South face of the Petit Ballon from Linthal

The start is at the top of Linthal, at the wayside shrine at a fork in the road at a place called Nagelschmiede. Please note there is no car park; you must park at the side without obstructing traffic. If necessary, ask a local resident if you are causing any obstruction.

(S/E) Take Rue du Petit Ballon to the right of the wayside shrine, following the Club Vosgien ‘Red Triangle’ route up towards Petit Ballon. The path follows an unpaved track with shortcuts to bypass the hairpin bends. Continue to the final hairpin bend, where you leave the track for good.

(1) Continue along the path, which continues to climb, and avoid entering the Mullermat private property on the left. Continue along the same path until you reach a junction.

(2) Turn right, following the Yellow Rectangle signposting the Petit Ballon. The path descends slightly to a fork about a hundred metres further on, where you must turn left to resume the steady climb to a new junction signposting the summit of the Petit Ballon on the right.

(3) This route does not go via the summit, as there was a risk of a storm; however, it presents no difficulty for those wishing to go that way. Simply turn right towards Petit Ballon, then at the summit head back down towards Rothenbrunnen and Bockwassen (Blue Diamond). For our part, we continued straight on, following the Yellow Rectangle, until we reached the Guebwiller Friends of Nature refuge. In season, you can enjoy drinks and coffee there if volunteers are present. They will give you a warm welcome.

(4) To the left of the refuge, follow the Yellow Rectangle towards Bockwasen and Hilsenfirst. You’ll soon pass Bockwasen and climb slightly until you reach a junction with the GR^®.

(5) If necessary, you can take a shortcut and follow the^GR® to the left towards Hilsen. We turn right towards the Hilsenfirst Pass, which we reach quickly below.

(6) At the pass, follow the^GR® towards Hilsen on the left until you reach a track.

(7) Do not follow the Linthal path, which takes you too far down; turn left, staying on the^GR®, and follow it down through the hairpin bends. At the junction with a track, turn left.

(8) At one point, you come to a private property below; the path goes over it via an iron gate to the left of a large gate.

(9) Don’t miss the turn-off to the right; it’s easy to be drawn straight on. You’ll soon reach the road. Continue along the small road that descends from Hilsen to Linthal (for those who prefer the path, simply follow the^GR® signposted Linthal and Nagelschmieder). You’ll soon reach the starting point (S/E).

No water along the way, but drinks are available at the Friends of Nature refuge during the season.
As always, wear good walking shoes and bring protection against rain, sun and the cold. Even in the height of summer, the summit is cool and windy.
The markings by the Vosges club may have changed over time; they are described as seen on the day of the hike.
For those who prefer to avoid it, there is indeed a tarmac section at the start, about 500m long, and particularly the last two kilometres, if you don’t take the path. On the ascent, you follow long stretches of an unpaved but busy track used to access farms and chalets.

Lovely views over the Guebwiller valley and the Petit Ballon massif.