The Hedgehog Waterfalls
Le Hedgehog, a watercourse born from the marriage of two streams having their source in the lakes of Bonlieu and Ilay, flows into a series of seven waterfalls and 2 falls.
Discover the Hérisson Waterfalls : one of the most beautiful natural sites in the Jura.
All along the trail, caves as well as remains of homes or workshops using hydraulic power are still visible.
From the highest point at Ilay (commune of Chaux-du-Dombief) to the lowest point at Lieu-dit Val Dessus (commune of Ménétrux-en-Joux), the following are offered for contemplation in order:
Le Saut Girard: 35 meters
The Moulin Jeunet
The Leap of the Forge
Chateau Garnier
The Blue Gour
The Great Jump: 60 meters
L'Eventail: 65 meters, the most spectacular of the Cascades and symbol of the site.
At the end of this journey, the Hérisson winds through a valley, crosses the Lac du Val, then the Lac de Chambly and joins the Ain river a few km below Doucier.
Different walks and hikes are available to you: from the full 7 km route with 250 meters of elevation gain for 3 hours of walking, to the one-hour family walk, there is something for everyone...
When to go to the Hérisson Waterfalls? When to go for the waterfall walk?
Every season offers a different discovery of the Hérisson Waterfalls!
In spring, enjoy the melting snow and spring rains, embellished with the first flowers and awakening vegetation. Long weekends and public holidays in May can be busy.
In summer, the heat and less frequent rains make the water flow lower. In addition, the site can be very busy between 10 a.m. and 17 p.m.: it's best to explore it at dawn or at the end of the day!
Autumn is our favorite season: the changing foliage of the trees and the forest atmosphere will charm you!
In Winter, be careful! The waterfall trail is wet and the path can be slippery! Limit yourself to short walks from the car parks to see the nearby waterfalls!
CONSULT THE INTERACTIVE MAP of the waterfalls HERE .
CONSULT THE WATER FLOW OF THE WATERFALLS HERE
