Take a hike: Volksmarching in the KMC

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

• Many thanks to readers Pat and Cheryl Patterson, Michael Harrigan, David and Susan Salaj, W. Wilson, and an unknown contributor from an illegible ZIP Code for providing brochures.
• 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.”
• Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started.”
• Readers are asked to pick up extra event brochures and to mail them via MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.
• The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.
• 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’ in the subject line.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 13-14

Frankenholz (66450) — This Saarland event is north of Neunkirchen. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and connect with Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. Exit at Waldmohr (10) to use secondary roads to reach Frankenholz via Waldmohr. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahn 6 to reach the Waldmohr exit (10), then use secondary roads through Waldmohr to the start.
Start: Bürgerzentrum on Pfarrer-Layes-Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: 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 without IVV credit. From Baumholder, use the minor roads skirting the training area to reach B-420. Head in the direction of Bad Kreuznach to B-270 and B-41 to Kirn. Connect with a secondary road through Hahnenbach and Bundenbach to Rhaunen.
Start: Idarwaldhalle at Am Sonnenschlicher 5
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 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)
Trails: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: From previous events (shorter routes) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Quierschied-Göttelborn (66287) – This event is in the Saarland area west of Ramstein. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierschied (144) to use a minor road to reach Göttelborn. From Ramstein, use Autobahns 6 and 8 to reach the Merchweiler exit (18), then use secondary roads to reach the start at Göttelborn.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Hauptstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, woods
Award: None.

Sprendlingen (55576) — Look for this event south of Bingen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Gau-Bickelheim (52) and follow directional signs to the start hall.
Start: Wißberghalle at Stettiner Straße 1
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Stroller-friendly on 5 km; otherwise hilly, woods
Award: From previous events.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — Too distant for most readers, this midweek event is closest to Baumholder and Kaiserslautern. The start times may accommodate workers with an understanding boss. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the unnumbered road bordering the training area to reach B-420 at Rathsweiler. Take B-420 to Lauterecken, then B-270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From Kaiserslautern, use B-420 north toward Lauterecken to Heinzenhausen and the minor road to the start.
Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cycling) and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly walking trails, woods and fields; 30-km asphalt cycling trail
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 20-21

Hermesdorf (54636) — If you have a reason to drive to Bitburg, then consider participating in this event northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir). Readers making the drive will find six trails of various distances winding through the picturesque area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62, 1 and 60 north to exit at Landscheid, take B-50 to Bitburg and connect with a minor road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich. Exit at Landscheid, use B-50 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
Award: None.

Mannweiler-Cölln (67822) — This is an easy-to-reach event south of Bad Kreuznach. Formerly held in the neighboring town of Schiersfeld, this event offers a marathon in addition to the usual trails. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and exit at Winnweiler (13). Use B-48 north toward Bad Kreuznach to reach the start.
Start: Gemeindehalle
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods and fields
Award: From previous events (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon).

Saarbrücken (66117) — This event is in the capital city of the state of Saarland and easily reached by autobahn. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and connect with Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken. Exit at Malstatter Brücke (14) to turn left onto Malstatter Straße to follow IVV directional signs a short distance to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then exit at Malstatter Brücke (14). Turn left onto Malstatter Straße and follow IVV directional signs to the start.
Start: Halle Bellevue at Lulustein 5-9
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 12 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 27-28

Bexbach (66450) — This Saarland event is in the area roughly between Ramstein and Saarbrücken. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and connect with Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. Exit at Homburg (9) to use secondary roads to reach Oberbexbach. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahn 6 to reach the Homburg exit (9), then use secondary roads to the start at Bexbach.
Start: Sportheim Sportplatz “Auf der Heide”
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Bockenau (55595) — This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to reach B-420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to connect with B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B-41 through Kirn to Waldböckelheim. A minor road will lead to Bockenau.
Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods
Award: From previous events.

Köllerbach (66346) — Wanderers will find this Saarland event northwest of Saarbrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis to reach the Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz exit (15), then use secondary roads to Sprengen and Köllerbach.
Start: Kyllbergschulhalle, Zur Sporthalle 1
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, woods
Award: None.

