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Starting point in Raedesdorf: the Sentier de Découverte car park, at the end of Rue des Pins.
Starting point in Sonderdorf: see Practical Information.
Red Ring trail markings
(S/E) From the car park, join the forest path to the left of a goblin armed with a spear. Thefirst sculptures already catch your eye. You’ll come to a crossroads with four paths.
(1) Leave the return path on your right and continue straight ahead. Shortly afterwards, turn right; the path leads gently uphill to a five-way junction, where you’ll find a table with benches on the left at the edge of the woodland.
(2) Leave the ‘Yellow Ring’ path (a short, incomplete version of the nature trail) on your right and the ‘Blue Triangle’ path, which runs diagonally to the right, leading directly to the Gros Chêne. Continue straight ahead and, after a few hundred metres, the magnificent sculpture of a red kite, next to a bench, dominates the path.
(3) You now have two options:
1) If you wish to follow only the discovery trail, turn right onto a path that is a little steep at the start. It passes several interesting sculptures and leads you to the point (8). See Practical Information.
2) The option shown on the map and described below.
Red Triangle markings
(3) Leave the discovery trail temporarily to follow the path marked with Red Triangles. There are no more sculptures, but there are some remarkable trees, including a large beech, about 350 m further on to the right (4), which features an exceptional burl (a woody growth). The path continues slightly uphill before descending towards a junction.
(5) Pass an unmarked path on your right which leads up to the Gros Chêne. You’ll reach a car park and then, about 150 metres further on, the end of Rue de la Montagne near a bench (lovely view of Sondersdorf).
Blue Triangle signposting
(6) Turn right onto the wide, carriageable track that continues from Rue de la Montagne. Ignore a path on the left. When the slope levels out, you’ll reach a crossroads. Turn right towards the Gros Chêne, which is clearly visible in the distance.
(7) Two tables with benches provide a spot for a picnic at the foot of the majestic tree. A sign tells its story, dating back to the Peasants’ War (1525) – see Practical Information.
The return route heads due east. Ignore a path on the left, then, at the junction of five paths, carry on straight ahead (Blue Triangle marker on a tree on the left). After 150 m, you’ll rejoin the discovery trail, which crosses the wide Blue Triangle path.
Red Ring markings
(8) Head down to the far right for a round trip of a few hundred metres. Admire the sculptures, and – except in winter – make the most of a picnic table and a two-seater sun lounger, complete with a view.
Retrace your steps to the previous junction.
(8) Cross the Blue Triangle path and head straight ahead. The nature trail continues; in addition to the sculptures and botanical information boards, quotes from authors line the path.
Further on, the Yellow Ring path joins yours. Carry on straight ahead. At the next junction, leave the start of the Interregio path (Yellow Triangle) on your left and head straight ahead (slightly to the right) until you reach the junction marking the end of the circular path.
(1) Turn left, heading in the opposite direction to the path you took on the way out, and you’ll return to the car park where you started (S/E).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
Moderate 
