Country:
District:
On leaving the village of Wattwiller on the Route des Crêtes, park your vehicle at the junction with the road leading up to the Domaine du Hirtzenstein.
(S/E) Follow the road for 15 metres to cross the stream and immediately turn right onto the path that runs along the bank on the right-hand side. This path runs alongside meadows and woods.
(1) On the left side of the path, a little higher up, you will see a small bastion that defended the western side of the ravine. The 28th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion was in the area in late 1914 and early 1915. Continue along the path, which becomes increasingly steep and stony at the bottom of the ravine, until you reach the waterfall. Observe the slopes and rocky outcrops on both sides and the dense forest vegetation.
(2) A pretty waterfall cascades down the slope a few metres above the path. The path crosses the stream and turns sharply left onto the western slope. The atmosphere changes as you climb.
(3) Take the forest track to the right. It generally follows the contour line. Further on, continue to follow the track to the right. You will cross a valley and arrive at a crossroads, which is the highest point of this walk (691m). Take the path that descends to the right. This is the "Chemin des Dames" path (nothing to do with the one in the Aisne department...). The path descends gently towards the Hirtzenstein estate.
(4) Shortly before the Hirtzenstein estate, you will see a painted boundary marker on your right, evidence of the German army's presence in the area, facing the French, from 1914-1915. When you arrive at the Hirtzenstein estate, walk along the car park on the left to find the start of the botanical trail on the right.
(5) At the fork, continue straight ahead to the summit. There is a beautiful view of the valley towards Wattwiller and Cernay, then Mulhouse. Be careful not to fall, do not go near the edge! Retrace your steps.
(5) Continue along the botanical trail on your right. You will arrive at the edge of the Domaine du Hirtzenstein, where you will take a wide path on your left.
There are many different ways to descend to the finish line, with numerous paths running down the slope. You can take the path that descends gently in a straight line and turn right at the first clearly marked path. Continue for about 50 metres to reach a section of the fitness trail (note: this does not correspond exactly to the dotted line on the IGN map).
(6) Continue straight ahead along the slope for about 200 metres, then look to your right to discover a pretty tree house! Then retrace your steps.
(6) Continue along the path that descends (fitness trail section), winding several times, until you reach the road and the starting point (S/E).
Visorando member
Easy 
