Cave and Canyon Trail

One of the main highlights for hikers and walkers is the Cave and Canyon Trail Kell. It is 12.1 km long and brings you along various sights. Therefore, it has been added to the Traumpfade (dream trails) of the district of Mayen-Koblenz.

Highlights

Panoramas "Schöne Aussicht" (nice view) and "Schweppernburgblick" (Scheppenburg view), the mighty viaduct of the Volcano Express, volcanic slopes at Laacher See (Laach caldera lake), tuff caves, the ruins of the Tönisstein monastery, idyllic brook valleys, the ancient "Wolfsschlucht" (Wolf Canyon) with its waterfall and naturally bubbling mineral sources on the wayside.

Description

Directly at the start on the parking area near K 57 you see the first panorama view towards Pöntertal (Pönter Valley). Rural roads lead you through wide open fields with a variety of magnificent views. You will pass by gnarled fruit trees until you get to the descent to idyllic Krayerbachtal (Krayerbach Valley). Waving reeds and lush hedges line the way down to Krayer Mill.

Water courses accompany walkers into the depth of Pönterbachtal. Soon the trail goes up the steep slope to the Schützenhaus (hunters cabin). Shortly after that it is worthwhile to make a detour to the lookout point "Schweppenburgblick". The continuation of the path is characterized by breathtaking sights and volcanic landscape. Along another hillside slope Hermann-Löns-Trail lead abruptly down to the guesthouse "Jägerheim" (Hunters Inn). Next, the trail passes under the mighty viaduct and through the man-sized tuff caves. More tuff walls and the remains of the Tönisstein monastery can be discovered along the way to Wolfsschlucht (Wolf Canyon). Here you will find great rock formations, a jungle-like atmosphere, sparkling sources in the creekbed and even a waterfall. The trail continues along L113 along the edge of the forrest, slightly uphill to Römerquelle (Roman Springs), which gushes carbonated water with a mild smell of sulfur. The trail turns to a quiet side valley, along another sparkling fountain, then left across an ascending forest track to a high plateau which reveals the impressive "Siebengebirgsblick" (view of the Siebengebirge mountains). Soon after that, the starting point will be reached.

Facts

Length: 12,1 km
Duration: 4 h 45 min.
Altitude: 405 hm
Level of difficulty: medium

Directions

From the Autobahn A 61 take exit "Niederzissen" – then take B 412 towards Brohl-Lützing/Burgbrohl/Bad Breisig – then take L 113 and K 58 to Kell - From Kell take "Laacher Straße" (K 57) to the parking area.