Nr. on the small map: 17 (Miltenberg)
“Felsenmeer”
The spectacular natural monument “Felsenmeer” is situated above the Schnatterloch and is a product of geological processes which started approximately 245 m years ago. At that time, the Odenwald was part of a semi-desert-like landscape. River sediments fossilizing over millions of years formed the red bunter sandstone.
During the Tertiary, about 50 m years ago, we experienced a subtropical climate, leading to in-depth weathering of the surface area. Approximately 2.6 m years ago, the Ice Age started. The Odenwald of those days was located in the permafrost region, comparable to the tundra of today, where megaloceros, woolly rhinoceros and mammoth roamed. In summer, the ground only thawed as deep as one meter (3.2 ft) or even less. The weathered material then began to slide in slope areas. Caused by precipitations during warmer periods, the finer material was washed away and the bigger rocks remained. This is how the blockfields of the Odenwald emerged which in fact are of different ages though all formed by similar processes.
“3 im Wald” (“3 in the Forest”)
The Natural Barefoot Path consists of two legs (each about 200 m / 219 yd long). Starting at the Schnatterloch bridge, the path will take you to the rock “Ottostein”. The path is a pristine forest trail with small gravel, cones, leaves, soil, and all other features nature has to offer along trails and paths. Please mind each step and be cautious wherever you go!
Grant your feet some rest after having covered half of the trail, spend some time at the picnic area and try out your dexterity at the wooden play equipment. When rested, proceed on the second leg and you will reach the spectacular natural monument Felsenmeer (lit. „sea of rocks“, a blockfield), a wonderful location dating back to previous Ice Ages.
Having reached the Ottostein, the Art Trail (about 600 m / 656 yd long) now takes you to a scenic view point above the Mildenburg castle where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking, marvelous view of Miltenberg. Students from the schools of Miltenberg, as well as some independent artists regularly display different kinds of art. If you carry on, you will find various kinds of trees which are well explained on panels in easy to understand German and English.
This Educational Tree Trail (about 500 m / 547 yd long) takes you back to your starting point, the Schnatterloch.
