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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Montbéliard

Belfays

Top 5 Gorges around Belfays

Best canyons around Belfays are primarily found within the Doubs gorges, situated along the French-Swiss border. This region is characterized by deep limestone cliffs, the Doubs river, and numerous natural monuments. The landscape offers a mix of challenging trails, via ferratas, and scenic viewpoints. These canyons provide diverse outdoor experiences within a distinctive geological setting.

Best canyons around Belfays

  • The most popular canyons is The Ladders of Death, a gorge that is a route formed by three metal ladders and a Via Ferrata course suspended between cliffs. It features zip lines, Nepalese bridges, and cable bridges, offering a challenging experience along the French-Swiss border.
  • Another must-see spot is Combe de Biaufond, a wild gorge. It features a path with stainless steel ladders and wooden platforms running along the Ronde river. Visitors can expect a challenging trail through a boxed combe, with sections requiring careful navigation.
  • Visitors also love Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger, a challenging trail. It includes narrow, muddy sections, small stream crossings, and a ladder over rocks. The trail offers a unique experience through a lush, green environment with a waterfall.
  • Belfays is known for gorges, challenging trails, and natural monuments. The region offers a variety of canyons to see and explore, from technical via ferratas to scenic river paths.
  • The canyons around Belfays are appreciated by the komoot community, with 65 upvotes and 48 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: July 5, 2026

The Ladders of Death

Highlight • Gorge

The Ladders of Death are a route formed by three metal ladders. They also designate a Via ferrata course which is on the same site and which offers a circuit suspended between the cliffs of the Doubs gorges. Sensitive souls refrain. Breathtaking experience.

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Combe de Biaufond

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

Beautiful wild combe and very boxed with a path with ladders (stainless steel, we are still in Switzerland) and some pretty sections on wooden platform that run along the river Ronde. We can make the way back and forth, but we obviously recommend going up the ladders, which is less dangerous. The section has ladders and is therefore not recommended for young children (it's a white-red-white path), and it's also not suitable for dogs. Be careful, do not take this walk in case of rain or thunderstorm, the bed of the river can greatly increase! Once arrived at the junction called "Cul des Prés", you can continue a straight end to go see the small lake above the ladders. The combe is still in the canton of Bern. The walk ended, do not forget to say hello to Margrit and Jean-Claude Wenk, House Biaufond. It is also a cottage (not to be confused with the restaurant Biaufond, which is on the roadside and has a large terrace).

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Here it is no longer a walk. The path is narrow, muddy, you cross two small streams, over a piece over a ladder and runs on the hillside past rocks.

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View of the Doubs

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

This section of trail, along the Doubs and at the entrance to the Doubs gorges, offers you many magical viewpoints over the river and its environment.

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Popular around Belfays

Hiking around Belfays

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Tips from the Community

Samtpfötli 🐾🐾
June 17, 2025, Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger

This stage could be in the Amazon – green, greener, greenest… We didn't see any snakes or crocodiles, but the birdsong is unimaginable. Be careful, the trail is underwater in places during high water.

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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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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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Frank
September 24, 2023, Les Échelles de la Mort

The damaged ladder was replaced with a new one and is accessible again.

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Closed because a large boulder is blocking the route (as above since June 21, 2023).

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Closed for security reasons since June 21, 2023

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Dizzying scales with an exceptional point of view 🔥

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most challenging canyon experiences around Belfays?

For those seeking a challenge, The Ladders of Death offers a via ferrata course with zip lines, Nepalese bridges, and cable bridges. Another demanding option is Combe de Biaufond, a wild gorge featuring paths with stainless steel ladders and wooden platforms along the Ronde river, requiring careful navigation.

Are there any family-friendly canyon trails in the Belfays region?

Many of the canyons in the Doubs gorges, especially those involving ladders and challenging terrain, are not recommended for young children or dogs. For example, Combe de Biaufond is explicitly noted as unsuitable for young children and dogs due to its ladder sections. Always check specific trail details for suitability before heading out with family.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the canyons around Belfays?

The canyons around Belfays are characterized by deep limestone cliffs, the Doubs river, and lush, green environments. You'll encounter features like waterfalls, such as on the Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger, and stunning river views, particularly from spots like View of the Doubs.

What outdoor activities are available near the canyons of Belfays?

Beyond exploring the gorges, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Franco-Swiss Smugglers' Trail from Goumois' or 'Along the Doubs - Stage 3', which are detailed in the Hiking around Belfays guide. There are also extensive options for Road Cycling Routes around Belfays and MTB Trails around Belfays.

What is the best time to visit the canyons around Belfays?

While specific seasonal recommendations aren't provided, it's crucial to consider weather conditions. Trails like Combe de Biaufond are not recommended during rain or thunderstorms due to potential increases in river levels. Similarly, the Ladder Trail and Waterfall can be underwater in places during high water, suggesting drier periods are preferable for safety and accessibility.

Are there any easy canyon trails for beginners in Belfays?

Many of the highlighted canyon experiences, such as The Ladders of Death and Combe de Biaufond, are described as challenging. While specific 'easy' canyon trails aren't detailed, some sections or viewpoints along the Doubs river might offer less strenuous experiences. Always check the difficulty ratings for specific routes.

What should I know about the difficulty of trails in the Doubs gorges?

Trails in the Doubs gorges, particularly those within the canyons, often feature challenging sections. This can include narrow, muddy paths, stream crossings, and ladders over rocks, as seen on the Ladder Trail and Waterfall. Some routes, like The Ladders of Death, involve via ferrata elements, requiring specific equipment and experience.

What do visitors enjoy most about the canyons in Belfays?

Visitors appreciate the unique and often breathtaking experiences offered by the canyons. The challenging nature of routes like The Ladders of Death, with its zip lines and bridges, provides a memorable adventure. The stunning scenery, including lush environments and waterfalls, also receives high praise, as noted for the Ladder Trail and Waterfall.

Are there any specific safety considerations for exploring the canyons?

Yes, safety is paramount. For challenging routes like The Ladders of Death, appropriate gear for via ferrata is essential. For trails along rivers, such as Combe de Biaufond, it's crucial to avoid visiting during heavy rain or thunderstorms as river levels can rise significantly and quickly. Always be aware of muddy, narrow, and potentially slippery sections.

Can I bring my dog on canyon trails around Belfays?

Some canyon trails are explicitly not suitable for dogs. For instance, the path through Combe de Biaufond, with its ladders and challenging sections, is not recommended for dogs. Always check the specific trail information or local regulations regarding pets before planning your visit.

Where can I find scenic viewpoints of the Doubs river and gorges?

Many trails offer stunning views of the Doubs river and its gorges. A dedicated highlight, View of the Doubs, is specifically noted for offering magical viewpoints over the river and its environment. Other challenging routes, like The Ladders of Death, also provide superb landscapes from belvederes along the cliff.

What is the 'Ladder Trail and Waterfall in Parc naturel régional du Doubs Horloger' like?

This challenging trail is known for its lush, green environment, with visitors comparing it to the Amazon. It features narrow, muddy sections, small stream crossings, and a ladder over rocks. It's a unique experience leading to a waterfall, though parts of the trail can be underwater during high water periods.

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Already discovered everything in this region? See additional gorges around Belfays for your next adventure:

Fournet-BlancherocheCharquemontFrambouhansLes ÉcorcesCharmauvillersDamprichardMaîcheCernay-L'ÉgliseBurnevillersGlèreIndevillersThiébouhansUrtièreL'Hôpital-Saint-LieffroyBranneFessevillersFerrières-Le-LacGoumoisTrévillers

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