Mountainbike 3 Rennsteig-Region SÜD

Trail description: Long, physically demanding tour along some beautiful valleys. Three stream crossings, a real root trail, crisp climbs on rough ground and various other trail and singletrail passages are hidden between extensive gravel passages of different grades. Signposting on site: MTB 3

Condition of the route: 70% forest path, 20% trail, 10% asphalt

Difficulty: Difficult condition, medium riding technique

Course of the route: From the end of Steinbach a. W. on a gravel forest path (many walkers at weekends, please take care) to the first short trail section downhill to "Lauenhainerbach". Past the hut and fish pond and immediately uphill again. On the hill follow the "Rennsteig" to the right on a gravel forest road into the forest. The "Schönwappenweg" leads along the former border. Via the quiet "Doberbachtal" valley, past an idyllic pond, we cycle on gravel into the "Kremnitz Valley". Shortly before the "Kremnitzmühle", a real root trail awaits us at the bottom of the valley. The first stream crossing awaits at the mill. The subsequent ascent on grassy, rough ground is quite steep. We reach Rappoltengrün and ride from there a short distance on the local road (caution: the route branches off to the left after about 500 m on the following descent - sometimes very busy). Cross the "Doberbach" on a bridge and tackle the ascent to Tschirn on a gravel forest path. Leave the village on the main road in the direction of Steinwiesen. At the sports field, turn left onto an agricultural road, which then becomes a trail. This is followed by a longer passage on gravel. The path leads towards "Grümpeltal", where it winds along the slope and passes two beautifully situated fish ponds. A further ascent on gravel is immediately followed by the descent into the very scenic "Grümpeltal". The valley opens up a little and we reach the "Untere" and "Obere Grümpelmühle". This is immediately followed by a 14% steep, asphalted ascent to Lahm. About 500 m after the end of the village, we turn left at a chapel onto a meadow path. Then on gravel to the bottom of the valley. First we cross the "Doberbach", then the "Kremnitz" - be careful, it's slippery! A very short, extremely steep ascent brings us to a forest path that winds halfway up the valley slope. A strenuous trail awaits us at the "Finkenmühle": uphill; rough ground, with occasional boulders. Shortly before the summit, it turns into a gravel forest path, which in turn turns into an asphalt road; follow this to Teuschnitz. First head towards the center of the village, then turn right towards Steinbach a.W. and about 50 m before the end of the village turn left. A gravel road leads to a delightful descent, which at the end gives you the choice between a short, steep single trail or continuing on the road. Passing the "Bastels-" and "Kohlmühle", we head downhill along the "Haßlach" or the railroad line. Shortly before reaching the first houses and the busy B 85, the last ascent follows, which brings us back to Steinbach a. W. on gravel.

Special features & sights: Rennsteig, historic pond in the Doberbach valley, former German-German border, Green Belt, various museums along the route.

Special features & sights: Rennsteig, historic pond in the Doberbach valley, former German-German border, Green Belt, various museums along the route.