Take a hike

Your guide to volksmarching in and around the U.S. Army Garrisons Baumholder and Wiesbaden

By Donald Seltzer

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Volksmarch Editor

Volksmarching notes

O Things are progressing for the Wiesbaden International Wandering Club as it begins to settle in to its new home. A meeting will take place Monday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at the Brauhaus Castell (Otto-Suhr-Ring 27, 55252 MZ-Kastel -- not far from the KFC) to discuss plans for volksmarching activities. Get more information by sending a message to wiwc-info@googlegroups.com.

O A reader inquired about carpooling to area events with fellow Wiesbaden volksmarchers. If interested, send your contact information to volksmarch@gmail.com where it will be passed along.

O Got a comment? Found something you’d like to correct? Want to change ‘unknown’ to a useful trail description? Write me at volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Feedback.”

O Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started.”

O Many thanks to readers Pat and Cheryl Patterson, and Bob and Pat Kiebler for providing brochures.

O Readers are asked to pick up extra event brochures and to mail them via MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.

O The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.

O Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the newspaper editor? The complete, unedited version of the monthly volksmarching feature is available in its original Word document format by sending an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with 'subscribe' in the subject line.

Thursday, May 9

Achen, France (57412) -- This holiday event is south of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area who have the day off from work will have a bit of a drive to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A 32. Connect with the A 4 toward Strasbourg and use the Sarreguemines exit. Use N 61 to Sarralbe and minor roads to Herbitzheim and Kalhausen to reach Achen.

Start: Foyer Socio-éducatif Thursday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Siersburg-Saar (66780) -- This event on Germany’s Father’s Day is northwest of Saarlouis and available to KMC’s wanderers with a day’s leave from work. Use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) and take a secondary road leading to the start at Siersburg.

Start: Niedtalhalle on Zur Niedtalhalle Thursday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km) Trails: short trail is flat, others are unknown Award: None.

Weekend of May 11-12

Antrifttal-Ruhlkirchen (36326) -- This event is northeast of Giessen and northwest of Fulda, and offers a marathon in addition to a variety of walking trails and a cycling route. Use Autobahn 5 from Giessen, exit at Alsfeld-Ost (2), then take B-62 to Angenrod. Pick up a secondary road to Seibelsdorf and Ruhlkirchen.

Start: Fest- und Sporthalle at Weihersweg 24 Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 21 km, plus cycling) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: From previous events or patch and certificate (marathon).

Holving, France (57510) -- This French event is found south of Saarbrücken. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken. Continue on it as it becomes A 32 in France and connect with the A 4 in the direction of Strasbourg. Exit at Saareguemines and use secondary roads through Sarralbe and toward Richeling. Turn off on a minor road to reach Holving and the start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Kriegsfeld (67819) -- This event is south of Bad Kreuznach. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahn 63 toward Alzey and Kaiserslautern, exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9) and follow a secondary road through Wendelsheim and Mörsfeld to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim and 63 toward Mainz. Exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9) and follow a secondary road through Wendelsheim and Mörsfeld to reach Kriegsfeld.

Start: Turn- und Festhalle at Hinter Kirch 10 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods Award: From previous events.

St. Wendel (66606) -- This walk, due west of Ramstein, is easily reached by wanderers from the KMC as well as those living in Baumholder. From Baumholder, use a secondary road through Heimbach to reach Neubrücke, then pick up B-41 to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 in the direction of Saarbrücken and Trier, then exit at Kusel (7) to pick up B-420 toward Ottweiler, then connect with B-41 to St. Wendel.

Start: Sportheim SF Winterbach on Seiters Straße Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Villmar (65606) -- This event is due east of Limburg in the scenic Naturpark Hochtaunus. Use Autobahn 3 toward Köln and exit at Limburg-Süd (43). Follow B-8 in the direction of Lindenholzhausen to Niederbrechen where a secondary road will lead to the town of Villmar.

Start: Johann-Christian-Senckenberg-Schule on Ferdinand-Dirichs-Straße Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Hilly, woods Award: From previous events.

