Rocher de Mutzig

Date of your route : May 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Beautiful hike, well marked, beautiful views.
A few minor difficulties at the start of the route, but nothing significant.
The route can be completed in an hour less than advertised for experienced walkers.

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Hello GuillaumeVR,

Following numerous comments about the route being incorrect at the start, I have (finally) modified the GPX track and the description to match what appears to be a "real" trail on the map. In fact, I imagine that the logging trail has become completely impassable over the last 12 years.
I see that this is your first hike. Allow me to share my experience with you:
- do not rely solely on a GPS track provided on the internet. Even though it is an excellent resource, it will get you into trouble;
- Always have a paper map of the area with you in case of electronic failure (lost GPS, dead battery, etc.), but also to reassess the route in your case in the countryside or simply due to a detour because of forestry work.
- Before you set off, use IGN maps to familiarise yourself with the terrain. Study the route so that you don't find yourself faced with a route that is too demanding or uninteresting, as the level of difficulty and interest are entirely relative.
Speaking of the interest of this circuit, in this part of the Vosges mountains (Bruche valley), the forest is omnipresent and the views are very limited. That is why, especially at this time of year, the interest lies in finding many species of flowering plants such as edible ground ivy, which will enhance your cooking, woodruff, which, with a few sprigs in your tent, will give off a pleasant scent and keep mosquitoes away, dandelions, wild carrots, the scent of conifers, which is generally very pronounced at this time of year, birdsong, and the fun of trying to recognise the local wildlife and possibly having the chance to encounter one or more of its four-legged inhabitants. These are just a few examples of the points of interest you may find in these woods, which offer very limited views.
I hope I have been able to provide you with some information that will help you improve your hiking experience in this area. I look forward to seeing you on the trails one day.

Pierre

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Date of your route : May 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

I just completed this route during the week from Tuesday, 6 May 2025 to Wednesday, 7 May 2025, with a stopover at Rocher de Mutzig.

First, I parked in the Place des Musiciens car park, where my car remained overnight without any problems (traffic is only prohibited after a certain time in the evening, but parking is allowed without any issues, if that reassures future hikers)

I didn't take the time to read the advice of previous hikers and relied solely on the GPS via the VisioRando app. Being a beginner, I trusted it blindly

Sure enough, I fell into the trap of the countryside between point 1 and point 2 (after turning left when I was on the Kagelplatz forest road). Once in front of this "ravine" covered with tall, varied grasses. I decided to go around it on the left through the brambles and nettles to reach a giant birdhouse that was actually a seed dispenser for animals. I headed towards the road to make my way to the Eimerbach stream... except that to reach the road, I still had to cut through the forest, heading towards a slope covered with stones, earth and dry bark that crumbled under my feet, forcing me to lean on the trees, taking care not to fall on dead wood... I landed on my backside and had quite a scare.

Given the previous reviews, it's time to update this route. It was my very first hike and I was brooding on the spot, telling myself I shouldn't have come...

Once I got past that, the route was perfect, you just have to pay attention to the GPS points when you get to intersections (I missed a turn, see below).

As for the hike itself, don't expect to see any beautiful scenery before you reach the Rocher de Mutzig. You'll be in the heart of the forest, so all you'll see are trees and a few forest roads at the intersections. The paths are narrow. Many of the paths are rocky and covered with roots, but nothing insurmountable with strong legs and good shoes.

It took me 3 hours and 40 minutes to get from the Place des Musiciens car park to Rocher de Mutzig with a rucksack weighing about 10 kg. I set up my tent for the night, cooked my meal, and put my dishes and rubbish away for the night so as not to attract animals.
It was windy all around this "hill", but the wind didn't reach the centre of the area, so it didn't blow on the tent, just the incessant sound of it.
As a little bonus, I had a visit from a "beast" that stayed next to my tent all night (from 1 a.m. to around 8 a.m.). I heard heavy hoofbeats coming and going, which wasn't necessarily reassuring, and what's more, this animal didn't make any breathing noises, which was strange... I thought it might be a hiker, but there was no torchlight. I took it upon myself to tell myself that it was just nature, and I froze in my sleeping bag without moving or making a sound, staying alert in case anything became threatening.
I had seen droppings resembling horse droppings that same evening.
In the morning, I was careful to get up quietly so as not to scare whatever it was. I unzipped the sleeping bag and the tent and switched my phone to video mode to see if the "beast" was still there. Nothing on the horizon. I got out of the tent, took stock of the situation and noticed some animal tracks here and there, but I'm no expert. The beast has left silently. If I set up camp here again, I'll bring my infrared hunting camera.

So I set off on the descent, completing the loop, heading for the Narion Pass. The path is still rocky and full of roots, so watch out for sprains! Once you've crossed the pass, you stay on gravel forest roads towards the Place des Musiciens car park, still unable to enjoy the scenery.

It took me two hours to get back down to the starting point, but I missed a fork in the road leading to point 8, so I did point 7 and then point 9, skipping point 8 (it probably took me an extra 30 minutes because this section is uphill again)

Total duration of the hike: 5 hours 40 minutes

- To conclude, it's a good climb that works your thighs, but nothing insurmountable
- BE CAREFUL ON THE ROUTE FROM POINT 1 TO POINT 2!!!
- Always check your GPS point at intersections to make sure you're on the right track if it shifts
- There are a few fallen trees on the path, but they are easy to get around
- This hike is not particularly interesting if you are looking for breathtaking scenery. Only the Mutzig rock is nice in this regard, especially at sunset for an aperitif with friends
- Limited space for tents
- I wasn't bothered by mosquitoes, as there weren't many, which was good
- If the beast is reading this, know that I'll sleep better in my bed tonight =D

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Date of your route : Jul 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

the route between 1 and 2 is still incorrect and should be avoided, as it is off-trail and will only encourage you to turn back!
the descent after the Mutzig rock via the yellow circle is pleasant but chaotic in the middle, with no trail, so avoid it without GPS.

