Flanked by fishing ponds, the schweinstal is a nice little hike for the family. The asphalt path makes for good skateboarding, rollerblading and scooting so bring your desired equipment. The ponds are full of big fish and waterfowl, so bring your camera! You will pass the Carl Picard Stoneworks a short distance from the parking lot with stone sculptures dotting the route (have fun guessing what they are!). You can continue on the asphalt path for many kilometers and you will pass a rock quarry and what I like to call “The Witch House”, a small abanded structure that looks something out of a Grimm Brothers fairy tail. Keep on the path until you reach Quaidersbach or take the ancient cobblestone path up the hill into the woods and explore the foresty roads, it’s up to you! If you are into fitness, this route makes great for running and biking and you can even incorporate some swimming at the nearby Gelterswoog lake.

You can also combine this hike with the Finnsterbrunnertal to the east along L500.

Take the B270 south towards Pirmasens from Vogelweh. There is a park and ride at the junction of B270 and L500. Strap on your hiking shoes and hit the road.