Waldweistroff, France (57320) -- This French walk is west-northwest of Saarbrücken and will be a bit of a drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Saarlouis-Mitte and take B-405 toward France. Continue on it to Bouzonville as it becomes D918. Take D19 to Colmen and connect with a minor road to Waldweistroff and the start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wednesday, May 15

Morbach (54497) -- This club's midweek event is northwest of Idar-Oberstein and within a reasonable distance from Baumholder. Morbach is on B-327 just north of the junction with B-269. Use B-422 from Idar-Oberstein to reach B-269. From Baumholder, connect with B-41/269 to head north on B-269 to reach Morbach.

Start: Sportlerheim in the Alfons-Jakobs-Stadion at Industriestraße 5b Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Weekend of May 18-20

Bining, France (57410) -- Here’s a French event southeast of Saarbrücken that offers a variety of distances, to include a 42-km marathon. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 to Neunkirchen and Autobahn 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim and use B-424 south toward the border where it becomes D 35A in France. Just before reaching Bitche, take the secondary roads D 35/D 662 to Rohrbach-lès-Bitche. D 35 continues southward to Bining and the start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-10 a.m. (30 km) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville, France (57320) -- This just-across-the-French-border volksmarch is northwest of Saarlouis. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen to use minor roads to cross into France. Drive through Siersburg and toward Bouzonville until you can connect with a minor road leading to Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville and the start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes du Foyer Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wörsdorf/Taunus (65510) -- This event is north of Wiesbaden on the edge of the Naturpark Hochtaunus. Wooded trails offer walkers scenic views after a long, uphill start. Take Autobahn 3 toward Limburg, exiting at Idstein to follow B-275 and a minor road will lead to the start at Wörsdorf. From Wiesbaden and Mainz use B-417 and B-275 north toward Limburg and Idstein to reach Wörsdorf.

Start: Gemeindehalle at Jahnstraße 4 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 21 km) Trail: Very hilly, woods Award: From previous events.

Woustviller, France (57915) -- This French event is found a few miles southwest of Sarreguemines. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 to cross into France where the Autobahn turns into A 32. Exit at Grosbliederstroff to pick up D 31bis which runs into N 61. Continue south onto N 74 and Woustviller.

Start: Gymnase Leprince-Ringuet at Place de la Mairie Monday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wustweiler (66557) -- This holiday event is southwest of Baumholder and west of Kaiserslautern in the Saarland area. From Kaiserslautern/Ramstein area, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Trier and exit at Eppelborn. Follow secondary roads to Dirmingen and Wustweiler. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Eppelborn. Take secondary roads to Dirmingen and Wustweiler.

Start: Seelbachhalle on Lebacher Straße Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Monday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of May 25-26

One club sponsors five different Saturday events -- each with their own start locations and with consecutive start times. Participants may earn an unusual five event stamps in one day. In order of starting times, the events are:

Dankmarshausen (99837): From Fulda use Autobahns 7 and 4 past Bad Hersfeld to the Wildeck-Hönebach exit. Follow secondary roads through Hönebach and Großensee to Dankmarshausen. Start: Gaststätte Adler at Oberdorf 70 Saturday: 7:30-9:30 a.m. (6 km) and 7:30-8:30 a.m. (11 km) Trails: Unknown but expected to be hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Kleinensee (36266): Start: Gasthaus Bodesruh Saturday: 10 a.m. to noon (5 km) and 10-11 a.m. (10 km) Trails: Unknown but expected to be hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Heringen (36266): Start: Gaststätte Salzkristall at Apothekerstraße 13 Saturday: 12:30-2:30 p.m. (6 km) and 12:30-1:30 p.m. (11 km) Award: None.

Wölfershausen (98617): Start: Berggaststätte Knallhütte on Am Waltersberg Saturday: 3-5 p.m. (5 km) and 3-4 p.m. (10 km) Trails: Unknown but expected to be hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Heringen (36266): Start: Fritz-Kunze Ganzjahresbad at Am Bad 5 Saturday: Noon-6 p.m. (swimming) Award: None.

