Hikes around Annecy to waterfalls bring together several highlights: welcome coolness in summer, the sound and movement of water, and often beautifully preserved natural settings. Waterfalls make motivating destinations, especially popular with families and photographers.
Water flow changes a lot with the seasons: dramatic in spring when the snow melts, they can reduce to a trickle by late summer. Aim for April to June if you want to enjoy the full show.
Set on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, Angon Waterfall is one of the area’s most accessible and popular outings. The trail starts in the hamlet of Angon, between Talloires and Veyrier-du-Lac, and climbs gradually through the forest.
Elevation gain: around 200 metres
Return distance: 3 km
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours round trip
Difficulty: easy to moderate (some cable-assisted sections)
Best period: April to October
The well-marked path first crosses woodland before following the stream. The final metres include cable-assisted sections and steps cut into the rock, so a little care is needed with young children. The waterfall, about 30 metres high, pours into a natural basin that looks especially impressive in spring.
From Annecy, follow the D909A towards Talloires. A paid car park is located in the hamlet of Angon. In peak season, arrive early in the morning to find a space. The trail start is signposted from the car park.
Less well known than nearby Angon, Nant d'Aillon Waterfall offers a wilder, more untouched setting. Found in the hills above Talloires, it is a great option for anyone looking for more peace and quiet.
The route is of moderate difficulty and takes around 2.5 hours round trip for 350 metres of elevation gain. The trail crosses high pastures before dropping into a wooded valley where the waterfall gradually comes into view. Flow can be modest in summer, so spring is the best time for this walk.
Perched on the Montmin plateau above Lake Annecy, this waterfall offers a double appeal: the water feature itself and superb views over the lake from above.
The walk starts from the Col de la Forclaz, a well-known paragliding spot. The hike takes 2 hours round trip and climbs around 250 metres. The path alternates between open sections with panoramic views and shaded forest stretches.
The waterfall itself is modest in size, but it creates a refreshing atmosphere that feels especially good after the climb. The surrounding rocks also make a pleasant picnic stop. To extend the outing, there are plenty of variations towards Mont Veyrier or other peaks in the area.
For experienced hikers looking for a tougher challenge, Morette Waterfall, in the Bauges massif, offers a demanding route in a wild, protected setting.
Allow 4 to 5 hours round trip for around 600 metres of elevation gain. The trail is sometimes steep and technical, crossing rocky sections that call for a good level of fitness. In return, the waterfall drops 80 metres into an impressive rocky amphitheatre, looking especially striking in spring when snowmelt feeds the stream generously.
On the southern slope of the Semnoz, Grattepanche Waterfall remains little known, which makes it a great choice for an easy family hike away from the crowds.
The route, reached from the hamlet of Gruffy, takes around 1.5 hours round trip for just 150 metres of elevation gain. The forest path is well shaded and ideal on hot days. The waterfall itself is fairly small, but it creates a calm woodland atmosphere that is perfect for introducing children to hiking.
Even on easy routes, wear hiking shoes with good grip: the ground around waterfalls is often wet and slippery. A walking pole can also help on cable-assisted sections. Always bring water, energy snacks and a first-aid kit.
Wet rocks around waterfalls are particularly slippery. Keep well back from the edge and watch children closely. Swimming in natural pools, while tempting, comes with risks: cold water, unpredictable currents and varying depths.
Respect local wildlife and plant life by staying on marked paths. Take all litter home and avoid picking wild plants. In busy periods, set off early or choose a weekday so you can really enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.
If you want to discover these waterfalls as part of a group outing or a company event, there are several options that combine hiking and team cohesion. Local professionals offer trail routes for all levels, with support from experienced guides.
These guided outings let you discover lesser-known routes, learn how to read the terrain and benefit from tailored technical advice. For groups, team-building formats that mix hiking, navigation and collaborative challenges turn a simple walk into a memorable shared experience.
The ideal timing depends on what matters most to you. For the strongest water flow, aim for April to June, when snowmelt gives the waterfalls their peak power. Visitor numbers stay fairly moderate, especially on weekdays.
Summer brings settled weather and the welcome coolness of spray, but the trails are busier and water flow gradually drops. Autumn is an excellent compromise: fewer people, pleasant temperatures for walking and vivid forest colours, even if the waterfalls are less powerful.
Winter and early spring can make some access points hazardous (ice and snow) and turn the waterfalls into spectacular but inaccessible ice sculptures. Always check conditions before setting off.