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TAKE A HIKE — The Kaiserslautern Military Community’s monthly volksmarching feature.
Volksmarching Notes
• As of this writing, no travel restrictions are in place for neighboring countries. When considering participation at events outside of Germany, volksmarchers are advised to check with their command for any new travel restrictions.
• Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started KA.”
• Many thanks to Spangdahlem’s volksmarchers Pat & Cheryl Patterson and Ramstein’s Lew Harrison & Johnette Scott for providing the event brochures that help make this feature possible.
• Take a moment to grab a set of brochures from the Werber table and send them via no-cost MPS to Donald Seltzer, PSC 2 Box 10684, APO AE 09012.
• Got a comment? Found something you’d like to correct? Want to change ‘unknown’ to a useful trail description? Write me at volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Feedback KA.”
• Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the newspaper editor? The complete, unedited version of the monthly volksmarching feature is available in its original Word document format by sending an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with “Subscribe KA” in the subject line.
• Find additional event choices at http://www.herald-union.com/ and look for the Travel and Leisure section.
Weekend of Jan. 28-29
Contz-les-Bains, France (F-57480) — This event is adjacent to the French border, roughly midway between Merzig, Germany, and Luxembourg City. KMC’s wanderers will find the drive is almost entirely on the autobahn making it relatively easy to reach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and toward Luxembourg City. After Perl, the autobahn becomes A13 once the border is crossed. Immediately after entering Luxembourg, use exit 13 to the end of the ramp and turn right onto the road designated 152. Follow this road south to France and the town of Contz-les-Bains using IVV signs.
Start: Mille-Club on rue du Stade Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown, expect wooded areas Award: None.
Gaasperech (Gasperich), Luxembourg (L-2451) — This event is located in a southern suburb of Luxembourg City and may be reached in about 90 minutes from the KMC. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 8 to Perl and the border. Cross the Mosel River into Luxembourg and continue on A13 to Bettembourg. Connect with Autoroute A3/E25 north toward Luxembourg City, then exit at Hesperange/Luxembourg-Gasperich. Use CR231 to reach the start at Gaasperech (Gasperich).
Start: Hall omnisports zu Gaasperech at 4, rue G. Rossini Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Grosbliederstroff, France (F-57520) — This French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and almost literally on the border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 to connect briefly with Autobahn 620 at Saarbrücken. Exit at Saarbrücken-St. Arnual (19), take the third exit from the roundabout at the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Saargemünder Straße (likely at a traffic light) to head south under the A6 and parallel to the river. The road becomes Rue de Sarrebruck (N61) upon crossing the border into France. Continue a short ways to Grosbliederstroff.
Start: Salle de Jeux et Loisirs on rue des Fermes Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Hinsbourg, France (F-67290) — Here’s a volksmarch that requires more than a bit of driving but provides an opportunity to explore the sort-of-nearby town of Haguenau or Strasbourg. The event is southwest of both Pirmasens and Bitche, France. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 (a toll road with automated collection booths) toward Strasbourg and use the Phalsbourg exit (44). Use secondary roads through Phalsbourg, Eschbourg, and La Petite-Pierre to reach Hinsbourg and the start.
Start: Salle polyvalente on rue Principale Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Feb. 4-5
Kleinich-Oberkleinich (54483) — This event is north-northwest of Idar-Oberstein and fairly accessible to volksmarchers in other locations. From Baumholder, head toward Neubrücke via minor roads to reach B41/B269. Head north through Birkenfeld to connect with B327 toward Hahn Airport. Take the minor road at Hochscheid to the start at Kleinich. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 62 toward Trier, and exit at Birkenfeld (4). Take B41/B269 north to Morbach and B327 toward Hahn Airport. Use the minor road at Hochscheid to reach Oberkleinich.
Start: Kulturscheune at Oberkleinich 13 Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 15 km) Trails: Hilly, wooded areas Award: From previous events.
Lintgen, Luxembourg (L-7505) — This event brings volksmarchers north of Luxembourg City. While it’s about two hours from the KMC, it does offer drivers something different as far as scenery. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on Autoroute A1 to Luxembourg City and connect with A7 north to briefly use N11 toward Gonderange. Pick up secondary roads CR126 and CR125 west to Walferdange, then take N7 north to Lintgen and the start.
Start: Salle A Mouschelt Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 12 and 16 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Mackwiller, France (F-67430) — This event is south-southwest of Zweibrücken and about a 90-minute scenic drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 toward Saarbrücken, then take the B51 exit toward Sarreguemines. Cross into France and continue on N61 and E29 from Grosbliederstroff to connect with the A4/E25 toll road toward Strasbourg. Take exit 43 toward Sarre-Union and use minor roads, D96, and D92 to the start at Mackwiller.
Start: Salle polyvalente at 26, chemin de la gare Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Riedseltz, France (F-67160) — This event is southeast of Pirmasens and likely a long but scenic drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Saarbrücken and Pirmasens (or, alternately, B270 south). Exit at Pirmasens (15) to take B10 and B427 to Bad Bergzabern. Pick up B38 and head south to the border where it becomes D263 in France and, after a short drive, you’ll reach the start at Riedseltz.
