Cascade des Molières

Cascade des Molières is a small, man-made waterfall in the Vosges mountains, within the commune of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, at the foot of the Ormont massif. It makes for an easy, short forest walk a few kilometres from the town centre, near the hamlet of Robache.

Where exactly is the waterfall located?

The waterfall sits to the east of Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, reached by a road running through the hamlet of Robache toward the Ormont massif. Water drops through a narrow, wild-looking gorge and collects in a small pond just below the fall. The whole spot is tucked into forest, giving it a quiet, sheltered feel rather than the drama of a large mountain cascade — it's a place to pause in the shade rather than a headline sight.

How do you get to the waterfall?

A short, easy forest path leads to the cascade. From a small car park by a former forester's lodge, the walk takes only a few minutes — the shortest option is roughly a kilometre round trip with modest elevation gain, taking about thirty minutes to an hour if you linger. A wooden shelter stands next to the falls, offering a spot to rest after the walk.

Can the visit be combined with a longer hike?

Yes. The area around the cascade serves as a starting point for longer walking routes through the Ormont massif. One popular loop, which also passes the Roches d'Ormont rock formations, runs just under 12 km with about 540 metres of elevation gain — roughly a five-hour outing. A more demanding option extends past 16 km with around 700 metres of climbing, taking about six hours. Both routes pass through typical Vosges scenery: conifer forest, rocky outcrops, and viewpoints.

Why does this waterfall exist?

The cascade isn't a purely natural feature — it was created in the early 20th century, during a period when the area was deliberately developed to encourage outdoor recreation and tourism in the forest. That explains the small built touches still visible today: a stone-lined watercourse, the wooden shelter, and the tidied surroundings around the pond, which give the site a slightly landscaped, park-like character rather than a wild one.

What should you bring along?

Since the path runs through woodland and can get muddy, especially after rain, sturdy footwear is worth packing. There are no food stalls or shops on site, so bring water and snacks if you're planning to continue onto the longer trails nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Is the waterfall suitable for a visit with children? The short stretch from the car park to the cascade is gentle and doesn't require any particular fitness or hiking experience, making it a workable family outing.

How long does it take to see the waterfall itself? The short walk alone usually takes 30 to 60 minutes round trip, depending on pace and how long you stay to rest by the water.

Is there parking nearby? Yes, a small car park by the former forester's lodge marks the start of the path to the falls.

Is the route well marked and easy to follow? The walk to the waterfall itself is short and straightforward, but the longer loops through the Ormont massif are best planned with a map or hiking app, since they cross a branching network of forest paths.

Is there a best time of year to visit? Water flow tends to be stronger in spring and after rainy spells, but the forest walk itself is pleasant most of the year, aside from the wettest or icy days.