Dudweiler (66125) -- This event, with its variety of trails, is northeast of Saarbrücken and easily reachable from Ramstein and Kaiserslautern. From those communities, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 623 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Saarbrücken-Dudweiler. Follow IVV directional signs to the start.

Start: Bürgerhaus at Am Markt 15 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (16 and 21 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Longuich-Kirsch (54340) -- Look for this event, located on the Mosel River northeast of Trier, to be an option for volksmarchers in Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, make your way to Autobahn 1 and head toward Trier. Use the Mehring exit (131) to connect with a secondary road through Fell to the start in Longuich. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier. Take the Mehring exit (131) and follow the secondary road through Fell to Longuich.

Start: Festhall Haubrich at Weinstraße 3 Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trails: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, woods Award: None.

Oberwiesen (67294) -- If you liked the recent event at Kriegsfeld then you'll enjoy this walk that's just three kilometers down the road. Use Autobahn 63 toward Alzey and Kaiserslautern, then exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9). Follow a secondary road through Erbes-Büdesheim and Offenheim to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim and 63 toward Mainz. Exit at Erbes-Büdesheim (9) and follow roads through that town and Offenheim to reach Oberwiesen.

Start: Gemeindehalle Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods Award: Garden snail figurine with solar light.

Strasbourg-Cronenbourg, France (67200) -- This event requires a long drive -- there's no way around that -- but it’s worth the effort to spend the day in the beautiful and interesting city of Strasbourg. From the KMC, take Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken toward Metz, then French Autobahn 4 to Strasbourg. Use the Cronenbourg exit (51) and follow Marche Populaire signs to the start in this Strasbourg neighborhood.

Start: Gymnase du Rieth on Rue du Rieth Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wednesday & Thursday, May 29-30

Eisen (66625) -- This event is just down the road from Neubrücke. Grab your co-workers, family or friends and enjoy this midweek, German-holiday walk. From Baumholder, head to Neubrücke and use B-41 to Nohfelden to pick up minor roads to Türkismühle, Sötern, Waldbach and Eisen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, exit at Nohfelden-Türkismühle (3), and follow the minor road through Sötern to reach the start at Eisen.

Start: Gemeindezentrum at Hunsrückstraße 44 Wednesday: 4-7 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Thursday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown, expect hills and wooded areas Award: None.

Weekend of June 1-2

Bischwiller, France (67240) -- This French volksmarch event, surprisingly held on Saturday, is west of Baden-Baden, Germany, and not far from Souflenheim’s pottery stores. Participants will also find themselves fairly near Haguenau and Strasbourg -- both of which are worth exploring. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south where it becomes D 35A in France. Connect with N 62 to Haguenau and D 29 to reach Bischwiller and the start.

Start: Foyer St Léon on Rue Henri Pierson Saturday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Reichweiler (66871) -- This walk may be found literally just down the road from the Baumholder community. It's a pretty area and easy to find -- just head down the hill toward Freisen and watch for signs to Reichweiler. From Baumholder use the road to Freisen, pick up a secondary road through Eckersweiler to Reichweiler. From Neubrücke take Autobahn 62 toward Landstuhl and exit at Reichweiler.

Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Schulstraße 7 Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trails: Hilly, wooded areas and fields Award: From previous events.

Reisbach (66793) -- This event is southwest of Baumholder and west of Kaiserslautern in the Saarland area. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Heusweiler (16). Follow B-268 in the direction of Lebach to pick up a secondary road to Reisbach. From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Eppelborn (141). Take B-10 toward Lebach and B-268 toward Heusweiler; a secondary road will lead to the start at Reisbach.

Start: Lohwieshalle on Lohwiese Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Soucht, France (57960) -- This French volksmarching event is south of Zweibrücken and offers a marathon. The drive from the KMC should be scenic but long. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim to take B-424 south where it becomes D 35A in France. Connect with D 37 near Bitche to follow it through Lemberg and Goetzenbruck. Take a minor road through Meisenthal to reach Soucht.

