Cascade du Rudlin

Cascade du Rudlin is a picturesque waterfall between Plainfang and Le Valtin (east of Gerardmer) in the region Elzas lotharingen/Vosges, France.

From Gerardmer drive east to Colmar (D417) but then take the exit to the D23 to Le Valtin – 8km. Proceed following the D23 until you see a white chapel. A little further there is an exit to the right with a small parking and an information board (gps 48.119485, 7.041956). You also can park your car a little further at the “Auberge”.

It isn’t difficult to find cascade du Rudlin, the trailhead lies behind the Auberge and leads through the forrest. From the parking at the road it is a 1 kilometer walk uphill (25-35 minutes) with an ascend of 100 meter. If you don’t want to walk you also can drive up at the parking. Just after the parking go left and drive up appr. 5 minutes until you see a path with a sort of a parking, in a sharp bend of the road (gps 48.114945, 7.046130). April 20, 2023 I parked the car here and it was very muddy at the parking. 

The path to the waterfall was very easy and in 10 minutes I reached Cascade du Rudlin. When you hear the waterfall there is a small sign at the left up the path.  In one minute you are are at the base of Cascade du Rudlin with a single drop of appr. 9 meter. But the river keeps on cascading down in small drops. The surrounding is gorgeous and if you have time enough you better park your at the parking at the main road so you can enjoy nature. I was a little in a hurry…..

The waterfall is formed by the River Furon, which cascades down 65 meters into a rocky gorge below. The biggest single drop is 9 meters (see my pictures) . The sound of the rushing water, the mist created by the waterfall, and the lush greenery surrounding it all make for a truly mesmerizing experience.

One of the best ways to experience the Cascade du Rudlin is by taking a hike through the surrounding forest. There are several trails that lead to the waterfall, each offering unique views of the surrounding scenery. The most popular trail is the one that starts from the village of Autrans, which takes you through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

At the end of the trail, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent sight of the waterfall cascading down into the gorge. There is a viewing platform located near the waterfall, which offers a perfect vantage point to admire the beauty of the area.

The area is also popular with families to go for a short walk or for hikers who want to walk up to the lakes at the tof the mountain. Auberge Lac du Noir is one of them at an altitude of 980 meters. You also can drive up to the lake.

Aside from hiking, there are other activities to enjoy at the Cascade du Rudlin. The river is popular among kayakers and rafters, while the surrounding forest is a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. There are also picnic areas and benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

The Cascade du Rudlin is also steeped in history and mythology. According to local legend, the waterfall was created by a fairy who threw herself off the mountain in despair after her love was rejected. The waterfall was said to have been her tears, which turned into the river that flows through the area.

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About Cascade du Rudlin

CountryFrance
RegionElzas lotharingen/Vosges
LocationPlainfaing
RiverRuisseau de la Cascade
Height9m
Latitude48.110641
Longitude7.045350
Best visitWinter-early spring
Rating

Most nearby waterfalls

WaterfallDistance (linear)Rating
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