Kandel Tour from Gutach

The tour starts in Gutach. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, you can typically find public parking options within the town of Gutach to begin your ride.

No, this tour is considered a significant sporting challenge, especially the ascent to the Kandel summit. It's ideal for more athletic cyclists with good to very good fitness, and some sections may require advanced riding skills due to steep gradients and varied terrain.

The terrain is varied. You'll encounter a mix of paved roads, forest tracks, and unpaved surfaces. While the initial Kinzigtal cycle path near Gutach is largely flat, the climb towards the Kandel features significant gradients, up to 12% in some parts. Expect classic Black Forest gravel biking with extensive forest trails.

The tour offers stunning natural scenery and several viewpoints. You'll pass by the View of Gutach and Vögelestein, the View of Simonswald, and the Plattensee Reservoir. The highlight is the Kandel Summit Viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas over the region and the Rhine Valley.

The best time to ride is typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October). During these months, you can enjoy blooming meadows and dense forests. Winter rides are generally not recommended due to potential snow, ice, and challenging conditions on the higher elevations of the Kandel.

No, generally there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the public trails for gravel biking in the Black Forest region, including this route to the Kandel.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on this gravel tour. However, it's important to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near other trail users, and to always clean up after your pet.

Yes, the route intersects with several other trails. Notable sections include parts of the MTB X-ing Schwarzwald, Querweg Schwarzwald-Kaiserstuhl-Rhein, and the Kandel-Höhenweg. You'll also encounter smaller segments of trails like the Josef-Seger-Weg and various local forest paths.

This gravel tour covers a distance of approximately 46 kilometers (28.6 miles) with a significant elevation gain of about 1,260 meters (4,134 feet) on the ascent to the Kandel.

While the description doesn't specify particular cafes or pubs directly on the trail, the Black Forest region is known for its hospitality. You may find opportunities for refreshments in towns like Gutach at the start, or potentially near the Kandel summit, but it's always advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks.

Given the difficulty and length, you should bring a well-maintained gravel bike, appropriate cycling gear, plenty of water, energy-rich snacks, a repair kit, and navigation tools. Due to the significant elevation, layers of clothing are recommended to adapt to changing temperatures, especially at the summit.