Start: Salle polyvalente Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) and 6-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Unknown Award: Cloth patch (marathon).

Weekend of June 8-9

Allendorf (56370) -- Expect a pretty walk in the Naturpark Rhein-Taunus northwest of Wiesbaden. Use Autobahn 3 toward Limburg, exit at Bad Camberg (44) and follow a secondary road to Beuerbach, Ketternschwalbach and Panrod. Change roads to head toward Burgschwalbach and Zollhaus and connect with B-274 to reach the start.

Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Hauptstraße 67 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods Award: From previous events.

Herbitzheim, France (67260) -- This Marche Populaire event is south of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have a bit of a drive to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toward Strasbourg and use the Sarreguemines exit. Use N 61 to Sarralbe and a minor road to the start at Herbitzheim.

Start: Salle polyvalente Sunday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Kirchen-Freusburg (57548) -- The club offers Friday morning trails in addition to the usual weekend trails at this scenic event southwest of Siegen and northwest of Giessen. Maps indicate a castle at Freusburg as well as the town having interest for tourists. From Giessen use Autobahn 45 toward Siegen and exit at Wilnsdorf (23). Follow a secondary road to Neunkirchen and Betzdorf, then B-62 through Kirchen to Freusburg.

Start: Bürgerhaus on Siegtalstraße Friday: 7 a.m. to noon (5 and 10 km) Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: 5 km trail is stroller- and senior-friendly; otherwise expect hilly trails, woods Award: None.

Niederkail (54526) -- This club's walk has frequently been recommended for the friendly nature of the event as well as for its scenic trails through the surrounding countryside. With the location east of Spangdahlem Air Base, it's not too far for volksmarchers from Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Landsheid exit (9) and travel west on B-50 to Niederkail. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 60 toward Trier, Koblenz and Spangdahlem. Exit at Landsheid (9) and use B-50 to reach the start at Niederkail.

Start: Kailbachhalle on Brückenstraße Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trails: Hilly, fields and woods Award: None.

Seibersbach (55444) -- This event is west of Bingen and adjacent to the scenic Hunsrück region. The town and its walk are easily reached. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahns 643 and 60 toward Bingen, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Stromberg (46) to follow a minor road 4-5 miles in the direction of Rheinböllen, then pick up the road to Seibersbach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 63 toward Mainz and 61 toward Koblenz, then exit at Stromberg (46). Follow a minor road toward Rheinböllen to pick up the road to Seibersbach.

Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus on Soonwaldstraße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods Award: From previous events.

Stennweiler-Saar (66578) -- This Saarland event is due south of Neubrücke and west of Landstuhl. From Neubrücke, use B-41 south to Ottweiler and connect with a secondary road to reach to start at Stennweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and exit at Neunkirchen-Spiesen. Take secondary roads to Schiffweiler and Stennweiler.

Start: Sportplatz at Waldstraße 30 Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Wiesviller, France (57200) -- This walk is south of Saarbrücken and just on the other side of the border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Einöd (30) to use B-423 toward Sarreguemines. After crossing the border, connect with N 62 toward Bitche to find a minor road to Wiesviller and the start.

Start: Salle polyvalente Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wednesday, June 12

Deuselbach (54411) -- This midweek event offers a start time late enough for readers in the Baumholder and KMC areas to enjoy a walk. Consult a map before heading to this walk as the brochure’s description of its location is unclear. If your GPS allows it, you may enter the start location’s coordinates 49° 44’ 13” N/07° 04’ 58” E. From Baumholder, take the secondary road leading to Neubrücke to connect with B-41. Head north through Birkenfeld and past Hüttgeswasen. Take a minor road west to Deuselbach. Watch for IVV directional signs that will lead you to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier. Exit at Reinsfeld (132) to pick up B-327 toward Morbach. Connect with a secondary road leading to Deuselbach and follow IVV signs to the start.

