Extrem-Extrem Sauerland - Gorge and bridge trail

Hikers will find the overview map and the entrance to the gorge and bridge trail at the entrance to the Winterberg spa gardens in the area of the hiking information portal, directly on the Rothaarsteig.The themed trail signposts lead you to the circular trail (1 yellow dot indicates the outward route to Lake Constance). Close to the town, below Bahnhofstrasse, the trail begins far above the valley floor and you can only guess what awaits you in this romantic valley under the dense canopies of leaves. Leaving the first steps behind you, you cross the first bridge. Small waterfalls and rushing water along the Rothaarsteig, which then branches off to the left. You turn right into the valley. The path then forks to the right and you cross the bridge on the left and walk 122 meters down into the valley. Hardwoods grow here with maple, beech, birch, alder and many shrubs and further down is a coniferous forest with large spruce trees. You descend to Lake Constance, a natural and fishing lake, and hike around it on the right to the eastern shore. There you will find the second exit portal from the direction of Elkeringhausen with a rest area and parking lot. Continue around Lake Constance along the fishing spots and set off here on the return route of the circular trail (2 yellow dots now indicate the way back to the town). Along the "Helle" stream, you walk over bridges, 61 steps and serpentines up to the fork in the path, where you continue to the right. At the next bridge, you will see numerous water channels that have carved deep into the rock. Enjoy this breathtaking nature on the bench in the middle of the stream. Then walk out of the valley to the right over the bridge you have already crossed once and up to the sunny side of the valley. After the ascent, walk to the left, along rugged rock faces overgrown with dense moss and lush ferns, along the wide path with the last bridge back to Winterberg. After an impressive hike through the Helletal Nature Park, you have earned a refreshment stop there. Or you can refresh your legs in the treading pool in the Winterberg spa gardens.Path scout/Copyright: Winterberg Tourist Office, Peter Korn