Take a hike

Your guide to volksmarching in and around the U.S. Army Garrisons Baumholder and Wiesbaden

By Donald Seltzer

U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Volksmarch Editor

Volksmarching notes

O Things are coming together for the Wiesbaden International Wandering Club’s debut. However, the position of Activity Coordinator has yet to be filled. Get all the details about the job by sending a message to hiwc@yahoo.com.

O This writer bids a fond farewell to one of Wiesbaden’s most active and inspiring volksmarchers, Nancy Shawley, as she retires from DoDDS and returns to the States.

O Got a comment? Found something you’d like to correct? Want to change ‘unknown’ to a useful trail description? Write me at volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Feedback.”

O Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started.”

O Many thanks to readers Pat and Cheryl Patterson, and Michael Harrigan for providing brochures.

O Readers are asked to pick up extra event brochures and to mail them via MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.

O The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.

O Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the newspaper editor? The complete, unedited version of the monthly volksmarching feature is available in its original Word document format by sending an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with 'subscribe' in the subject line.

Weekend of Feb. 16-17

Bad Marienberg (56470) -- Although it's a bit of a drive, this event offers a swim and rewards walkers with scenic views of the Hoher Westerwald region. From Giessen use Autobahn 45 toward Herborn and Siegen and exit at Herborn-West (26) to use B-255 and B-414. Drive west toward Hachenburg and watch for IVV directional signs.

Start: Schulzentrum (walk) on Kirburger Straße and MarienBad (swim) at Bismarckstraße 65 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (swim) Trail: Hilly, wooded areas Award: Decorative candle.

Beinheim, France (67930) -- This event is on the border east of Haguenau and northwest of Baden-Baden, Germany. Yes, it’s quite distant from the KMC but offers the opportunity to visit Haguenau, Soufflenheim and Strasbourg in France as well as Baden-Baden. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south where it becomes D35A in France. Connect with N62 to Haguenau and N63 through Soufflenheim to Rountzenheim. Connect with a minor road toward Seltz in order to reach Beinheim and the start. An alternative route from the KMC via autobahn would be A-6 toward Mannheim, A-61 toward Ludwigshafen and A-65 toward Wörth. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to use B-9 into France and the A35 autobahn to the Beinheim exit (56).

Start: Salle Polyvalente Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of Feb. 23-24

Bingen-Kempten (55411) -- Easily reached via autobahn, the Bingen-Kempten event offers a scenic view of the Rhine river. Use the Bingen-Gaulsheim exit (14) of Autobahn 60 and follow a secondary road and IVV signs to the start.

Start: Sportheim Hassia at Mainzer Straße 197 Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7:30 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Somewhat hilly, mostly fields with some woods Award: None.

Hemmersdorf (66780) -- This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the French border, yet it's easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig to exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Büren to reach Hemmersdorf.

Start: Grenzlandhalle on Niedaltdorfer Straße Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber (91541) -- This walk explores the medieval walled-city of Rothenburg. The Saturday-only old-town walk offers a mini-tour of its many shops and sights. The outside trails, including a half-marathon distance, are a great choice if you've already experienced the old-city trail. It's crowded but not overwhelming; parking is plentiful. In conjunction with this special walk discounts on admission are offered by a number of museums and attractions by showing your IVV start card. Use Autobahns 5, 6 and 7 past Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Crailsheim in order to reach Rothenburg. Alternately, Autobahns 3 and 7 via Würzburg and Kitzingen may be used.

Start: Sporthalle at Erlbacher Straße 5 Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon (6, 11 and 21 km outside of city) and noon to 4 p.m. (11 km old-city trail) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (21 km) Trails: Old-City routes are paved and have steps; trails in the surrounding area are hilly and wooded Award: Cloth shopping bag.

Weekend of March 2-3

Greifenstein-Beilstein (35753) -- This event is west of Giessen and a bit distant for all but the most dedicated wanderers. Five trails in a variety of lengths are offered to participants, to include a marathon. From Giessen use B-49 west to Biskirchen and a secondary road north through Greifenstein to the start at Beilstein. When using Autobahn 45 take the Herborn-Süd (27) or Ehringshausen (28) exits to follow IVV signs to the start.

Start: Sportlerheim und Sportgelände on Sportplatzstraße Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 6:30-11 a.m. (20 and 30 km) and 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: From previous events or cloth patch and certificate (marathon).

Heusweiler (66265) -- This event is north of Saarbrücken and just off of Autobahn 8, making it easily reached from Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl. From the KMC area, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Heusweiler (16). From Baumholder, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis. Exit at Heusweiler (16) and follow signs to the start.