Start: Hunsrückhaus am Erbeskopf Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly, mostly woods Award: None.

Weekend of June 15-16

Bad Kreuznach (55545) -- Former residents may enjoy a return visit to their one-time home and see the changes since the base was closed. Trails run through city parks and wooded areas, and along the Ellerbach River. From points east use Autobahn 60 west to Bingen, then follow B-41 to Bad Kreuznach. Follow IVV directional signs to the start.

Start: Don Bosco-Schule on Ellerbach Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Slightly hilly, neighborhoods, fields and woods Award: From previous events.

Hof/Westerwald (56472) -- This event is north of Limburg and west of Giessen and features the scenery of the Hoher Westerwald area. Use Autobahn 45 to the Herborn-West exit, then take B-255 and B-414 west to Hof.

Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Tierparkstraße Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Very hilly, wooded areas Award: None.

Holz/Saar (66265) -- This Saarland event is north of Saarbrücken and west of Neunkirchen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarlouis and Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierscheid (144) to follow IVV directional signs to the start at Holz. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Quierschied (144). Follow signs a short distance to Holz.

Start: Glück-Auf-Halle on Glück-Auf-Weg Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (21 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Kordel (54306) -- Wanderers will find this event north of Trier, Germany's oldest city. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. Exit at Trier-Ehrang and use B-52 and B-422 to Kordel and the start. From Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 602 to Trier and the Trier-Ehrang exit. Connect with B-54 and B-422 to reach the start at Kordel.

Start: Turnhalle on Friedhofstraße Saturday: 1-6 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 1-5 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Weekend of June 22-23

Cocheren, France (57800) -- This event is just west of the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and east of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via Autobahn 6. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320 in France. While the brochure suggests the use of exit 41, a review of Google maps indicates an easier method might be to use exit 42. Take N3 in the direction of Merlebach and D29 south to Cocheren.

Start: Salle Schumann at the Place de la Fontaine Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Diefflen (66763) -- This Saarland volksmarch event is the first for the host club and, as such, is a pleasant change from the disappearance of clubs that’s becoming a little too common in recent years as the sport’s participants age. The event is north of Saarlouis and easily reached by autobahn. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) and use minor roads to the start. From Baumholder, drive to Neubrücke to connect with B-41 and head south. Connect with B-269 and follow it through Tholey and Lebach to Nalbach where a minor road will take you to Diefflen.

Start: Sportplatz on Friedhofsweg Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7-11 a.m. (21 km) Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly Award: None.

Hangard (66540) -- This Saarland event is just north of Neunkirchen. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and exit at Neunkirchen-Spiesen. Take B-41 north to connect with a minor road through Rotenberg to reach Hangard.

Start: Ostertalhalle at Höcherbergstraße 14 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown, but incorporates the “premium hiking trail” Brunnenpfad Award: None.

Heimbach/Nahe (55779) -- Wanderers will find this enjoyable walk midway between Neubrücke and Baumholder. From Baumholder, use the secondary road leading to Neubrücke. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4), then follow a minor road through Hoppstädten-Weiersbach to Heimbach.

Start: Besenbinderhalle on In der Au Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km) Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Hilly, wooded areas Award: None.

Otzberg-Hering (64853) -- This event returns to its former location after a number of years at Höchst-Hassenroth. Use the Eberstadt exit (27) of Autobahn 5 and B-426 or the Reinheim/Roßdorf exit of B-26. IVV signs will lead to the start at Hering.

Start: Sportplatz at Außerhalb 20 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km) Trail: Hilly, fields and wooded areas Award: From previous events.

Wallmenroth (57584) – Here’s an event for wanderers who retired in the Giessen area and are willing to make the drive to Siegen. As with the earlier volksmarch in the area, a castle in nearby Freusburg is indicated on maps. From Giessen use Autobahn 45 toward Siegen and exit at Wilnsdorf (23). Follow a secondary road to Neunkirchen and Betzdorf, then B-62 then west to Wallmenroth.