MIDWEEK, APRIL 30-MAY 1

Dreis bei Wittlich (54518) — This German holiday event is offered primarily to Bitburg and Spangdahlem wanders who can take time off of work to participate. The event is southwest of Wittlich. From Baumholder, head north using Autobahns 62 and 1 to exit at Salmtal (127). Take minor roads toward Wittlich to reach Dreis. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 and connect with A-62 toward Trier and Wittlich, and follow the directions for Baumholder’s drivers.
Start: Dreyshalle on Talstraße
Wednesday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Expect hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MAY 4-5

Landsweiler-Reden (66578) — This event can be found just northwest of Neunkirchen in the Saarland area. In the interest of healthy living, the club invites you to check your blood pressure before and after walking its trails. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken and Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis. Exit at Neunkirchen-Spiesen to connect with B-41 toward Schiffweiler and a minor road to Reden.
Start: Klinkenthalhalle at Marktstraße 11
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Ramstein-Miesenbach (66877) — The Ramstein Roadrunners club plays host to this volksmarch. The number of club members working the event partly illustrates why the Roadrunners are one of the few active American clubs remaining in Germany. Wanderers will find the event to be a friendly and relaxing family activity. Of course, this is a hometown event that’s not to be missed for volksmarchers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. Use Autobahns 5 and 6 and the Landstuhl/Air Base exit (13) to follow IVV directional signs to reach the town of Miesenbach.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle at Am Kiefernkopf 22
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Slightly hilly, fields and forests
Award: Coin.

Reinsfeld (54421) — This event is west-northwest of Baumholder. From Baumholder, follow Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Trier, exiting at Reinsfeld (132). From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier to reach the Reinsfeld exit (132). Follow IVV directional signs to the start.
Start: Kulturhalle on Friedhofstraße
Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods
Award: None.

Weiler (55413) — This walk is part of the year-round Rundweitwanderweg in the beautiful Hunsrück area. From Wiesbaden, Mainz and points east, take Autobahn 60 to Bingen and Autobahn 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Stromberg (46) and head toward Waldalgesheim to reach the start.
Start: Rhein-Nahe-Halle on Mannesmannstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods
Award: None.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

Siersburg-Saar (66780) — This event on Germany’s Father’s Day is northwest of Saarlouis and available to KMC’s wanderers with a day’s leave from work. Use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) and take a secondary road leading to the start at Siersburg.
Start: Niedtalhalle on Zur Niedtalhalle
Thursday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km)
Trails: short trail is flat, others are unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MAY 11-12

Kriegsfeld (67819) — This event is south of Bad Kreuznach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim and 63 toward Mainz. Exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9) and follow a secondary road through Wendelsheim and Mörsfeld to reach Kriegsfeld.
Start: Turn- und Festhalle at Hinter Kirch 10
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods
Award: From previous events.

St. Wendel (66606) — This walk, due west of Ramstein, is easily reached by wanderers from the KMC as well as those living in Baumholder. From Baumholder, use a secondary road through Heimbach to reach Neubrücke, then pick up B-41 to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 in the direction of Saarbrücken and Trier, then exit at Kusel (7) to pick up B-420 toward Ottweiler, then connect with B-41 to St. Wendel.
Start: Sportheim SF Winterbach on Seiters Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods and fields
Award: None.

Waldweistroff, France (57320) — This French walk is west-northwest of Saarbrücken and will be a bit of a drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Saarlouis-Mitte and take B-405 toward France. Continue on it to Bouzonville as it becomes D918. Take D19 to Colmen and connect with a minor road to Waldweistroff and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Morbach (54497) — This club’s midweek event is northwest of Idar-Oberstein and within a reasonable distance from Baumholder. Morbach is on B-327 just north of the junction with B-269. Use B-422 from Idar-Oberstein to reach B-269. From Baumholder, connect with B-41/269 to head north on B-269 to reach Morbach.
Start: Sportlerheim in the Alfons-Jakobs-Stadion at Industriestraße 5b
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods
Award: None.

