The best gravel rides around Storckensohn
4.3
(22)
288
riders
10
rides
Gravel biking around Storckensohn is defined by its location within the Vosges Mountains foothills, offering diverse elevations from 450 meters to peaks reaching 1220 meters. The region features extensive forest cover, providing shaded trails and woodland paths suitable for gravel riding. Varied topography includes small valleys, challenging ascents, and unpaved paths, making it ideal for exploring the natural landscapes of the Regional Natural Park of Ballons des Vosges. Glacial lakes like Lac des Perches and Neuweiher Lake also offer scenic…
Last updated: November 3, 2026
4.3
(3)
54
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.3
(4)
45
riders
34.4km
02:26
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
8
riders
34.5km
02:27
790m
790m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(1)
16
riders
37.3km
02:57
1,020m
1,020m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
13
riders
109km
08:04
2,810m
2,810m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Tips from the Community
The Ferme-Auberge du Haag is a traditional mountain inn located near the Col du Haag (1233 m), at the foot of the Grand Ballon. For generations, the farms on the higher Vosges ridges have been welcoming hikers, cyclists, and winter sports enthusiasts. The Haag farm is situated in the middle of mountain pastures, with a beautiful view over the southern Vosges and the Grand Ballon.
6
0
When you drive from the Route des Crêtes towards Le Grand Ballon, you pass the Col du Haag (1233 m) almost unnoticed. Yet, this pass marks a special point on the southern flank of the highest mountain in the Vosges. Here, steep roads from the Thurdal leave the wooded slopes and reach the open heights of the massif. From the col, a typical Vosges landscape unfolds with mountain meadows, scattered farms, and sweeping views. The proximity of the Grand Ballon is felt everywhere: the imposing summit towers above the pass and forms the natural goal of the final climbing kilometers. For cyclists, the Col du Haag is mainly known as the point where difficult climbs from the valleys converge before the road continues to rise to the highest point of the Vosges.
6
0
Le Markstein (1184 m) is meer dan alleen een kruispunt op de Route des Crêtes. Het is echter een echte bergpas en het hoogste punt van de oversteek tussen het Lauch- en Thurdal. Het ligt in het hart van het Vogezenmassief, midden een populair wintersportgebied dat nauw verbonden is met de Grand Ballon
6
0
Le Markstein is a well-known winter sports and outdoor resort in the High Vosges, located at an altitude between 1020 and 1268 meters. The resort is situated directly on the iconic Route des Crêtes and forms an important crossroads and recreational area within the municipalities of Oderen and Lauw (near Wildenstein). At Le Markstein, you will find several traditional Fermes-Auberges and hotels where you can taste the local repas marcaire (a traditional hearty meal from the Vosges). Additionally, the location has gained significant fame in cycling; it is regularly the setting for tough mountain stages in the Tour de France (and the Tour de France Femmes), often as the final challenge after the climbs of Petit Ballon and Platzerwasel.
6
0
The Route des Crêtes (from the D430 near Rothenbach) is one of the most beautiful ridge roads in Europe. The road was originally built in 1914 by the French army to supply the troops at the front during World War I. Today, it is an iconic panoramic route that connects the main peaks of the Vosges.
1
0
The Route des Crêtes (the D430 near Rothenbach) is one of the most beautiful ridge routes in Europe. The road was originally built in 1914 by the French army to supply troops at the front in World War I. Today, it is an iconic panoramic route that connects the main peaks of the Vosges.
6
0
There are no restaurants or cafes at the summit of the Col de Bramont itself. However, the pass serves as a strategic junction. From the summit, you can directly connect to the famous Route des Crêtes (the D431), which links the main mountain peaks of the Vosges. This allows you to easily cycle or hike to larger attractions nearby, such as the Col de la Schlucht, the Hohneck, or the Grand Ballon. The climb is enjoyable due to its 12 hairpin bends on the southern flank (Kruth).
7
0
The Col d' Oderen is an 8.2 kilometer climb. This is a category 3 climb. It is located in Cornimont, Lorraine, France. The average gradient of this climb is 3.9% with a maximum of 6%. The Col d' Oderen rises from 573 meters at the start to 885 meters at the top, with a total of 312 meters of elevation gain.
7
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Storckensohn?
There are over 20 gravel bike trails documented on komoot around Storckensohn, all offering challenging rides through the Vosges Mountains foothills. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly gravel bike trails in Storckensohn?
The gravel biking routes around Storckensohn are generally considered difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and challenging terrain suitable for experienced riders. Currently, there are no easy or moderate routes listed in this guide.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see on these gravel bike routes?
You'll experience diverse landscapes, from the village's valley setting to higher peaks like the Tête des Perches. Routes often traverse extensive forest cover, offering shaded trails and picturesque woodland paths. You can also expect panoramic views from elevated areas such as the Rimbachkopf and Col des Perches, and potentially glimpses of nearby lakes like Lake Kruth-Wildenstein.
What are some of the longer gravel bike routes in the area?
Some of the longer routes include the Col des Croix – Ballon de Servance loop from Bussang, which spans about 80 kilometers, and the Col du Page Memorial (957 m) – Col du Bramont (Southwest) loop from Bussang, covering approximately 65 kilometers.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Storckensohn?
Yes, all the featured gravel bike routes in this guide are circular loops, designed to bring you back to your starting point. Examples include the Markstein – Grand Ballon loop from Geishouse and the Ballon d'Alsace – Rue du Ballon d'Alsace. loop from Fontaine Minerale.
What interesting places or landmarks can I see along the gravel bike trails?
Many routes offer views of significant natural features and mountain passes. You might pass by points like Markstein, Ballon d'Alsace, or Haag Pass. The area is also close to the Grand Ventron National Nature Reserve, offering diverse natural environments.
Is Storckensohn suitable for family-friendly gravel biking?
Given that all listed routes are categorized as difficult with significant elevation, Storckensohn's gravel trails are generally not recommended for families with young children or those seeking very easy, flat rides. The terrain is more suited for experienced gravel bikers.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Storckensohn?
The Vosges Mountains region is best for gravel biking from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally milder, and the trails are more accessible. Winter can bring snow and ice, making many routes impassable or significantly more challenging.
Are there opportunities for cafe stops or places to eat along the routes?
While specific cafe stops are not detailed for every route, many trails start or pass through villages like Storckensohn itself, where you might find local amenities. The village is known for its historical oil mill, which could be an interesting stop.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about Storckensohn?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the challenging ascents, the diverse unpaved paths, and the scenic beauty of the Vosges Mountains foothills and extensive forest tracks.
Is public transport available to reach the gravel trailheads in Storckensohn?
Information regarding specific public transport links directly to gravel trailheads in Storckensohn is not readily available. It is generally advisable to plan for personal vehicle transport to reach the starting points of these routes.
Where can I find parking for gravel biking in Storckensohn?
As Storckensohn is a village, you can typically find parking within the village itself or at designated parking areas near popular trailheads. It's always a good idea to check local signage for parking regulations.
Most popular routes around Storckensohn
Most popular attractions around Storckensohn
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
