The first stage leads from the national park gate in the Monschau district of Höfen downhill into the Perlenbach valley and then uphill along Fuhrtsbach and Döppeskaul. In spring, a unique natural spectacle awaits hikers on this section. Millions of blooming daffodils transform the gently sloping hillside and the valley floor into a bright yellow carpet of flowers. At Wahlerscheid you reach the highest point of the Wilderness Trail, it then turns north and leads alternately downhill and uphill along the Wüstebach stream into the often fairytale-like valley of Erkensruhr and through the village of the same name to Einruhr am Obersee. Shortly before you reach Einruhr, you have a fantastic view over the Obersee.

Highlights along the route

• Höfen National Park Gate
• Romantic meadow valleys with daffodil blossom and wild herbs
• The idyllic Erkensruher Valley.
• The natural forest cell "Im Brand"
• Einruhr National Park information point