Angon Waterfall (Cascade d'Angon)

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Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Although the section of trail along the cliff to the waterfall is well fenced and has some hand cables, children should be kept under close supervision. The narrow trail is extremely slick even without rain or waterfall spray - everyone should take it slow here!

This trail is very steep and rocky. Large embedded slick stones become even more treacherous when wet. Loose gravel, roots, and sloped ravines make this a tricky outing for all but the most sure-footed of trail runners.

There are several possible variations for this route: either out and back to the waterfall or create a loop in either direction. As drawn here (the more popular clockwise direction), you get the payoff of seeing the waterfall in the first third of the trip instead of the last third of the trip.

This trail gets high marks for easy access from town, impressive waterfall viewing, and forest shade on a hot day. Although the mileage is short, the trail deserves its difficulty rating due to the steepness of the first and last bits in addition to the challenging trail surface. The trail consists of large embedded rocks, smaller loose stones and tree roots - all of which feel slippery because of the typically high humidity. The first part of the trail has eroded from foot traffic and water runoff such that runners are often hip to head deep in a wide trough. Don't let any of this dissuade you from this truly worthwhile excursion!

Start across from house #234 Route des Vignes, up a sign-posted gravel road. Ascend the hillside, switchbacking to a small viewpoint where you can glimpse Lake Annecy and the Duingt peninsula. Soon, a 3-way trail junction with a metal gate appears. The short out-and-back to the waterfall starts from this gated right-hand path. This is the highlight of the route!

Clamber along the trail cut into the cliffside rock, keeping a hand on the railing. Pass behind a strip of falling water and approach the impressive 35-meter falls streaming down the rock face. Check out the metal climbing anchors used by canyoneers to rappel down to the green pools below. Return to the main trail, heading uphill to the right to continue the loop.

Soon you'll see where the water has carved a deep narrow slit in the rocks. Cross over the pretty stone bridge (Pont des Fees) and pass by shallow pools. Pick up the trail going uphill by following the abundant trail signs marking every junction. Easy running beside pastures and farmers' driveways eventually leads to a short stretch on pavement going towards the hamlet of Rovagny.

A marked righthand turn off the pavement leads to a pleasant section through the middle of a grassy field. Don't miss the viewpoint to the left just as you re-enter the trees and start downhill. From this lookout, you can often see paragliders swooping through the canyon and over the waterfall. The descent proceeds along a wide but very sustained and steep path. Keep an eye out for the small yellow and green directional arrows at trail junctions.