The best gravel rides around Cornimont

There are over 80 gravel bike trails around Cornimont. While some are moderate, the majority, 73 routes, are classified as difficult, offering significant challenges and rewards for experienced riders.

The terrain around Cornimont is diverse, featuring dense forests, rolling landscapes, and the Moselotte Valley. You'll encounter varied ascents and descents, from valley floors to mountain passes, providing a good mix for gravel cyclists.

While many routes are challenging, the region's Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges, incorporated into routes like the Crosery Gorges loop, is built on old railway lines. These sections offer a flatter, multi-activity path that can be more suitable for families, though specific family-friendly gravel routes are fewer among the more difficult options.

Many routes offer stunning natural beauty. You can ride towards the serene Lake Lispach, as seen on the View of Lake Lispach – Lac de Retournemer loop from Cornimont. The region also features dense forests, rolling landscapes, and open views of the Moselotte Valley. You might also encounter the Mérelle Waterfall on some routes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 90 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the challenging ascents, and the beautiful natural scenery, especially the dense forests and tranquil lakes.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Cornimont are loops. For example, the popular Col des Feignes (Sous-Vologne) – Lispach Lake loop from Basse des Feignes and the Virgin Pass – Col de Bramont loop from Col de la Vierge are excellent circular options.

The Hautes-Vosges region is beautiful in spring, summer, and autumn. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Winter can bring snow, making some higher elevation trails challenging or impassable for gravel biking.

Beyond natural features, you might pass by interesting points like the Ferme Auberge du Frankenthal, which is a mountain farm inn. The region also has various huts and refuges, such as the Chalet/Refuge of the Three Ovens, which can serve as points of interest or rest stops.

While the focus is on natural landscapes, some routes may pass through or near small villages where you can find local amenities. Mountain farm inns like the Ferme Auberge du Frankenthal or the Schallern Inn can offer refreshment opportunities.

Most of the gravel routes around Cornimont are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and technical sections. However, sections of the Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges, which is a multi-activity path on old railway lines, offer a gentler experience suitable for those new to gravel biking or looking for a less strenuous ride.

One of the longer and more challenging routes is the Crosery Gorges – Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges loop from Cornimont, which spans approximately 56 kilometers (34.6 miles) and involves nearly 900 meters of elevation gain.

Absolutely. Cornimont is a 'nature commune' with over 130 km of marked hiking trails. The Voie Verte des Hautes-Vosges is also suitable for walking and rollerblading. You can also find opportunities for fishing in the Moselotte River or Lake Lispach, making it easy to combine your ride with other outdoor pursuits.

While many routes focus on Lake Lispach, some trails in the broader area might offer glimpses or access to other beautiful bodies of water. The Lake Longemer is a notable natural monument in the region, and routes passing through its vicinity would provide views.