Start: Friedrich-Schiller-Schule at Schillerstr. 65 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.

Sien (55758) -- Not too far from Baumholder, this event offers flat and stroller-friendly trails that could be enjoyed by wanderers of all ages. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to connect with B-420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to pick up B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and Sien.

Start: Turnhalle at Kirner Straße 6 Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7:30 a.m. to noon (20 km) and 7:30-11 a.m. (30 km) Trail: Hilly, mostly woods Award: None.

Weekend of March 9-10

Aschbach bei Lebach (66822) -- This event, due north of Saarbrücken, is closest to wanderers in the KMC area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, then exit at Tholey (140). Take B-269 toward Lebach to reach the start. From Ramstein, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Tholey (140) to backtrack a few kilometers on B-269 to Aschbach.

Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Koblenzer Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Hilly trails, woods and some fields Award: None.

L’Hôpital, France (57490) -- This event is on the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and north of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via Autobahn 6. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz using the French autobahns A320 and A4. Use the Carling exit and take N33 (Route de Carling) north a short distance. Exit onto Rue Principale and briefly follow it to a possible roundabout where you’ll pick up D26 which goes through a series of names to eventually become Rue de la Gare, upon which the start is located.

Start: Centre Sportif du Puits 2 on Rue de la Gare Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown, expect wooded areas Award: None.

Queidersbach (66851) -- This event is southeast of Ramstein and easily reached by autobahn. From Kaiserslautern, head south about 5 km on B-270 to connect with a minor road leading to the start at Queidersbach. Start: Sport- und Mehrzweckhalle at Jahnstraße 11 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Simmern/Hunsrück (55469) -- This walk brings wanderers to the scenic Hunsrück region west of Bingen and celebrates the club’s 40th anniversary. Take Autobahns 60 and 61 and the Rheinböllen exit (45), then pick up B-50 toward Kirchberg and Simmern. A secondary road will be used for the final mile or so to Simmern. From Baumholder, take the minor road skirting the boundary of the training area to reach B-420. Continue toward Lauterecken to connect with and use B-270, B-41, B-421 and B-50 to reach Simmern.

Start: Hunsrückhalle at Schulstraße 12 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trails: Hilly, woods and fields Award: None.

Weekend of March 16-17

Bitche, France (57230) -- This Marche Populaire event is south of Zweibrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area willing to make the drive will enjoy something a little different -- yet very familiar -- from the usual events in Germany. In addition, challenge-seekers will find 42- and 50-kilometer routes offered Saturday. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim to take B-424 south where it becomes D 35A in France. Continue on using D 620 and D 35 to reach the start at Bitche.

Start: Salle des cuirassiers on Rue du Général Stuhl Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 and 50 km) Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: Certificate for 42- and 50-km trails.

Differten (66787) -- This walk is west of Saarbrücken. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Wadgassen (4b) and use minor roads through Wadgassen to the start at Differten.

Start: Bisttalhalle on Pater-Lorson-Straße Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Frankfurt/Main-Bergen-Enkheim (60388) -- This event offers a variety of trails for different abilities. The start hall is in the Enkheim area of Frankfurt, across the street from the Hessen Center shopping mall and streetcar stop. The mall is at the western end of Autobahn 66 when coming from Hanau. From Aschaffenburg and Hanau take A-66 right to the shopping center. From elsewhere, readers will need to consult their maps carefully if using a route other than A-66. Drivers can use Autobahns 3 and 661 (northbound) to find directional signs to Bergen-Enkheim, then follow small, white IVV signs to the start.

Start: Volkshaus Enkheim at Borsigallee 40 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km) Trails: Shorter trails are slightly hilly and stroller-friendly for the large-wheeled variety, longer trails are hillier; woods, fields and some city streets Award: From previous events.

Grolsheim (55459) -- This walk is just south of Bingen and offers a variety of trail lengths. Use Autobahn 60 to pick up B-50 at Bingen, head south toward Bad Kreuznach and follow IVV signs to the start. From Wiesbaden and Mainz, use the St. Goar exit of A-60 to pick up B-9, then the Gensingen exit to connect with B-50.

Start: Nahelandhalle on Aspisheimer Weg Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 and 30 km) Trails: Shorter trails are mostly flat, longer trails are hilly; fields, local neighborhoods and some woods Award: From previous events.