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Date of your route : Jul 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

I was disappointed by the unreliability of the route, mainly at the beginning, or when following the trail, at one point there was no path. Apparently, you had to cross a completely wild, sloping area to reach the rest of the route. Or maybe I missed something, but I was still on the trail. In the end, I went a little further, but it was extremely slippery and dangerous.
Apart from that, the first 7 kilometres aren't really interesting, with no views, just a series of similar forest paths.
The Rocher de Mutzig section is very nice.
I don't recommend this hike

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Date of your route : Apr 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

This route offers nothing more than hike 1324049 except for an extra 4.5 kilometres and a little more elevation gain.
The description is too vague from the outset. It's a shame because it's still a beautiful hike...
For those who are tempted, take note of saverne67th's review from 12-05-2021, which corrects the critical points.
Only for hikers who are proficient at reading maps or equipped with a GPS.

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Date of your route : Oct 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Partially completed circuit as part of it had already been covered on another circuit, but very interesting nonetheless.
Many paths were damaged by foresters and fallen branches following the last storm.
A 30-minute detour is required at Rocher de la Porte de Pierre for the Petit Katzenberg pass, which offers magnificent views of the valley.
Another note: we did not follow the indicated path at the Wildberg pass, but took the RF de la Wann du Haut, which is not recommended as it is long and tedious.

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Date of your route : Sep 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Trail taken for my second solo bivouac hike, same comment as the others between points 1 and 2 (if you choose to abseil, there are brambles and nettles galore, so take the detour via Kegelplatz!), good mix of forest trails and hiking paths

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Hello saverne67th,

I admit that when I mapped out the route, I did so rather hastily, which led to the improvisations and inaccuracies you mention. Thank you for taking the time to provide your clarifications and advice.

Happy hiking.

Pierre

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Date of your route : May 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, I did this hike today and had several questions about the description.
However, the hike itself is superb and well worth the detour.

However, the description of the starting point is incorrect. If you park at the Hinberg car park as indicated and specified on the route, there are no Anneau Vert markings in the vicinity. These markings start at the Place des Musiciens car park, located further along the forest road.
If you still want to start at Hinberg, you must:
1) walk up the forest road for 150 metres,
2) in front of a small chalet on the hill opposite you, take the forest path on the right (black line on the map) heading north-east
3) immediately turn left onto the path that runs diagonally (towards the north-north-east), dotted line on the map.
Follow this path to reach the Grassweg forest road, where you will find the Anneau Vert trail markers coming from Place des Musiciens.

The second difficulty, as pointed out by the moderator, is between WP (1) and (2). I have an alternative to suggest:
1) Go to the Kegelplatz crossroads, do not turn right at WP (1)
2) At the crossroads, take the forest path that descends to the right (NNE direction), marked with a black line on the map.
3) After 350m, the path crosses the marked Red Ring and Red-White-Red Rectangle trail. Take this trail on your right, heading SE
4) After 500m, you will rejoin the suggested route with the path going down to the left, heading east.
This alternative route saves you 300 to 500 metres compared to the suggested route.

I have included another alternative that lengthens the route slightly but avoids a descent on the Baraque aux Juifs forest road, which is stony and steep and not at all pleasant.
Just after the Narion Pass and Baraque aux Juifs (WP (7)), about 150 metres away, a path marked with the Yellow Ring starts on the hillside to the left. It is gently sloping, covered with pine needles, earth and grass, and is very pleasant to walk on.
After 1.5 km, it leads you to elevation 819 on the map, a forest path still marked by the Yellow Ring. Take it on your right, heading south, and you will rejoin the original route after another 1 km.

Finally, one last point to note is that the descent from Langenberg, Jardin des Fées (WP (8)) is actually done by backtracking a hundred metres or so, but you have to find the path, which is a little difficult to spot at first, by pushing on to a pile of rocks. The path descends below. It is quite slippery and difficult in wet or rainy weather because it is covered with exposed roots and stones. Be careful not to slip or twist your ankle.

In short, despite a few uncertainties, with the map and GPS you can always find your way. Thanks to Xpite for this suggestion.

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Date of your route : Jul 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A few minor issues with the map, but you can find your way before the exit thanks to the comments. Overall, though, it's a beautiful route that's hard on the legs but a feast for the eyes!
Thank you.

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Thank you for your feedback. I have suggested an alternative route in the description

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Date of your route : Jul 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike. The start is on unmarked paths, so I recommend checking out the route beforehand or modifying it, which adds about 3 km. A beautiful day ahead

.

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Date of your route : Jul 06, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

Same comment as KUHN FELCIIE: between points 1 and 2, the map indicates crossing a forest that has been badly damaged by recent storms. Do not follow this route. You need to follow the existing path down towards Deux-Chênes before the Grotte du Loup. At the risk of having to abseil down It would be great if the moderator could change this to avoid any problems for future visitors.

Great hike, great scenery, and you'll feel it in your legs the next day.

Thank you

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Date of your route : Jun 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Departure very poorly signposted
Not obvious until point three

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