The best walks and hikes around Les Écorces
4.4
(385)
2,276
hikers
113
hikes
Hiking around Les Écorces, located in the Doubs department of France, offers trails through a landscape characterized by dense forests and varied elevations. The region features numerous viewpoints and rocky outcrops, providing diverse terrain for outdoor activities. Trails often lead through woodlands and offer scenic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Best hiking trails around Les Écorces
- The most popular hiking route is Cendré Viewpoint loop from Parcours accrobranche, a 3.2 miles (5.2 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.7
(18)
46
hikers
5.17km
01:31
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
25
hikers
13.9km
04:35
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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5.0
(1)
17
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(3)
13
hikers
18.1km
05:40
630m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.4
(5)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
maybe space for a tent as well, but might not be super flat
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Please note that most of the photos associated with the route are photos of the via ferrata and the names of the ladders themselves, which are very solid stairs and not rope bridges! It is perfectly feasible for hiking, even if the height can be disconcerting.
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Everything is in good working order. A beautiful experience, thank you to whomever keeps this maintained and safe!
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great via ferrata with beautiful views of the Jura
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This small bridge takes you through the 'green' border over the Doubs.
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This border crossing is more for hikers or mountain bikers.
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A few years ago I stayed here in the old Hotel la Rasse on the French side and ate trout. The hotel is now closed - a shame - it was very authentic in a great landscape.
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This 500 meters long via ferrata with a 100 meters positive difference in altitude takes place on the French-Swiss border, in the grandiose and vertiginous setting of the Doubs gorges which for a long time sheltered the smuggling activities between these two countries. Very playful and vertiginous with ladders, footbridges, a zip line, cable and Nepalese bridges, it is certainly one of the most beautiful and impressive via ferrata of the region. After a few minutes of walking on a path, the course begins in the beautiful vertical limestone cliff by a first ladder soon followed by a Nepalese bridge, a beam and a slightly overhanging dihedral. This is the most physical part of the route, and it precedes the first escape route that leads to the Cendrée lookout. The next section offers a short, slightly overhanging passage, then a Tibetan bridge made of logs and a 42-meter-long "3-strand" cable bridge, both of which test your balance. The itinerary continues across a ledge (second possible escape route), takes a descending ladder, crosses a new cable bridge ("2 strands" this time), then goes up vertically by exploiting the weaknesses of the wall. The ladder and the beam that follow announce the long 60 meter zip line that can be avoided via the third escape route (but that would be a shame!). A last beam and a steep and original rope ladder bring you to the end of the via ferrata. A safe path follows the cliff, passes by the belvedere where you can still admire the superb landscapes, then follows the route of the smugglers of yesteryear before bringing you back to the parking lot. (https://www.directmountain.com/en/activities/807-via-ferrata-charquemont/)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Les Écorces?
There are over 115 hiking trails around Les Écorces. This includes a wide range of options, with 32 easy routes, 73 moderate trails, and 10 more challenging hikes, ensuring something for every ability level.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Les Écorces?
Hiking around Les Écorces features a diverse landscape. You can expect trails through dense woodlands, varied elevations, and numerous rocky outcrops. Many routes offer scenic vistas from various viewpoints across the surrounding countryside.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Les Écorces?
Yes, Les Écorces offers several easy routes suitable for families. For example, the Cendré Viewpoint loop from Parcours accrobranche is an easy 3.2-mile (5.2 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete, offering pleasant views.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to see while hiking?
The region is rich in natural features. You can explore dramatic gorges like The Ladders of Death and Combe de Biaufond. There's also Le Gros-Crêt, a prominent summit, and the unique Stepping Stones on the Doubs River.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
Yes, many trails around Les Écorces are circular. A popular moderate option is the Cendré Viewpoint – Sur les Roches Viewpoint loop from Fournet-Blancheroche, which is 5.3 miles (8.6 km) and takes around 2 hours 55 minutes, leading through woodlands and past viewpoints.
How long do hikes typically take in Les Écorces?
Hiking durations vary significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. Easy routes, like the Cendré Viewpoint loop, can be completed in about 1 hour 30 minutes. More challenging trails, such as the difficult The Ladders of Death – Cendré Viewpoint loop, can take over 5 hours 30 minutes.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Les Écorces?
The trails in Les Écorces are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 370 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the varied terrain, the dense woodlands, and the numerous scenic viewpoints.
Are there any huts or shelters along the hiking routes?
Yes, there are several huts and shelters in the vicinity. Notable options include the Torret Shelter and the Les Échelles de la Mort Chapel Shelter, which can provide a resting point during your hike.
Can I find challenging hikes in the area?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, there are 10 difficult routes available. An example is the The Ladders of Death – Cendré Viewpoint loop from Parcours accrobranche, an 18 km (11.2 miles) trail with significant elevation changes.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Les Écorces?
While specific seasonal details are not provided, the Doubs department, where Les Écorces is located, generally offers pleasant hiking conditions from spring through autumn. The lush forests are particularly vibrant in spring and autumn, and the varied elevations can provide cooler air during warmer months.
Are there any moderate difficulty hikes that offer great views?
Yes, many moderate trails combine varied terrain with excellent viewpoints. The Cendré Viewpoint – The Ladders of Death loop from Info Escalade is an 8.9-mile (14.4 km) moderate route that features both varied terrain and impressive viewpoints, including the dramatic Ladders of Death gorge.
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