Loop trail Gertelbach waterfall and Schonwald Falkenfelsen.

This varied route follows the Gertelbach with its many small waterfalls and takes us past a series of intriguing rock formations (Felsen). All this in the setting of the beautiful black forest.
Along the way we frequently pass places with splendid views.

The walk starts from a parking lot on the Gertelbach straße near Bühlertal.
We first walk a short distance on an asphalt road and then we soon enter the forest where we continue on easy paths and unpaved roads until we arrive at the Gertalbach stream.
From there we go uphill on a path that meanders along the stream. Occasionally there are steps to make walking easier. We see many small waterfalls in an environment dominated by the presence of large boulders. The most impressive waterfall is at the end of the intervall that we walk along the stream. Once past this point, the route is less steep and the walking becomes much easier.
About half a kilometer after we have left the Gertelbach we arrive at our first panorama point: Wiedenfelsen. We follow a path that takes us on top of the rock formation from where we have a scenic view over the Rhine plain.
Then we continue through beautiful forests until we reach the Maria Frieden church at Plättig. This church, which also stands on top of a rock, boasts some beautiful stained glass windows.
In the part that follows we walk through extensive forests and from time to time we pass the impressive rock formations that are typical for this area. At several of these we will leave the main trail and take a path that brings us to the top of the rocks so that we can enjoy the panoramas.
On one of them we find the Herta Hütte in which we can find shelter from rain and sun.
After the Herta Hütte we come over a short stretch that is a bit more difficult to walk and also more complicated to find. But this is worth it because it is a very beautiful piece of nature. This brings us to the Brockenfelsen which is the last rock in the series. This leaves another part through the forest until we are back at our starting point.

Some additional information:
The route is designed in a counter clockwise direction.
Time spent: total = 7 hours 51 minutes of which moving = 3 hours 12 minutes.
There are picnic tables after 1,4 and 1,9 and 6,5 kilometers from the start.
There is no drinking water along the way.
The track is moderate from a technical point of view. Sturdy shoes and walking sticks are a plus.
In summer, most of the route is shaded.

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Disclaimer.

I have personally performed and then downloaded the route described, along with the track and waypoints, based on my personal experience. However, it is important to note that these should be considered as general guides and not precise instructions. Trails may not always accurately represent the exact itinerary due to factors such as weak satellite reception during GPS recording, especially in areas with ravines, deep gorges, dense forests, and similar conditions. Furthermore, the situation of the hiking trails may change over time, meaning that the descriptions given no longer correspond to the current situation.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual undertaking these trails to take appropriate safety measures, which should be tailored to the specific difficulty level and be in accordance to the prevailing weather conditions. Additionally, it should be realized that one's technical and physical preparedness play a crucial role in ensuring a safe hiking experience.

I strongly recommend hiking with a companion when venturing into the mountains. Always inform a friend or family member of your itinerary and estimated time of return. Ensure that your phone has a sufficient battery charge, and carry an adequate supply of water, food, and appropriate shelter for the season and the chosen route.

Please commit to leaving the natural environment as pristine as you found it, or even better. This way, we can all continue to enjoy the beauty of these trails, leaving behind only the traces of our footsteps.