Enjoy short but refreshing hikes to discover rivers and secret waterfalls.
© OT_Sources du Lac Annecy /
© Gilles Piel A stone’s throw from Lake Annecy, head for the Forclaz pass. Ideal for families, this lovely shaded walk takes you to the Angon waterfalls gushing from a maximum height of 65 metres. Along the way, the vegetation yields here and there to turquoise waters, and you can also admire Duingt castle standing on the opposite bank of the lake. In hot weather, this walk is the perfect way to cool off in the waterfall’s refreshing spray but it can sometimes make the path slippery, so beware! You may spot a few canyoneers abseiling down the waterfall, an original way to appreciate the Angon waterfalls that you may want to try on a future trip! Remember to download the ViAnnecy app to find all the possible routes.
© OT_Sources du Lac Annecy 
© OT_Sources du Lac Annecy The famous Seythenex cave and waterfall need no introduction, but there are many other waterfalls dotted across the Lake Annecy Sources region. It’s worth pointing out that these rivers and waterfalls supply 60% of the surface water of Lake Annecy, hence the name “Lake Annecy Sources”! The waterfalls of Fontany ,Nanceau and Saury, AKA the Mine waterfall, are all very beautiful and easy to reach for a refreshing dip in the heat of summer. The Mine waterfall also offers a fabulous canyoning descent for experienced canyoneers.
In Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, the Nom trail offers an easy walk in the Envers woods, along the banks of the Nom, a mountain stream that flows into the Fier. The river itself is approachable with a number of spots suitable for cooling off in the water. Ideal for family walks. Keep an eye on the weather, however, as mountain rivers can swell very quickly following a storm!
Continuing towards Le Grand-Bornand, you can take a detour to the mysterious waterfall on a lovely 20-minute walk in the shade of the Chinaillon beech forest. Legend has it that the first couple ever to live in Le Grand Bornand met here. The mysterious waterfall gushes from the Chinaillon mountain stream, which you can easily cross further downstream on the Pont des Romains. This beautiful bridge features in another walking itinerary that follows the banks of the river Borne from Grand-Bornand village. You’ll have no trouble appreciating the surroundings, thanks to the picnic area and various bathing spots along the river.
If you find yourself near Manigod, don’t hesitate to visit the Nant Burgeat waterfall, another short but extremely beautiful walk that’s perfect for families. From the Gutary bridge, a forest trail takes you along the banks of the river to this magnificent waterfall barely half an hour away.
At La Balme-de-Thuy, as you enter Thônes, the Abri sous Roche site marks the beginning of a picturesque walking trail that will take you about 1 to 1½ hours. The waterfalls trail is a must for hikers exploring the area. Like members of the Maquis heading for the Glières plateau during the second world war, you’ll follow a narrow path up through the forest and across the streams to admire a succession of waterfalls, ending with the Morette, or Nant Debout waterfall, which is also a very popular canyoning spot.
