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France
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Saint-Claude

Lac Le Grand Maclu

The best MTB trails around Lac Le Grand Maclu

4.5

(206)

1,240

riders

93

rides

Mountain bike trails around Lac Le Grand Maclu are set within the Jura Mountains of France, characterized by glacial lakes and diverse terrain. The region features a blend of serene lake views, challenging ascents, and picturesque descents. This area, often referred to as "Little Scotland" for its wild beauty, includes protected zones with rich biodiversity, alpine meadows, and peat bogs. The landscape offers a network of trails suitable for various mountain biking skill levels.

Best mountain bike trails around Lac…

Last updated: July 6, 2026

4.6

(5)

15

riders

#1.

Pic de l'Aigle – Chalain Lake Viewpoint loop from La Chaux-du-Dombief

40.9km

03:22

750m

750m

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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Hard

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate

Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

Hard
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Popular around Lac Le Grand Maclu

Hiking around Lac Le Grand Maclu

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Tips from the Community

TinkaBuster
October 3, 2025, The ghost tunnel!

Cool passage, definitely take a lamp.

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Kristian
September 1, 2025, Lac du Grand Maclu

A gravel, easy-to-walk hiking trail runs along the lakeshore, offering repeated, beautiful views of Lac Le Grand Maclu.

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Kristian
September 1, 2025, Lac du Grand Maclu

Small, rocky stretch of beach that you can climb down to, as well as good views of Lac Le Grand Maclu.

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5

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A waterfall with a larger pool and a smaller cascade in a beautiful setting. In front of it is a small stone lynx statue.

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6

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The Bief de la Ruine waterfall is located in the spectacular Malvaux Gorge. One of the most astonishing features of this waterfall is the fact that it only comes alive after heavy rainfall or during snowmelt. When it dries, it gives way to the spectacle of the carved stone, revealing the "Creux des Joyaux," a natural cave where the water swirls with varying degrees of vigor, polishing a multitude of limestone pebbles thanks to the force of its current.

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Lacs de Maclu are two adjacent lakes in the western part of the French Jura, in the Jura department of Franche-Comté. They are located at an elevation of 779 m in a depression in the High Jura, in the region of the Five Lakes near Le Frasnois, about 12 km south of Champagnole. The Petit Maclu, located to the northeast, has an area of 5 hectares, a length of about 500 m, and a maximum width of about 120 m. Its greatest depth is 11 m. It lies entirely within the municipal territory of Le Frasnois.

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6

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waterfalls don't always flow

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Beautiful view of the lake, and afterward, we had a lovely swim in the lake. Nice bar with delicious ice cream.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many mountain bike trails are available around Lac Le Grand Maclu?

There are over 90 mountain bike trails around Lac Le Grand Maclu, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. This includes 12 easy routes, 52 moderate routes, and 29 difficult routes.

What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails in this region?

The terrain around Lac Le Grand Maclu is diverse, characterized by the undulating landscapes of the Jura Mountains. You'll encounter serene lake views, challenging ascents, and picturesque descents. The region is known for its glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and unique ecosystems including peat bogs, which contribute to varied riding surfaces.

Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails near Lac Le Grand Maclu?

Yes, there are 12 easy mountain bike routes around Lac Le Grand Maclu that are suitable for families or those looking for a more relaxed ride. These trails often feature less elevation gain and smoother paths, allowing everyone to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Four Lakes region.

Can I find circular mountain bike routes around the lakes?

Absolutely. Many routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to experience the beauty of the glacial lakes. A popular option is the The ghost tunnel! – Shore of Lac de Narlay loop from La Chaux-du-Dombief, which is a moderate 54.5 km trail that takes you through diverse landscapes around the lakes.

What are some notable natural attractions or viewpoints accessible by mountain bike?

The region offers several stunning natural attractions. You can ride towards the magnificent Hérisson Waterfalls, a series of cascades that are a highlight of the area. For breathtaking panoramic views, Pic de l'Aigle, standing at 993 meters, offers vistas of the Jura Mountains, the Hérisson Valley, and even Mont Blanc on clear days. The 'Tour des 4 lacs' is also a popular loop that circles the four glacial lakes, providing comprehensive views of the area's natural beauty.

Are there any mountain bike routes that include the Hérisson Waterfalls?

Yes, you can definitely incorporate the Hérisson Waterfalls into your mountain biking adventure. A challenging option is the Tour des 4 lacs – The Hérisson Waterfalls loop from Le Frasnois, a difficult 41.7 km route with over 700 meters of elevation gain, offering impressive views of the cascades.

What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Lac Le Grand Maclu?

The mountain bike trails around Lac Le Grand Maclu are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1,300 mountain bikers have explored this varied terrain, often praising the stunning lake views, the challenging ascents, and the diverse natural landscapes.

Are there any longer, more challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes. The Grand Maclu Lake – Shore of Lac de Narlay loop from La Chaux-du-Dombief is a difficult 40.3 km trail with over 700 meters of elevation, traversing varied terrain around the glacial lakes. Another option is the The Hérisson Waterfalls – Fallen Tree at Lac de Bonlieu loop from Le Frasnois, a difficult 43.3 km route with similar elevation.

What is the best time of year to go mountain biking around Lac Le Grand Maclu?

The region is best enjoyed from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally favorable, and the trails are clear. The diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows and peat bogs, are particularly vibrant, offering beautiful scenery. Winter riding can be challenging due to snow and ice, especially on higher elevations.

Are there shorter, yet still challenging, mountain bike options?

Yes, if you're looking for a shorter but still difficult ride, consider the Grand Maclu Lake – Shore of Lac de Narlay loop from Le Frasnois. This route is 17.4 km long with nearly 300 meters of elevation gain, offering beautiful views of the lake shores and surrounding natural features in a more compact timeframe.

What makes the landscape around Lac Le Grand Maclu unique for mountain biking?

The landscape, often called 'Little Scotland' for its wild beauty, is unique due to its glacial origins. It features a quartet of interconnected glacial lakes, protected zones with rich biodiversity, and diverse ecosystems like peat bogs. The combination of serene lake views, dense forests, and the undulating terrain of the Jura Mountains creates a distinct and engaging environment for mountain biking.

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