15.40 km
+572 m
-492 m
6h00
Difficult
Starting point in Bois-d'Amont - 39 - Jura Surrounded by Sala and Noiremont summits, this hike that allows you to explore Swiss forests and pastures. You'll need two cars for this straight route hike.
6.69 km
+434 m
-428 m
3h10
Moderate
Starting point in Prémanon - 39 - Jura Without doubt, the shortest path up to the summit of La Dôle (1677m altitude) from the French side of the border. In good weather, the views are breathtaking and go on for over 250km: from the Swiss Alps to Mont Blanc and on to the Vanoise and the Ecrins, all of this with plunging views down over Geneva and its lake.
For more walks, use our search engine.
The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
