Circular hiking trail Goldeiche and Hof Rüsselsbach

At the beginning of the tour, you have the opportunity to take a detour to the Goldeiche. A special tree estimated to be 250-300 years old. The Goldeiche is a quirk of nature that, due to a genetic defect, does not sprout bright green leaves in spring like the usual pedunculate oaks, but gold-yellow leaves. This spectacle can be observed in spring for about 3 weeks. It is a unique natural monument in Europe.
Otherwise, the path continues past idyllically situated ponds. Before the path veers to the right, you can spot the old charcoal burner's place in the forest above with a closer look. It is one of many in our forests, charcoal was especially important back then for iron smelting and the production of gunpowder. Uphill through a beech forest, you will have magnificent panoramic views time and time again.
Upon reaching the nature reserve "Auf dem Gebrannten," you can explore the up to 5 m high juniper heath.
On the way back down to the valley, you have a view of "Hof Rüsselsbach" - the farm was the filming location of the crime bestseller "Tannöd" in 2008 (where 5 people were brutally murdered with a pickaxe). It is now only used as a cowshed.
Before returning to the parking lot, take five more minutes to let the exit of the valley sink in. Because here, a legend has a giant dwelling: When the mist rises on cool summer evenings through the valley, it seems as if the giant is standing with one foot on the Homberg and the other foot on the castle, where he leans down to the stream and drinks thirstily in long gulps.