KNE 3

The entrance to Böhlgrund - also called the “Gateway to the Steigerwald” - is the starting point of this very natural circular route. One of the most scenic and pristine paths in the entire Steigerwald area leads almost 65% along winding trails through beautiful gorge forest. Especially in spring months, runners on the trail can enjoy a special fragrance experience, as wild garlic, very popular in Franconian cuisine, is a constant companion. Initially always slightly uphill, the narrow and winding trail twists through deeply cut side valleys of Böhlgrund. A first highlight is found after about 1.8 km. Carved in stone is an inscription “natura numquat errat”. The local artist Herman de Vries engraved this memorable inscription in the former quarry in reed sandstone. As part of an art project (traces=spuren), many more such insignia can be found in the southern area of the Haßberge district, waiting to be discovered (www.hermandevries.org). After another approximately 800 m, we come to a small clearing, from where we follow the signage straight ahead. From now on, we experience pure nature for almost 4 kilometers, as we enter the actual gorge landscape of the Snake Trail. Almost 30 hairpin turns and 90° curves lead us out of the “primeval forest” at kilometer 6.35 and provide an extraordinary déjà vu experience. We keep right on the forest road (left branch after 200 m connects to P1) and reach again the romantic Böhlgrund after a total of 7.8 km. From this point to the finish, we also move along the Franconian Mary Way (www.fraenkischer-marienweg.de). Ambitious athletes can “run” from here to the finish point. The track gradually and almost imperceptibly descends. Along the picturesque Böhl stream, at km 8.45, another highlight awaits, worth a family visit. About 800 m turning right off the actual running route, deep in the forest is a colossal natural monument: the King Oak. The path to it is marked with a wooden sign. Caution: some fallen trees must be crossed!