Peat bogs and scenic trail starting from Col de Menufosse

Overlooking the upper Moselotte valley, you will discover the secrets of the high-altitude peat bogs nestled in the Rondfaing fir forests. The return trail, which runs along a balcony, offers superb views all the way to the end, especially in autumn. This is a very easy hike, accessible to all, including children.

Details

64824527
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.00 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 105 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 100 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,061 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 968 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Access: from Vagney, head towards Col de la Croix des Moinats via the D34. 1.2 km before the pass, turn left towards Col de Menufosse, which you will reach 1.4 km further on. Park in the small car park.

(S/E) Take the path that passes in front of the shelter (marked Chevalet Bleu).

(1) Quickly take the first path on the left (marked with a red diamond) towards "Pierre des Quatre Communes". Enter the forest, pass in front of the Rondfaing bog (information panel) and continue to the Pierre des Quatre Communes : viewpoint over the valley, orientation table, bench and picnic table.

(2) From the summit, descend into the forest towards Gemnaufaing, initially following the red diamond markings.

(3) Leave the path and descend to the left along the trail marked with yellow discs.

(4) At the crossroads, head straight ahead towards Jemnaufaing, following the red diamond markings, until you reach the vast Jemnaufaing peat bog: do not enter it, as there are water holes. Pass the retaining dyke.

(5) Immediately turn right onto the red diamond-marked path until you exit the fir/spruce forest.

(6) Continue right along the superb panoramic path (Chevalet Bleu) overlooking Haut de Presles.

(7) At the junction with the small road leading to La Roche des Chats, continue slightly uphill to the right along the Chevalet Bleu marked path, which will take you back to the initial fork.

(1) Continue straight on to Col de Menufosse (S/E). 

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 968 m - Col de Menufosse (966m)
  2. 1 : km 0.32 - alt. 987 m - Crossroads of the circular
  3. 2 : km 1.48 - alt. 1,061 m - La Pierre des 4 Communes
  4. 3 : km 1.67 - alt. 1,042 m - Fork in the road. Yellow disc
  5. 4 : km 2.2 - alt. 1,013 m - Crossroads, direction Jemnaufaing, Losange Rouge
  6. 5 : km 2.67 - alt. 1,001 m - Étang et Tourbière de Jemnaufaing (Rochesson)
  7. 6 : km 3.42 - alt. 1,014 m - Towards Col Menufosse, Chevalet Bleu
  8. 7 : km 4.46 - alt. 1,000 m - Road junction, on the right, Chevalet Bleu
  9. S/E : km 5.99 - alt. 968 m - Col de Menufosse (966m)

Notes

Shelter with table at the starting point (S/E).
Picnic bench and table at the summit of Pierre des Quatre Communes.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 8 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
mondemeilleur88
mondemeilleur88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 19, 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, especially in autumn with varied landscapes. It is easy, and the elevation gain is manageable for everyone.

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User 8163211

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely short hike with magnificent views of the blue line of the Vosges mountains and beautiful forest trails through tall fir trees
Walk in the opposite direction to enjoy the view even more.
Easy with children, and ripe wild raspberries on the way back.

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User 5236538

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike.
Ideal for families as it's not too steep and has some beautiful sections (forests, dense vegetation, valleys, magnificent views, etc.). We were a group of 20 people and everyone loved this hike. 🥾

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Cathy21200
Cathy21200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this itinerary, which we really enjoyed.
We set off late in the morning when there were few people in the car park.
We combined this hike with another one: Peat bogs and scenic trail starting from the Col de Ménufosse.
This gave us a total of 13 km with an elevation gain of 370 m.
The scenery is very pretty and we enjoyed eating in the sun facing the Gemnaufaing pond.
The scenery is very pretty and wild!
When we returned, the car park was full!

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Spe60
Spe60

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant discovery with magnificent views. We were lucky enough to do it during lunchtime, as the car park was quite busy afterwards.
I would definitely come back.

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Isaabelle
Isaabelle

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful, easily accessible hike offering stunning views. It was very sunny on 1 November, so there were lots of people out enjoying it – we weren't the only ones! But don't worry, the paths are wide enough for everyone to pass each other.
Thank you for this beautiful route.

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RandoLuc
RandoLuc

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Excellent hike, varied forests, peat bogs, magnificent landscapes on this sunny autumn day, little elevation gain.
Thanks to the creator.

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COPA
COPA

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2024
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, very open with magnificent views and easy going. The picnic table is very well located, offering a beautiful panorama.
Worth doing again!

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