Approach
Startpoint is the col de la Schlucht, 33 km from Colmar through the vallée de Munster or 13 km from Gérardmer (D 417)
Overview
This trail starts 100 m below the pass of the Col de la Schlucht, on the D 417 towards Munster. This itinerary follows one of the most beautiful routes through the wild mountain country of the Hautes-Vosges. Sentier des Roches means "rock trail". Partly cut through the rock, the path was traced by members of the Munster branch of the Club Vosgien in 1910. It is impracticable in winter. Even in early spring, the gullies are still blocked by snow and ice. The path goes along steep cliffs, crosses streams and, in the most difficult sections, follows stairways and crosses footbridges. It crosses granite scree and has a tunnel that opens onto fantastic viewpoints. The dangerous sections are equipped with handrails and barriers. The entire site is filled with exceptional flora, which is protected. The Vosges dairy cattle grazing in the meadows lends a real Alpine touch to the landscape...
Route Description
With a hiking time of appriximately 3h30, this somewhat challenging loop offers a splendid panorama of the Vosges, the Alsacian plain and the Black Forrest.
Departing from the Schlucht pass at 1139m, the Sentier des Roches (Rock Trail) begins on the right side of the road 50 meters after the collar direction Munster (blue rectangles),You go down in the wood. The first meters of the forest path are very practicable but then the way becomes more broken. The path is chiseled into the rock up to the abrupt slopes of the Montabey and the Trois Fours. Cables are present at the most difficult places. The route still calls for constant attention and a sure-footed approach. After some "amusing" passages, you arrive at a table of picnic which overhangs with half the chasm. Perfect to pay a pause, but attention to the children! To semi-way, you must pass by a hole in the rock. After a waterfall, you climb a little up and at the crossway you take the path at straight, you follow the car-track to reach the Frankenthal cirque, between the Hohneck and the impressive climbing wall of the Martinswand. Climb on the right the Frankenthal, pass near the peat-bog and reach with a steep path the col de Falimont (snowfields until june, chamois at daybreak).
From the collar, you reach the summit on the left in 15 minutes.
From the Hohneck, return to the Schlucht over the Trois Fours by passing by the top of the Martinswand.
Essential Gear
Telescopic sticks useful.