Moderator's note added on 26/08/2021: Some hikers have found this hike to be quite difficult in certain sections. See the reviews at the bottom of this page.
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Leave your car in the car park of the Ballon farmhouse inn, on the right-hand side of the road when coming from Lepuix or Sewen.
(S/E) Climb to the summit of Ballon d'Alsace via the obvious, marked trail that starts at the back of the car park, behind the farmhouse inn. After the first left turn, take the large staircase on the right. Observe the wind-deformed beech trees, stunted by the harsh climate. Pass the statue of the Virgin Mary and reach the summit, marked by the orientation table (360° panorama).
(1) From the summit, follow the red rectangle markings on the right (east) to reach the Rundkopf or Ronde Tête. The path descends steeply through the undergrowth, among the rocks, and can be wet and slippery. Arrive at the pretty Col de Ronde Tête in a beautiful setting typical of the Vosges. Don't forget to turn around to see the imposing summit of the Ballon d'Alsace.
(2) Cross the pass on the left and follow the blue ring trail, which runs along the northern slope of the Ballon d'Alsace. It is steep and spectacular, with viewpoints, rocks, cliffs and springs. This trail offers a completely different atmosphere from that of the summit. There are several viewpoints along the way. Some sections require caution, but none are dangerous. However, this trail is not suitable for people who are not equipped and/or experienced. This will take you to La Jumenterie, located at about the same altitude as the Col de Ronde Tête.
(3) Do not descend towards La Jumenterie, which you can see on the right, but head for the foot of the ski lift on the left, following the red disc markings. Follow this path to the statue of Joan of Arc.
(4) Then turn left (east) and take the wide track leading up to the summit.
(5) At a fork, take the well-marked path on the left that leads away from the track. Follow it, keeping to the right to return to the summit. This beautiful, spectacular path offers superb views of the landscapes you have just crossed (Roches de Morteville). The atmosphere is very alpine with low vegetation buffeted by the wind. The path is not dangerous; the warning signs are mainly there for skiers. The balcony-like location at the top of a steep slope is very pleasant, with magnificent views overlooking the surrounding area.
(6) Align yourself with the fence on the right and leave the trail through the meadows to reach the summit.
(1) Take the wide track you took on the way up and descend in a few comfortable hairpin bends to the car park (S/E).
. There are several passages (between 2 and 3) that can already be described as "difficult" (especially for the Vosges), even if they are doable in summer (but I dare not imagine the streams and wet rocks in winter). Admittedly, it's not Mont Blanc, but it's still more than "average" (especially compared to other hikes in this category in the region).
Visorando member
Easy 
Difficult 
Local authority
Very difficult 
