CIRCUIT DEVANT LES CHICOTTES

An undulating rural and forested trail in the commune of Harsault. Red circle markings all along the route Start: Place de la mairie d'Harsault With your back to the town hall, turn right onto Rue du Centre, then right again. Continue straight on for 500m, then turn right, following the red circle markings. Follow the road downhill, and when you reach the gravel path, turn right twice, skirting the forest. When you reach a forest, continue straight ahead on a footpath, ignoring the various paths to the left and right on either side. Pass through fields and, at the crossroads, turn left onto the gravel path. Follow the path through the forest, and at the crossroads, turn left. Continue straight ahead. Bend slightly to the right, staying on the gently descending path. You'll come to three paths, so take the one on the right and head down through the fields to reach the forest. In the forest, take the left-hand path and go downhill until you reach the road. Go straight ahead and, at the give way sign, turn left to cross the Canal de l'Est. You can see an industrial site along the Canal des Vosges, reminiscent of the textile industry. The former Forge de Thunimont is also visible. The bridge here is a swing bridge, allowing boats to pass over the Canal. Turn right immediately onto the cycle path and follow the river. When you reach lock number 24, turn right twice to go up into the forest. Take the path on your left. At the crossroads, go straight ahead, then at the next crossroads, climb to the right. Follow the path and turn right at the crossroads. Continue straight ahead and when you reach the road, which climbs slightly and then descends, continue straight ahead. At the give way sign, turn right into the village of Harsault, then left and right after the cemetery to get back to the starting point. Many thanks to the Club Vosgien and the walking section of the MJC in Bains-les Bains for making this hike possible, and for the work they do all year round to mark out and maintain the trails.