Trier-Ehrang (54293) -- Wanderers will walk in the area surrounding Germany's oldest city of Trier as a reward for the time spent reaching this event. From Baumholder, head toward Autobahn 1 and connect with it at Freisen, then use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. Volksmarchers in the KMC will use Autobahns 62, 1 and 602 to Trier. Trier-Ehrang has its own exit off of Autobahn 602 as drivers approach Trier. Watch carefully for IVV directional signs.

Start: Turnhalle at Oberstraße 8 in the Trier suburb of Ehrang Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods and fields Award: From previous events.

Weekend of March 23-24

Düppenweiler (66701) -- This walk is a bit distant, but still reachable, with its location northwest of Saarbrücken and northeast of Saarlouis. As an incentive for challenge-seeking wanderers, the club offers its first half-marathon. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, exit at Eppelborn (141) and use B-10 and B-269 past Lebach. Connect with a minor road at Bettstadt to Piesbach and Düppenweiler. From the KMC and Ramstein areas, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Eppelborn (141) to use B-10, B-269 and the same minor roads to reach the start.

Start: Kulter- und Sporthalle on Pfarrer-Gierend-Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (16 km) and 7-11 a.m. (21 km) Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly trails, woods Award: None.

Hahnstätten (65623) -- This event is directly south of Limburg, itself an interesting location for exploring. Use Autobahn 3's Bad Camberg exit (44) and follow a secondary road through Beuerbach, Ohren, Kirberg and Kaltenholzhausen and Hahnstätten. IVV directional signs will take you through the nearby town of Lohrheim to the start.

Start: Bürgerhaus at Austraße 5 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: None.

Kirn-Sulzbach (55606) -- This scenic walk with a variety of trail lengths is literally just down the road from Idar-Oberstein and easily reached. From Baumholder, use minor roads to reach Idar-Oberstein and B-41, continuing toward Bad Kreuznach to reach the start at Kirn-Sulzbach. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahn A-60 to Bad Kreuznach and continue west on B-41. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, and exit at Birkenfeld (4). Take B-41 through Idar-Oberstein to reach Kirn-Sulzbach.

Start: Gasthaus Collet at Oldenburgerstr. 2 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (30 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km) Trails: Hilly, fields and woods Award: None.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg (L-1750) – This feature is expanding its horizons a bit with a second event listing in Luxembourg. This time it’s a Sunday-only walk with trails passing through the old city as well as parks and forests. Free entrance to the city’s Tram and Bus Museum is offered as part of the 12- or 20-km trails. It’s a long drive from the KMC but, if you’ve got the time and the weather is nice, should be a worthwhile trip. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. At Kreuz Neunkirchen connect with A-8 toward Luxembourg and continue across the border where it becomes A13. At the Croix de Bettembourg interchange, take A3 toward Luxembourg. Just past the Croix de Gasperich, the autobahn ends at a roundabout; take the second exit onto B3. Use N3, N50, N57, Boulevard Royal, and N52 to reach Avenue Victor Hugo. Watch for FLMP directional signs leading to the start.

Start: Hall Victor Hugo at 60, Avenue Victor Hugo Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.

Weekend of March 29-31

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night!

Hünfelden-Ohren (65597) -- This Good Friday walk is west of Bad Camberg on the northern edge of the Naturpark Rhein-Taunus. Use the Bad Camberg exit (44) of Autobahn 3 to pick up unnumbered roads to Beuerbach and Ohren.

Start: Gemeinschaftshalle am Sportplatz on Dauborner Weg Friday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: None.

Easter Monday, April 1

Morbach-Bischofsdhron (54497) -- This German-holiday event is close to Idar-Oberstein. From Baumholder, head to Neubrücke to pick up B-41 to Birkenfeld and B-269 to reach Morbach, then connect with a secondary road to Bischofsdhron. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, exit at Birkenfeld (4), and follow B-41 to Birkenfeld, and B-269 to Morbach. A minor road will lead to Bischofsdhron.

Start: Gemeindehaus at Zur Rau 2 Monday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods Award: None.

Weekend of April 6-7

Hüttenthal (64756) -- This event is in the beautiful Odenwald southeast of Darmstadt. Good weather will make this a pleasant trip. This walk may reached via Autobahn 5 south from Darmstadt using the Heppenheim exit (31) and B-460 toward Erbach.

Start: Sporthalle at Güttersbacher Straße 4 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trail: Very hilly, mostly woods Award: None.

Wednesday, April 10

Mainz-Gonsenheim (55124) -- This midweek walk is easily reached via autobahn and is just north of Mainz. Use Autobahns 60 or 643 to take the Mainz-Gonsenheim exit to find IVV signs or tape directing them to the start. Start: Karl-Geib-Haus at Kapellenstraße 44 Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (5 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Flat, mostly stroller-friendly trails, woods. Award: None.