Weekend of May 18-19

Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville, France (57320) — This just-across-the-French-border volksmarch is northwest of Saarlouis. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen to use minor roads to cross into France. Drive through Siersburg and toward Bouzonville until you can connect with a minor road leading to Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes du Foyer
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MAY 25-26

Dudweiler (66125) — This event, with its variety of trails, is northeast of Saarbrücken and easily reachable from Ramstein and Kaiserslautern. From those communities, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 623 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Saarbrücken-Dudweiler. Follow IVV directional signs to the start.
Start: Bürgerhaus at Am Markt 15
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (16 and 21 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Oberwiesen (67294) — If you liked the recent event at Kriegsfeld then you’ll enjoy this walk that’s just three kilometers down the road. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim and 63 toward Mainz. Exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9) and follow roads through that town and Offenheim to reach Oberwiesen.
Start: Gemeindehalle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods
Award: Garden snail figurine with solar light.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 1-2

Reichweiler (66871) — This walk may be found literally just down the road from the Baumholder community. It’s a pretty area and easy to find — just head down the hill toward Freisen and watch for signs to Reichweiler. From Baumholder use the road to Freisen, pick up a secondary road through Eckersweiler to Reichweiler. From Neubrücke take Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and exit at Reichweiler.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Schulstraße 7
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, wooded areas and fields
Award: From previous events.

Soucht, France (57960) — This French volksmarching event is south of Zweibrücken and offers a marathon. The drive from the KMC should be scenic but long. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim to take B-424 south where it becomes D 35A in France. Connect with D 37 near Bitche to follow it through Lemberg and Goetzenbruck. Take a minor road through Meisenthal to reach Soucht.
Start: Salle polyvalente
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Unknown
Award: Cloth patch (marathon).

WEEKEND OF JUNE 8-9

Niederkail (54526) — This club’s walk has frequently been recommended for the friendly nature of the event as well as for its scenic trails through the surrounding countryside. With the location east of Spangdahlem Air Base, it’s not too far for volksmarchers from Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Landsheid exit (9) and travel west on B-50 to Niederkail. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 60 toward Trier, Koblenz and Spangdahlem. Exit at Landsheid (9) and use B-50 to reach the start at Niederkail.
Start: Kailbachhalle on Brückenstraße
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Deuselbach (54411) — This midweek event offers a start time late enough for readers in the Baumholder and KMC areas to enjoy a walk. Consult a map before heading to this walk as the brochure’s description of its location is unclear. If your GPS allows it, you may enter the start location’s coordinates 49° 44’ 13” N/07° 04’ 58” E. From Baumholder, take the secondary road leading to Neubrücke to connect with B-41. Head north through Birkenfeld and past Hüttgeswasen. Take a minor road west to Deuselbach. Watch for IVV directional signs that will lead you to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier. Exit at Reinsfeld (132) to pick up B-327 toward Morbach. Connect with a secondary road leading to Deuselbach and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Hunsrückhaus am Erbeskopf
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 15-16

Holz/Saar (66265) — This Saarland event is north of Saarbrücken and west of Neunkirchen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarlouis and Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierscheid (144) to follow IVV directional signs to the start at Holz. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Quierschied (144). Follow signs a short distance to Holz.
Start: Glück-Auf-Halle on Glück-Auf-Weg
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (21 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Kordel (54306) — Wanderers will find this event north of Trier, Germany’s oldest city. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. Exit at Trier-Ehrang and use B-52 and B-422 to Kordel and the start. From Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 602 to Trier and the Trier-Ehrang exit. Connect with B-54 and B-422 to reach the start at Kordel.
Start: Turnhalle on Friedhofstraße
Saturday: 1-6 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 1-5 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly, woods and fields
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 22-23

Heimbach/Nahe (55779) — Wanderers will find this enjoyable walk midway between Neubrücke and Baumholder. From Baumholder, use the secondary road leading to Neubrücke. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4), then follow a minor road through Hoppstädten-Weiersbach to Heimbach.
Start: Besenbinderhalle on In der Au
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Trails: Hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.