From Col de la Schlucht to Hohneck

Interesting hike, little used until the return to Honeck.
Some of the slopes are physically demanding, both uphill and downhill, and off the beaten track.
There are no easy-to-follow paths or markings between the Col des Feignes and the Col de Falimont. You have to rely 100% on the GPS route as it is an unmaintained line in the middle of the forest.

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Be careful, the path above the Devil's Rock is marked as a "cleared path" (from 4 to 5).

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Breathtaking views all along the way

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A great outing that requires you to know how to read an IGN map to find your way around more easily.

We decided to take the short diversions around La Bresse in the middle of the route!

Sporty outing

The weather wasn't great, but as a result there was no-one on the paths.

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I didn't follow your advice and for the return journey from the hohneck I went straight back down to frankental to climb back up to the schlucht via the rock path.
It was really difficult but a great experience to test your limits.

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The rock path is always great (only do it in dry weather)

well done

and thanks to the Vosges club for the signs

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Thank you for these additions, which I've just tried to add to the description, which was very brief.
Sincerely

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Bof bof bof.... a lot of forest tracks, not many signs, you do need to know how to read a map.
It must be nice in the snow, though
Apart from the finish at the Retournemer lake at the Devil's Rock, nothing transcendent. But that's just my opinion.

A few more details though:
- the start is under the lifts, blue disc.
- Just before the Col de Malakoff, turn left, yellow disc, towards the Roche du diable, as far as the road. Turn right at the bend.
- Blue disc on the other side of the road as far as the lake, so you can go round to the right via the tunnel and the small waterfall.
- At Falimont, red rectangle to Schlucht.

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Thank you for your feedback. You mentioned signposting, but the description and the route on the map weren't enough for you?
Best regards

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I did this hike in August and the weather was superb.
The route is very different between the start in the undergrowth, the very steep climbs in the scree and the end which really softens up on the ridges and towards the return to the schlucht.
I was sorry I'd forgotten my walking poles, because at times the climbs were really difficult and the descents slippery, even in dry weather (dry leaves, dirt).
But there really are some beautiful views.
Watch your thighs if you're going at a steady pace!
I finished this walk in 4 hours 20 minutes. The only slight downside was the signposting, which wasn't always very clear.
Have a good hike!
Jb

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Thank you for your review of this hike. What could be added to the description to make it more complete and precise? Thank you for this information, which will help us, along with the author, to improve the description for future tours.
Sincerely

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The hike is superb, but the description is too brief, especially if you don't know the Vosges.
At the small pass, follow the signs to Gerardmer. The Col de Malakoff is not signposted, so look out for the Roche du diable sign, but you'll have to turn round to see it. The descent is a little steep with a few tree trunks in the way. At the road, head back towards the Roche du diable car park, then take the path towards the lake. At the Col des Faignes, follow the signs to the Hohneck (the route does not describe the passage to the Hohneck). After the Hohneck, just follow the path to the col.
There was no snow, the path was dry, but it was very cold in the shady parts (at the start of the hike) and when it was windy. Depending on the time of departure, it's a good idea to bring lighting for the end of the walk.

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I totally agree with the route, which follows boundaries rather than paths.

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It's a magnificent hike, a far cry from the touristy routes along the crests. However, the original route follows a number of logging roads that are not necessarily pleasant or easy to find. There are variations on much more pleasant paths in the immediate vicinity, particularly between the Col des Feignes and the Refuge du Sotré (and its excellent blueberry tart).

In short, a great idea for a hike, but one that deserves a map and the ability to read it to get the most out of it.
In terms of difficulty, there are some dry climbs and some of the paths can be slippery.

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Thank you JC030669.
When you say that some passages are difficult, is it technically or because of a lack of precision in the description? If it's the latter, if you can give us some ideas on how to improve it, we'd love to hear from you.

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