A central theme of this tour is the forest itself: Large parts of the route run across former storm-damaged areas from Hurricane Lothar (December 26, 1999). Today, it is impressively evident how a diverse and stable mixed forest could develop from the destruction through natural regeneration .
Tour overview
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Start / Finish: Forest, Wood & Rafting Museum Gengenbach
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Region: Central Black Forest / Ortenau
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Character: Round trip
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Surface: Forest roads, woodland paths, short paved connecting sections
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Elevation profile: several steep but short ascents and descents
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Technical difficulty: easy to moderate
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Suitable for families: yes – especially the section from the market barn onwards.
The tour is more physically demanding than the distance would suggest, but thanks to the short climbs it remains easily rideable – even for less ambitious riders or with an e-MTB .
Here you can find the GPS data for the tour on Komoot.
Starting point: Forest, Wood & Rafting Museum Gengenbach
The starting point couldn't be more fitting: The Forest, Wood & Rafting Museum provides the perfect introduction to a tour that revolves entirely around forests, their uses, and their transformation. Within the first few kilometers, you leave the historic town center of Gengenbach and enter the wooded hills.
The paths here are well-developed and allow for a relaxed warm-up before the route gradually ascends towards Heiligenreute Pond .
Heiligenreute Pond: A haven of peace in the forest
The Heiligenreute pond is an idyllic place to stop. Surrounded by forest and with a tranquil atmosphere, this section is perfect for a short break. Especially in spring and summer, you can see how vibrant nature has become – a first taste of the mixed forest sections to come.
From here the terrain becomes somewhat more challenging, without becoming technically difficult.
To the Sägereck Hut – through the Lothar Forest
The trails to the Sägereck Hut lead through sections of forest heavily impacted by Hurricane Lothar . Where spruce trees once dominated, a diverse mix of deciduous and coniferous trees now grows. Wider forest tracks alternate with narrower sections – always easily navigable, but never boring.
The Sägereck hut itself is a classic rest stop and marks a first physical highlight of the tour.
Market barn: Family-friendly from here on
A key point on the route is the market barn . From here, the route becomes significantly more relaxed and is ideal for family-friendly rides . The climbs remain short, the paths are clearly laid out, and the terrain is less steep.
This section is ideal, especially for families with older children or beginners in mountain biking, as it combines exercise, nature experience and safety.
Via Ohlsbach to the Hohen Stein
After the market barn, the tour continues towards Ohlsbach . Here, open sections alternate with wooded stretches, offering frequent beautiful views of the Kinzig Valley. The subsequent climb to the Hohen Stein is one of the most striking of the tour: short, steep, but easily rideable – and with a definite reward.
Once you reach the top, a beautiful view opens up over the surrounding hills and forests. A perfect place to catch your breath before heading back down.
Return trip to Gengenbach
The return route to Gengenbach is mostly downhill or gently undulating. It remains technically easy, allowing you to consciously enjoy the last few kilometers. The mix of forest paths and open sections ensures that the tour never feels monotonous – not even in the final third.
Back in Gengenbach, the old town with its cafes and restaurants offers a relaxing end to the tour.
🧭 Tips for the tour
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Best time of year: Spring to autumn
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MTB or E-MTB: both are very suitable
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Rest stops: Heiligenreute pond, Sägereck hut, Hohen Stein
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Riding technique: no trails with S0/S1 characteristics, ideal for touring cyclists
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Respect nature: stay on the paths – many sections are sensitive forest areas.
This mountain bike loop starting in Gengenbach is a perfect example of how mountain biking , experiencing nature, and regional history can come together. The route impressively demonstrates how the Black Forest changed after Hurricane Lothar and is now characterized by stable mixed forests . Short, challenging climbs, relaxed sections, and its suitability for families make this tour a real recommendation for the MYVELO MTB blog.
