The unmissable Hérisson Waterfalls

Explore the Hérisson waterfalls on a 3-hour hike (7.4 km round trip with 250 m elevation gain).

Along the trail, caves and remains of dwellings or workshops using hydraulic power are still visible.

Trail accessible only to pedestrians. 

• From le top of the Hérisson waterfalls:

Saut Girard car park - Lac d'Ilay, in Ilay, commune of La Chaux-du-dombief:

You will begin by discovering the first waterfall: the Saut Girard waterfall, with a height of 35 meters. After going around the guest house/snack bar where you will find public toilets, you will follow the Hérisson river down its course to the two most spectacular waterfalls: the Grand Saut (60m) and the Éventail waterfall (65m).

Extend and complete your day with a visit to the Maison des Cascades , a museum space allowing you to understand the site, grasp the geology of the Jura and leave with wonderful memories!

• From le bottom of the Hérisson waterfalls:

Meet at the Maison des Cascades at a place called Val Above, 39130 Ménétrux-en-Joux.

You will be a 5-minute walk from the largest waterfall: the Fan Waterfall.

Easily accessible, it will be a good place for short walkers or visitors in a hurry.

You can then reach its highest point to continue the route to the Grand Saut waterfall and so on. The arrival point at the top of the waterfalls is the Saut Girard , which is 35 meters high.

Please note for exploring the site:

● Swimming is prohibited in the Hérisson Waterfalls,

● Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.

● Wear appropriate footwear , some sections may be slippery.

● Stay on the marked trails ,

● Summer or winter, do not walk in the stream ; it is a fragile habitat and a refuge for many sensitive species.

● Do not build cairns (piles of stones) in order to preserve the original appearance of the site and its micro-habitats.

● La Maison des Cascades provides a few baby carriers.

To preserve the site's scenic beauty, few bins are provided along the route. We rely on your responsibility to take your rubbish with you and contribute to the site's preservation.

Thank you in advance.