Start: Turnhalle on Schladeweg Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown but expect hilly trails, woods Award: Glass cappuccino cup.

Weekend of June 29-30

Großseelheim (35274) -- This walk, northeast of Giessen, offers a scenic drive to the start from the former military community. From Giessen use B-3 toward Marburg to pick up an unnumbered road in the direction of Kirchain to reach the start. From Fulda, use B-254 and B-62 toward Alsfeld and Kirchain to reach Großseelheim.

Start: Grillhütte on Dornhecke Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km, plus cycling) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Haspelschiedt, France (57230) -- This Marche Populaire event is southwest of Pirmasens and just across the border. Wanderers from the KMC area using B-270 to reach Pirmasens will certainly enjoy a scenic drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south where it becomes D35A in France. Pick up D962 and D162D through Breidenbach and Waldhouse to connect with D86 south to the start at Haspelschiedt.

Start: Salle Socio-Culturelle Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

St. Ingbert-Rentrisch (66386) -- Another first walk for a Saarland club and deserving of our attention. Due east of Saarbrücken, KMC’s wanderers should be able to easily reach it. Use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken and exit at St. Ingbert-West (5) to follow directional signs to Rentrisch and the start.

Start: Schulhof on Sebastian-Kurtz-Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Schwollen (55767) -- This walk is due west of Idar-Oberstein and offers a variety of trail lengths. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4). Take B-269 north to a secondary road leading through Hattgenstein to reach Schwollen.

Start: Sportheim SV Schwollen on Am Sportplatz Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 km) and 6-8 a.m. (50 km) Trail: Unknown, expect fairly hilly, woods Award: Stone elephant figurine (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Thalexweiler (66822) -- This event is southwest of Baumholder and north of Saarbrücken in the Saarland area. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Autobahn 1 toward Trier. Exit at Tholey (140), take B-269 a short distance to Thalexweiler. From the Baumholder, area, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Tholey (140) to use B-269 to the start.

Start: Don-Bosco-Halle on Friedhofstraße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Voellerdingen, France (67430) -- It's hard to believe, but this is another first-ever volksmarch for the host club. The event, south of Saarbrücken, is easily reached from the KMC by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarre-Union exit (43). Take N61 to Sarre-Union and minor roads to Domfessel and Voellerdingen’s start.

Start: Etang APP de Voellerdingen on rue Principale Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Wiesbaden-Klarenthal (65197) – This event offers pretty wooded trails at this Sunday-only event. From outside of Wiesbaden, use Autobahns 66 and 643 to reach Wiesbaden and, staying in the left lane, pick up the 2nd Ring toward Klarenthal. Turn left onto Klarenthaler Straße and shortly thereafter left again as IVV signs assist drivers in reaching the start. Wanderers in Wiesbaden should make their way to the 2. Ring (home of the Amelia Earhart Center). Use the 2. Ring away from the city center to reach Klarenthaler Straße to follow IVV directional signs.

Start: Sophie-und-Hans-Scholl-Schule at Geschwister-Scholl-Str. 10 Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Wednesday, July 3

Bad Dürkheim (67098) – A midweek event for those in the KMC area who are free to enjoy a daytime walk in the pretty winemaking area of Bad Dürkheim. However, the event is about three-quarters of the way to Mannheim so expect a bit of a drive. From the KMC, use B-37 east directly to the start at Bad Dürkheim.

Start: Weingut Lang und Sohn at Weinstraße Nord 61 Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

Weekend of July 6-7

Altrich (54518) -- If you don’t mind making the drive to Bitburg or Spangdahlem, then here’s an event in that area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Wittlich-Mitte exit (125) and follow secondary roads in the direction of Bernkastel-Kues and Altrich to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 60 toward Trier, Koblenz and Spangdahlem. Exit at Wittlich-Mitte (125) and follow signs for Bernkastel-Kues and Altrich. From Bitburg, use Autobahn 60 and exit at Wittlich-West (10). Head toward Wittlich and follow signs for Altrich.

