With 3 natural lakes, the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions have a lot to offer. This article lists a selection of waterfalls near lake Annecy.
1. Dard et des Nantisses waterfalls
These three waterfalls are an easy hike, located at the foot of the Parmelan (the mountain cliff visible from lake Annecy). Although it’s close to Annecy, it’s not a well-known hike. I’ve been there many times and haven’t met many people. For more information, see the full article.
Average time: 1 hour (round trip)
Elevation: 130 meters
Difficulty: easy
Distance from Annecy: 12 km
2. La Balme de Thuy waterfalls
This short hike follows a path leading to a few waterfalls. La Balme de Thuy is relatively close to Annecy and this hike can be combined with another one nearby. The main path leads to the tallest waterfall and the other 2 are closer to the road. The area was used by the maquisards (a group of resistance fighters n the mountains) during WWII. For more information, read the full article.
Average time: 2 hours for the full loop, 30 minutes for the shortest trail
Elevation: 200 m
Altitude: 765 m
Difficulty: easy
Distance from Annecy: 18 km
3. Pissieu waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Bauges mountains (Massif des Bauges), a mountain range between Annecy and Chambery. The Pissieu waterfall is more of a walk than a hike: easy to reach with no elevation. I have been there many times, in all seasons and it has never been very busy. For more information, read the full article.
Average time: 40 min (round trip)
Elevation: none
Difficulty: easy
Distance from Annecy: 30 km
4. Angon waterfall
With its impressive natural site and easy access, the Angon waterfall can be very busy. It is easily accessible from Angon or from the village of Talloires. It has beautiful views over lake Annecy, the Tournette and dents de Lanfon mountains. For more information, read the full article.
Average time: 1 hour (round trip)
Elevation: 120 meters
Altitude: 645 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Distance from Annecy: 15 km
5. The mysterious waterfall
The Mysterious waterfall is a nice walk, easy to reach from the road. Although it’s very accessible, not many people ad heard of it. The path reaches the first part of the waterfall within a few minutes. It follows the stream until the torrent. For more information, read the full article.
Average time: 15min (round trip)
Elevation: 50 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Distance from Annecy: 38 km
