Hérisson waterfall loop from Menetrux-en-Joux

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Magnificent waterfalls, among the most impressive in the Jura, whose reputation is well established. This walk leads to the foot of the torrent, which you follow to the summit, near the waterfalls and caves. It forms a loop, returning alongside the ridges, in the shade of a lush forest.

Details

n°77418068
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.35 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,076 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,076 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,487 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,703 ft
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park on Rue des Tilleuls.

(S/E) Head towards Menétrux-en-Joux and walk past the town hall.

(1) At the junction, turn right onto Rue des Cascades and follow the red and white markings of the GR®559. Then turn right onto Chemin des Cascades.

(2) Take this path to the left and follow it until you reach a rest area.

(3) Walk past it and continue along the GR®, then start an easy climb.

(4) Cross the Hérisson. A path branches off to the right towards the Éventail waterfall. Continue on to reach a viewpoint.

(5) Stay on the GR® and, following a path that winds up and down like a rollercoaster, reach the junction with the waterfall trail.

(6) Leave the GR® and take the yellow-marked PR® on the left. Walk past these waterfalls and join the D39.

(7) Keep left on the path, follow the road, and rejoin it at a car park.

(8) Continue left to reach the Belvédère de l'Éventail viewpoint. Turn right (a 180° turn) and continue north-west, on a very gentle descent. You will arrive back at the D39.

(9) Cross it carefully and follow the yellow PR® markings to return to the car park at Menétrux-en-Joux (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,149 ft - Car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.24 - alt. 2,208 ft - Town hall
  3. 2 : mi 0.36 - alt. 2,211 ft - Waterfall Trail
  4. 3 : mi 1.58 - alt. 1,706 ft - Developed area - Maison des Cascades
  5. 4 : mi 2.05 - alt. 1,949 ft - Crossing at Le Hérisson. Near the - Cascade de l'Éventail
  6. 5 : mi 2.22 - alt. 2,126 ft - Viewpoint
  7. 6 : mi 2.63 - alt. 2,283 ft - PR junction - Saut de la Forge
  8. 7 : mi 3.01 - alt. 2,484 ft - D39
  9. 8 : mi 3.68 - alt. 2,477 ft - Car park at the Éventail viewpoint
  10. 9 : mi 4.43 - alt. 2,359 ft - D39
  11. S/E : mi 5.35 - alt. 2,149 ft - Car park

Notes

(3) Maison des Cascades: all facilities (toilets, picnic area, etc.).
Between (3) and (6), some sections may be slippery.

Worth a visit

Lakes of Val, Motte de Narlay, Vernois and Grand Maclu. Ecomuseum.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 19017786
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very popular route. Best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The waterfalls are truly beautiful and the route is well laid out

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Gerald Latortue
Gerald Latortue
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

In the Jura, people "do" the Hérisson waterfalls... So we went there!
The route is pleasant and fairly easy to follow (especially if you use GPS guidance with the Visorando app).
The coolness of the forest is very welcome, and the place is pretty. Like other reviewers, I think it's better to do the route by going up the waterfall path towards the Saut de la Forge: there's less risk of slipping (good walking shoes and walking sticks are recommended; an elderly person had a bad fall on the way down...).
Personally, I'm a little disappointed, I was expecting better. That said, in the middle of summer, the water flow of the waterfalls is quite low (who said the climate wasn't disrupted...?) and, above all, the crowds are unbearable and completely ruined our enjoyment (bearing in mind that we ourselves added to the crowds of tourists...)
I highly recommend arriving early in the morning (in summer!) at around 8 a.m. in Ménétrux en Joux, as it takes about 30 minutes (if you stroll a little) to reach the waterfall trail. We were delayed unintentionally that morning and we really regretted it because you have to walk in single file and stop constantly to let people coming in the opposite direction pass, as the paths are often very narrow: from 10 a.m. onwards, you can't move! I won't even mention the inconsiderate people who jostle, are downright rude and show little respect for other walkers and the place....
On the other hand, the return trip through the forest is very pleasant (there is almost no one there!), but be sure to follow the clearly visible markings on the trees and remain vigilant.
I imagine that the route is much more pleasant outside the tourist season. If you love peaceful nature, choose another destination...
Thanks for the route info anyway!

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domi83260
domi83260

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The route is followed in the direction described. There are lots of people between points 2 and 5, both going up and down. The return from point 5 to point 7 has many very slippery sections.

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User 22147615
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful site to see, but not on 14 July, too crowded...
The trail starts and ends in the forest, which is pleasant in summer. At the waterfalls, the path is very uneven in places, with too many people wearing unsuitable footwear, resulting in slips, falls and delays for those coming up the trail in the opposite direction
Tip: do the waterfall trail going up from the waterfall house and not in the opposite direction because the path is slippery and the view is more beautiful

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joel21
joel21

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, certainly one of the most beautiful in the Jura....

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.