Start: Altreia-Halle on Schulstraße Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 11 km) and 6:30-11 a.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown but expect hilly, fields and woods Award: None.

Niederstinzel, France (57930) -- This French volksmarch, found south of Saarbrücken, is easily reached by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarre-Union exit (43). Take D8 through Sarre-Union and Sarrewerden to connect with D43 that takes you to Niedersteinzel’s start.

Start: Salle des Fêtes des Sapeurs-Pompiers Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of July 13-14

Flacht (65558) -- This walk, north of Wiesbaden, brings wanderers to the scenic Limburg area. Consider visiting the interesting town of Limburg if you haven't done so already. Use Autobahn 3 toward Köln and Limburg. Take the Limburg-Süd exit and B-54 in the direction of Diez and Wiesbaden to reach the start at Flacht.

Start: Aartalhalle at Bahnhofstraße 17 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Very hilly, woods Award: None.

Ilbeshausen-Hochwaldhausen (36355) -- Scenic walking trails, plus cycling and swimming, are the reward for those willing to make the trip west of Fulda in the Naturpark Vogelsberg. A Saturday beer trail (five stations with five types of beers) is another reward some participants may find even more interesting. From Fulda, use B-254 to Lauterbach and B-275 to Herbstein. Shortly after that town, turn off B-275 onto a minor road to Ilbeshausen and the start at Hochwaldhausen.

Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Hindenburgstraße 11a Saturday: 1-6 p.m. (7 and 10 km beer trail), 1-4 p.m. (20 km, plus cycling and swimming) Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (7, 10 and 20 km, plus cycling) and 10 a.m. to noon (swimming) Trail: Hilly, fields and some woods Award: From previous events or certificate for triathlon completion.

Otterberg-Drehenthalerhof (67697) -- This event is located just a few kilometers north of Kaiserslautern and west of Sembach. From Baumholder, make your way to Autobahn 62 and head toward Kaiserslautern, connecting with Autobahn 6. Use the Kaiserslautern-West exit (15) to pick up secondary roads to Otterbach and Otterberg; from there take a minor road to Drehenthalerhof and the start. From the KMC, take Autobahn 6 Kaiserslautern-West exit (15) and B-270 north toward Idar-Oberstein. Connect with secondary roads through Otterbach and Otterberg to pick up the minor road to Drehenthalerhof.

Start: Bürgerhaus Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods and fields Award: From previous events.

Sohren (55487) -- This walk puts you near Hahn airport, home of Ryanair. Events in the Hunsrück area are always pretty and this one shouldn't be an exception. Drivers should make their way to B-50 using the Rheinböllen exit (45) of Autobahn 61 or B-421 from Idar-Oberstein or Bad Kreuznach. Once on B-50, drive in the direction of Bernkastel-Kues. Sohren is at the bottom of a triangle formed by routes B-421, B-327 and B-50.

Start: Bürgerhalle at Talstraße 1 Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trails: Fairly hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Weekend of July 20-21

Aarbergen-Panrod (65326) -- This event is north of Wiesbaden in the scenic Naturpark Rhein-Taunus. Use Autobahn 3's Bad Camberg exit (44) and a minor road leading to the start at Panrod. Wiesbaden's readers may alternately use B-417 toward Limburg until reaching a minor road to Ketternschwalbach and Panrod.

Start: Palmbachhalle on Kettenbacher Weg Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 6-11 a.m. (30 km) Trails: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Weekend of July 27-28

Hülzweiler (66773) -- This walk is a bit distant from the KMC, but certainly reachable, with its location just east of Saarlouis. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Schwalbach (14), then use a minor road south to Hülzweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Schwalbach (14) and briefly head south to reach the start.

Start: Sportzentrum Schachen Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (5 km), 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km), and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly trails, woods Award: None.

Sarralbe, France (57430) -- This event is south of Saarbrücken and easily reached from the KMC by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarreguemines exit. Take N61 to Sarralbe and the start.

Start: Centre Culturel Sportif on Rue de la Sarre Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Questions? Send email to volksmarch(at)gmail.com.