Start: Salle des Fêtes on rue Neuve (near the stadium) Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Yutz, France (F-57970) — This event is roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. It’s another long drive from the KMC but, after exiting the autobahn at Perl, you will wind alongside the Moselle River south toward Thionville. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, Saarlouis and Merzig to the border at Perl. Use the Perl exit (2) to connect with B419 south; this road changes to D654 after crossing the French border. Continue south along the Moselle to Yutz and the start.
Start: Salle Petit Prince on rue du Gymnase Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Feb. 11-12
Dudelange, Luxembourg (L-3474) — This event is an hour and three-quarters from the KMC to the start south of Luxembourg City. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border on Autoroute A13 to connect with A3. Head south toward Metz to exit at Dudelange (3). Pick up secondary roads CR161 and CR160 to Dudelange.
Start: Centre Sportif Lycée Nic Biever Annexe Alliance on rue Reiteschkopp Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Rémeling, France (F-57480) — This event is near the French border and west of Merzig, Germany. While a bit distant, KMC’s wanderers will find the drive is mostly on the autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, then exit at Merzig (6). Take secondary roads across the border and through Hilbringen and Waldwisse to the start at Rémeling.
Start: Foyer Socio-Culturel on Rue Thionville Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown, expect wooded areas Award: None.
Weekend of Feb. 18-19
Leyviller, France (F-57660) — This Marche Populaire event is south-southwest of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have a bit of a drive to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Farébersviller exit (41). Use D29 south through Henriville and Valette to reach the start at Leyviller.
Start: Salle du Foyer Communal on Rue des Mésanges Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (12 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Feb. 25-26
Grevenmacher, Luxembourg (L-6718) — This event is southwest of Trier and just across the border making it a reasonably easy drive from the KMC (90 minutes). From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue onto Autoroute A1/E44 to the Mertert exit (14). Use N1 to reach the town of Grevenmacher and the start.
Start: Domaines Vinsmoselle Caves de Grevenmacher at 12, rue des Caves Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Schwalbach-Griesborn (66773) — Wanderers will find this Saarland event northwest of Saarbrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. Expect some fun and surprises as the club celebrates Fasching. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 south toward Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz (15). Use secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to the start at Griesborn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis to reach the Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz exit (15), then follow secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to reach Griesborn.
Start: Gemeindesaalbau at Hauptstraße 90 Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, woods Award: None.
Weekend of March 4-5
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (91541) — This walk explores the medieval walled-city of Rothenburg. The Saturday-only old-town walk offers a mini-tour of its many shops and sights. The outside trails, including a half-marathon distance, are a great choice if you’ve already experienced the old-city trail. It’s crowded but not overwhelming; parking is plentiful. In conjunction with this special walk discounts on admission are offered by a number of museums and attractions by showing your IVV start card. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 7 past Mannheim, Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Crailsheim in order to reach Rothenburg.
Start: Sporthalle at Erlbacher Straße 5 Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon (6, 11 and 21 km outside of city) and noon to 4 p.m. (11 km old-city trail) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (21 km) Trails: Old-City routes are paved and have steps; trails in the surrounding area are hilly and wooded Award: From previous events.
Weekend of March 11-12
Hemmersdorf (66780) — This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the French border, yet it’s easily reached by autobahn from the KMC area. A few years back, reader Janice Lukacsko described one of the club’s recent events as having a “picturesque trail — the first half runs pretty much along the river.” From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig to exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Büren to reach Hemmersdorf.
Start: Grenzlandhalle on Niedaltdorfer Straße Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Reichstett, France (F-67116) — This event is between Strasbourg and Haguenau, making a visit to either of these places relatively easy. Somewhat unusual for a French event is the walk takes place on both weekend days making shopping a possibility. It’s about an hour-and-three-quarters drive from the KMC but most of it is on the autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 toward Karlsruhe and 65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B9 south to the border, and continue on French Autoroute A35. Exit at Hoerdt (49) to use the secondary road D37 to the start at Reichstett.
Start: Complexe Sportif on rue de Picardie Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Sien (55758) — This event is not far from Baumholder but easily reached by the KMC’s wanderers, too. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to connect with B420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to pick up B270 toward Idar-Oberstein and Sien. From the KMC, head north about 45 km on B270 to Sien and the start.
Start: Turnhalle at Kirner Straße 6 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Hilly, mostly woods Award: None.
Weekend of March 18-19
Grolsheim (55459) — This walk is just south of Bingen and offers a variety of trail lengths, to include a 42-km marathon. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) and follow B41 to Gensingen, and B50 to Grolsheim and the start.
Start: Nahelandhalle at Aspisheimer Weg 32 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (21 km), 7 a.m. to noon (31 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km) Trails: Shorter trails are mostly flat, longer trails are hilly; fields, local neighborhoods and some woods Award: Certificate and patch (marathon).
Petite-Rosselle, France (F-57540) — This event is on the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and north of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320/E50 in France. Use the Forbach exit (42) and follow D31E and D31 to the start at Petite Rosselle.