Weekend of April 14-15

Rhaunen (55624) -- This walk is in the Hunsrück region west of Bingen, an area well known for its scenic beauty and year-round series of walking trails. Trail lengths of 42- and 50-kilometers are offered to challenge-seeking wanderers as are three Mountain Bike trails without IVV credit. From Wiesbaden, take Autobahns 60 and 61 toward Bingen and Koblenz. Exit at Rheinböllen (45) and follow B-50 and B-421 to Kirchberg, then continue through Dickenschied, Rohrbach and Woppenroth to reach Rhaunen on a secondary road. From Baumholder, use the minor roads skirting the training area to reach B-420. Head in the direction of Bad Kreuznach to B-270 and B-41 to Kirn. Connect with a secondary road through Hahnenbach and Bundenbach to Rhaunen.

Start: Idarwaldhalle at Am Sonnenschlicher 5 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km), 6:30-8 a.m. (50 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (25, 35 and 50 km mountain bike without IVV credit) Trails: Hilly, mostly woods Award: From previous events (shorter routes) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Sprendlingen (55576) -- Look for this event south of Bingen. From Wiesbaden, Mainz and points east use Autobahns 60 to Bingen and 61 south toward Ludwigshafen. Exit at Gau-Bickelheim (52)and follow IVV signs to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Gau-Bickelheim (52) and follow directional signs to the start hall.

Start: Wißberghalle at Stettiner Straße 1 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Stroller-friendly on 5 km; otherwise hilly, woods Award: From previous events.

Wednesday, April 17

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) -- Too distant for most readers, this midweek event is closest to Baumholder and Kaiserslautern. The start times may accommodate workers with an understanding boss. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the unnumbered road bordering the training area to reach B-420 at Rathsweiler. Take B-420 to Lauterecken, then B-270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From Kaiserslautern, use B-420 north toward Lauterecken to Heinzenhausen and the minor road to the start.

Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6 Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cycling) and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly walking trails, woods and fields; 30-km asphalt cycling trail Award: None.

Weekend of April 20-21

Hermesdorf (54636) -- If you have a reason to drive to Bitburg, then consider participating in this event northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir). Readers making the drive will find six trails of various distances winding through the picturesque area. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahns 3, 48, 1 and 60 toward Koblenz and Wittlich, exit at Landsheid and take B-50 to Bitburg. Follow IVV directional signs and roads toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62, 1 and 60 north to exit at Landscheid, take B-50 to Bitburg and connect with a minor road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich. Exit at Landscheid, use B-50 through Bitburg and connect with a road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf.

Start: Westeifelwerke at Unter den Birken 2 Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km) and 7-10 a.m. (25 and 30 km) Trail: Expect hilly, wooded areas Award: None.

Mannweiler-Cölln (67822) -- This is an easy-to-reach event south of Bad Kreuznach. Formerly held in the neighboring town of Schiersfeld, this event offers a marathon in addition to the usual trails. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahns 643, 60 and 63 toward Kaiserslautern. Exit at Wörrstadt (6) and take B-420 to connect with B-48. Follow B-48 south toward Kaiserslautern to the start at Mannweiler-Cölln. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and exit at Winnweiler (13). Use B-48 north toward Bad Kreuznach to reach the start.

Start: Gemeindehalle Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Hilly, woods and fields Award: From previous events (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon).

Wiesbaden-Frauenstein (65201) -- This event is billed as the Cherry Blossom Walk. With its location near the Wiesbaden Garrison’s Rheinblick Golf Course, consider tossing your clubs in the trunk and get some practice in at the driving range or putting green after walking the trails. Use Autobahn 66 to reach Wiesbaden; continue on A-66 to the Frauenstein exit. Follow IVV directional signs on the minor road leading to Frauenstein and Alfred-Delp-Straße.

Start: Alfred-Delp-Schule at Alfred-Delp-Str. 53 Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 8 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown but expect somewhat hilly, wooded areas and neighborhoods Award: None.

Weekend of April 27-28

Bockenau (55595) -- This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. From Wiesbaden, use Autobahns 643, 60 and 61 toward Bingen and Bad Kreuznach. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) to use B-41 toward Kirn. Pick up a secondary road at Waldböckelheim to head northwest to Bockenau. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to reach B-420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to connect with B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B-41 through Kirn to Waldböckelheim. A minor road will lead to Bockenau.

Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: From previous events.

Questions? Send email to volksmarch(at)gmail.com.