The Sentier des Roches

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The Sentier des Roches is a hiking trail in the Vosges mountains.
In 1910, Heinrich Strohmeyer, general warden of the Water and Forestry Department and president of the Club Vosgien de Munster, proposed the creation of a trail linking the Col de Schlucht to Frankenthal near Hohneck.
The Sentier des Roches is one of the most popular trails in the Vosges mountains.
Please note: this hike is closed in winter (see practical information below).

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.25 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,644 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,634 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,380 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,153 ft
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Photos

Rocks trail
Rocks trail
View of the black pond
View of the Honneck

Description of the walk

Park in the Col de la Schlucht car park.

(S/E) Leave the car park opposite the chapel and turn left onto the D417 road towards Munster. Continue to the pass exit.

(1) Turn right, go down the stairs and follow theGR®®531(blue rectangle marker). Please note: on the IGN map shown here, the route does not follow the map, but this is the route you should take.

(2) Turn right and follow the road to the Ferme Auberge du Frankenthal. Pass the farm and continue along the path, following the red triangle sign.

(3) Cross the Petite Fecht stream.

(4) Climb to the summit between Petit Hohneck and Hohneck. During this climb, there are several viewpoints. Do this if the weather is clear.

(5) Turn right towards the Col de Falimont, following theGR®®5(red rectangle sign).

(6) At the Col de Falimont, turn right onto theGR®®5towards the Trois Fours.

(7) Once you reach the road leading to Trois Fours, turn right and, after the car park, turn left and cross the pastures. Continue to follow theGR®®5to the Col de la Schlucht (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,734 ft - Parking - Col de la Schlucht
  2. 1 : mi 0.16 - alt. 3,717 ft - Start of the Sentier des Roches
  3. 2 : mi 1.96 - alt. 3,153 ft - Frankenthal Road - Auberge du Frankenthal
  4. 3 : mi 2.23 - alt. 3,274 ft - Petite Fecht (cours d'eau) - Affluent de la Fecht
  5. 4 : mi 2.76 - alt. 3,504 ft - Intersection - Grotte Dagobert
  6. 5 : mi 3.39 - alt. 4,029 ft - Crossroads - Le Petit Hohneck
  7. 6 : mi 4.22 - alt. 4,239 ft - Col de Falimont (1295m)
  8. 7 : mi 5.09 - alt. 4,032 ft - Fork in the trail - refuge des Trois Fours
  9. S/E : mi 6.25 - alt. 3,737 ft - Parking - Col de la Schlucht

Notes

Please note: this hike is not possible between 1 November and 30 April each year. The rock trail and the trail connecting Schaeferthal to Col du Falimont are closed (Prefectural Order of 18 May 2022).
Despite the presence of handrails, stairs and footbridges, this hike remains dangerous in wet weather.


This hike was surveyed on 8 July 2019.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

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

4.7 / 5
Based on 94 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
virgule
virgule

The problem is that it can be accessed from the huge car park at the Col de la Schlucht,

Hello,

large car park = overcrowding.

Fortunately, some roads are closed for part of the year (the Route des Crêtes and the Route des 5 Châteaux). The Germans are smarter than us: they ban motorbikes from the Schwarzwaldhochstraße on Sundays and in winter. As a result, they can enjoy the mountains in peace and quiet.

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randoley67500
randoley67500

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 01, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello,
The trail itself isn’t dangerous for an experienced hiker. The problem is that it is accessible from the huge car park at the Col de la Schlucht, which leads to overcrowding with many ill-equipped and inexperienced novices. This causes a lot of minor problems, as well as traffic jams and accidents. The spot is also very Instagrammable (yet another cause of traffic jams and danger).
In the Alps, this trail would be classified as moderately difficult.
But let’s not forget that the mountains belong to everyone.

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Magali_J88
Magali_J88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 26, 2026
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The famous Rock Trail is a must-do hike, but be warned ⚠️: the start of the trail is technically challenging, so it is strongly advised against for anyone with a fear of heights or mobility issues.
I found myself stuck in ‘traffic jams’ because people were afraid to proceed along the path, which remains slippery on the rocks and is often downhill.
The rest of the route is less technical, but the climb back up to the return path is quite steep and tiring, especially as it was hot.

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User 12908679

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A superb hike, but very steep and featuring sections where great care is required. Not recommended for those with little hiking experience or who are prone to vertigo. On the day of my hike, two people were rescued (by the fire brigade via helicopter) following falls, though none were serious. The rescue operations caused traffic jams along the route.

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User 18488925

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike, only to be done in good weather.

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User 23220389

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hike taken on a beautiful autumn day.
Nothing too complicated. A few passages that require a bit of caution.
Magnificent scenery.

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f.martial
f.martial

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 15, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Although quite busy, a very beautiful hike.

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Emmanuel 54
Emmanuel 54

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

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

We did this trail ten years ago, and we wanted to do it again for my birthday. It was a real pleasure to do it again, although the start is quite difficult and you need to be in good physical condition. We had trouble finding a parking space at the starting point at 10 a.m. (the site has changed a lot). It's still an extraordinary trail and I hope to do it again in four years for my 60th birthday 😜.

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Nathalie et Francis
Nathalie et Francis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike that is admittedly difficult. Lovely views.
The route is very busy, almost too busy, and the indiscipline of some poorly equipped walkers can endanger those who lack confidence and physical fitness.

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SECOTINE
SECOTINE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful route, but be careful as it is hard on the ankles and knees (rocky section – high-top shoes recommended). Coffee break available at L'auberge du Frankenthal from 10:30 a.m. - Take a short detour to the interesting Dagobert cave (enter and take a photo with flash to reveal the beautiful colours inside) - Nice climb up to Schaefertal - follow the path marked with red and white rectangles for a panoramic view of Frankenthal from above. Alternatively, you can climb to the top of Hohneck (red rectangle) for the highest point and a beautiful 360-degree view. Between the Hohneck and the Schlucht - an easy route - you can approach the Martinswald rocks with caution or have lunch at the 3 Fours farmhouse inn (closed at the beginning of the week).

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User 21121057

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike, which requires some physical preparation as the first two hours are quite technical (slopes, rocky sections, etc.). Superb views.
Hiking boots are essential, and it is best to set off in the morning during summer.

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Mika delph
Mika delph

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Top hike

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Erictitou
Erictitou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The Sentier des Roches trail is as challenging and enjoyable as ever, with numerous viewpoints along the way. The climb back up to the peaks is shaded and not too difficult, with the option of branching off towards the Honeck and its commanding position. Worth doing again and again!

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User 19177242
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Do not do this with a bag weighing more than 15 kg on your back.

Do not do after rain.

Do not do after 5pm.

Good luck, it's slippery!

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User 24422456

hello, I am unable to record the entire route, as the track draws a straight line. Why is this? Thank you for your response

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