Start: Espace La Concorde on Contour St Charles Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Völklingen-Lauterbach (66333) — This walk is southwest of Saarbrücken and literally on the French border. The event should be within volksmarching range of wanderers in the KMC and easily reached in slightly more than an hour. Use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Geislautern (8) and take the secondary road through Geislautern and Ludweiler to the start at Lauterbach.
Start: Lauterbachhalle at Fröbelstraße 3 Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (16 km) Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, wooded areas Award: None.
Weekend of March 25-26
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night!
Differten (66787) — This walk is west of Saarbrücken. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Wadgassen (4b) and use minor roads through Wadgassen to the start at Differten.
Start: Bisttalhalle on Pater-Lorson-Straße Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Ettelbrück, Luxembourg (L-9080) — This event is north of Luxembourg City. Expect a 1-hour 45-minute drive from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 toward Trier, and 64 toward Luxembourg. Cross the border and continue on Autoroute A1/E44, then connect with A7/E29/E421 toward Ettelbrück. At Schieren, take the exit onto N7 toward Ettelbrück to use N15 and local roads to the start.
Start: 71, avenue Salentiny Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Spabrücken (55595) — This event, in the Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe, is northwest of Bad Kreuznach and southwest of Bingen, and should be easily reached. From the KMC, expect a 70-minute drive using Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) to pick up B41 toward Idar-Oberstein. At Rüdesheim an der Nahe, take the exit off of B41 heading toward Stromberg and use secondary roads leading to Spabrücken and the start.
Start: Soonwaldhalle Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Hilly, fields and woods Award: None.
Weekend of April 1-2
Aschbach bei Lebach (66822) — This event, due north of Saarbrücken, is about 45 minutes from Baumholder and slightly less than an hour from the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, then exit at Tholey (140). Take B269 to Aschbach and the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Tholey (140) and follow B269 to Aschbach.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Koblenzer Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Hilly trails, woods and some fields Award: None Note: Children under 14 years will receive a small surprise.
Hermesdorf (54636) — This is one of the few events actually near Bitburg, more accurately northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir). Volksmarchers will find six trails of various distances winding through the picturesque area. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich. Exit at Landscheid, use B50 through Bitburg and connect with a road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf.
Start: Westeifelwerke at Unter den Birken 2 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km), and 7-10 a.m. (25 and 30 km) Trail: Expect hilly, wooded areas; 6-km trail is stroller-friendly Award: None.
Weekend of April 8-9
Linger, Luxembourg (L-4797) — This event is west-southwest of Luxembourg City with the drive slightly less than two hours from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border onto Autoroute A13 west toward Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Pétange. Connect onto N31 and follow IVV signs a short distance to the start.
Start: Centre Sociétaire at 20, rue de la Libération Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 11 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Rhaunen (55624) — This walk is in the Hunsrück region west of Bingen, an area well known for its scenic beauty and year-round series of walking trails. Trail lengths of 42- and 50-kilometers are offered to challenge-seeking wanderers as are three Mountain Bike trails (which do not offer IVV credit). From Baumholder, use the minor roads skirting the training area to reach B420. Head in the direction of Bad Kreuznach to B270 and B41 to Kirn. Connect with a secondary road through Hahnenbach and Bundenbach to Rhaunen. From the KMC, take B270 north from Kaiserslautern through Lauterecken to Fischbach, then use secondary roads through Niederwörresbach and Sulzbach to reach the start at Rhaunen.
Start: Idarwaldhalle at Am Sonnenschlicher 5 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7-11 a.m. (21 km), 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km), 6:30-8 a.m. (50 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (25, 35 and 50 km mountain bike without IVV credit) Trail: Hilly, mostly woods Award: From previous events (shorter routes) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).
Wednesday, April 12
Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — This midweek event is closest to wanderers from Baumholder and Kaiserslautern (both about 40 minutes). The start times require employees to take the day off work. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the minor road bordering the training area to reach B420 at Rathsweiler. Take B420 to Lauterecken, then B270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From Kaiserslautern, use B270 north through Katzweiler and Wolfstein, then use a minor road through Oberweiler-Tiefenbach and Einöllen to the start.
Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6 Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km, plus cycling) Trail: Hilly walking trails, woods and fields; 30-km asphalt cycling trail Award: None.
Weekend of April 22-23
Bockenau (55595) — This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. From Baumholder, use the minor road adjacent to the training area to reach B420 toward Bad Kreuznach. Connect with B270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B41 toward Bad Kreuznach. Pick up the secondary road at Waldböckelheim that leads to the start at Bockenau.
Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) and 7-10 a.m. (30 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: None.
Wiesbaden-Frauenstein (65201) — This Sunday-only event is billed as the Cherry Blossom Walk. With its location near the Wiesbaden Garrison’s Rheinblick Golf Course, consider tossing your clubs in the trunk and get some practice in at the driving range or putting green after walking the trails. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, 60 toward Bingen, 643 toward Wiesbaden, and 66 toward Rüdesheim. Exit at Wiesbaden-Frauenstein (2) and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Alfred-Delp-Schule at Alfred-Delp-Str. 53 Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 11 km) and 8 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Expect somewhat hilly, wooded areas and neighborhoods Award: None.
