Nestled in the forest a few kilometres from the small town of Tholy, the Grande Cascade de Tendon, at 32 metres, is the highest waterfall in the Vosges. In the height of summer, it offers a refreshing respite. In winter, when frost takes hold, it transforms into an ice sculpture. A very pleasant walk from your campsite in the Vosges.
The Great Tendon Waterfall
The Grande Cascade de Tendon waterfall is easy to reach from your campsite in the Vosges. On the D11 road connecting the villages of Tholy and Tendon, the waterfall is on your left, halfway between the two villages. A clearly visible sign indicates where to turn. There is a car park at the end of a narrow road that leads to the foot of the waterfall. The waterfall is only a few metres from the car park, making it easily accessible, even for those who are unable to hike.
The Scouet stream forms the waterfall. In the middle of the forest, it plunges from a height of around 30 metres to form a waterfall. The waterfall makes three successive jumps along a granite cliff. At 32 metres, it is the highest waterfall in the Vosges. Although it remains beautiful all year round, it is in spring or autumn that it is most worth discovering, when the stream’s flow is at its highest and the waterfall is at its most spectacular.
Circuit between the Great and Little Tendon Waterfalls
About 2 km downstream from the Grande Cascade de Tendon, the Scouet forms another waterfall, the Petite Cascade de Tendon. Much lower (about 5 metres), it is nonetheless spectacular due to its location between two granite walls. The Petite Cascade de Tendon is also located near a car park, which is also accessible from the D11. If you don’t want to walk, you can visit both waterfalls one after the other. However, if you feel like going for a walk, you can connect the two waterfalls via a hiking trail that runs alongside the Scouet. Whether you start with the large or small waterfall, the route is clearly marked and very easy to follow. Allow approximately 1 hour for the round trip. The more adventurous may prefer the loop that connects the two waterfalls. Once you reach the small waterfall, continue on towards the Bois de la Crostille. This route is longer and more challenging. Allow about 2½ hours with a 200-metre elevation gain. However, it is a very beautiful walk, mostly through the woods. It is therefore ideal for hot days in the Vosges.
If you don’t feel like walking, you don’t always have to take the car. At certain times of the year, horse-drawn carriage rides take you from one waterfall to another. Allow an hour and €12 per adult.
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