The Sentier des Roches

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

n°2290202

Creation:
08 Jul 2019

Last update:
27 Aug 2026

Last review:
01 Sep 2026

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

Country: France
Area: Vosges mountains
City: Le Valtin (88230)
Start/End: N 48.064157° / E 7.022244°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3618OT, 3618OTR
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Photos

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 the^GR®®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 the^GR®®5(red rectangle sign).

(6) At the Col de Falimont, turn right onto the^GR®®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 the^GR®®5to the Col de la Schlucht (S/E).

Waypoints

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

Réserve Naturelle Nationale Frankenthal Missheimle - more information

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5

Based on 103 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5

Route interest
4.9 / 5

User 2746334

01 Sep 2026 at 08:49 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

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

A superb walk to do either very early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The path is narrow and technical, so it’s difficult to take in the views and let other walkers pass. But we did it as a family and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

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METENIER bruno

24 Aug 2026 at 08:31 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Far, far, far too many people on this walk. Walkers talking loudly, listening to music, blocking the path to take a photo (not of the scenery, but of themselves...)
The location is brilliant and the view incredible… but as for peace and quiet, that’s not what you’ll find here…

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virgule

18 Aug 2026 at 00:10 7200

Oh yes, it’s absolutely packed. Here’s what Google has to say about it:

A victim of its own success and its proximity to the large car park at the Col de la Schlucht, the legendary Sentier des Roches attracts around 40,000 walkers a year. This high summer footfall leads to recurring congestion problems, an increased risk of falls for ill-equipped walkers and pressure on this fragile cliff-side environment.
Problems caused by overcrowding
Congestion: Queues and bottlenecks form in narrow passages, on ladders and on footbridges.
Lack of equipment: Many inexperienced visitors set off in unsuitable trainers or without secure footwear, underestimating the technical alpine nature of the route.
The Instagram effect: The quest for spectacular photos drives unprepared tourists to expose themselves to unnecessary danger.

Queues like at the health centre – out in the wilderness! I’m absolutely flabbergasted.

Is it crowded because it’s particularly beautiful, or do people think it’s particularly beautiful because it’s crowded?

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virgule

18 Aug 2026 at 00:01 7200

Hello,

what do you mean by ‘waiting your turn’?

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User 30125975

17 Aug 2026 at 18:31 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

One of the most beautiful trails in the Vosges. A victim of its own success. You just have to put up with the first technical section. There are loads of us. You have to wait your turn. I’d advise avoiding setting off around 9am or 10am.

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User 20409300

27 Jul 2026 at 10:08 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A brilliant walk – please note that you shouldn’t follow the initial path; it’s better to follow the signposts for the first 300 metres.

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User 12149178

13 Jul 2026 at 08:43 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk to enjoy, provided you’re wearing suitable footwear.

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lannequin

29 Jun 2026 at 17:41 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We set off on Friday 26 June, undoubtedly the hottest day of the year. We left at 8 am and didn’t come across many people; the route was ideal at the start as it was in the shade. The section along the ridges was tougher as it was in full sun, and even at over 1,200 metres, it was hot.
We completed it in 4 hours without a break.
A lovely route with stunning views
We had lunch at the pass inn to round off the walk nicely

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jlo68

25 Jun 2026 at 13:41 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk.

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Dom64

24 Jun 2026 at 11:59 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 24, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I did this route on a Tuesday, so it was less crowded than at the weekend.
It’s a challenging route, particularly the second half leading up to the Honeck.
However, it’s well worth doing – and doing again – even for me at 72
Thank you for this route

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Luc C

22 Jun 2026 at 08:37 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 18, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike certainly lives up to its reputation as a challenging one, but with plenty of caution and patience, nothing is insurmountable.
Above all, do not take young children on this hike.
The views are magnificent.
I highly recommend it.

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virgule

02 Jun 2026 at 18:30 7200

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

01 Jun 2026 at 19:36 7200

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

01 Jun 2026 at 13:09 7200

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

11 May 2026 at 09:37 7200

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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