Cascades du Hérisson — Grand Saut (65m Waterfall)

The Grand Saut (Big Leap) is the centrepiece of the Cascades du Hérisson trail in the Jura department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a 65-metre free-fall waterfall dropping through a limestone gorge fed by the Hérisson river. The falls are reached by a maintained hiking trail of approximately 2.5 kilometres from the Parking du Moulin Jacquand (paid, approximately €3) near Ménétrux-en-Joux, passing several smaller falls — the Eventail (23 m) and the Gour Bleu — before arriving at the Grand Saut. The gorge walls are high and tree-covered, creating deep shade for much of the day except in summer when the sun rises high enough to enter the gorge mouth around 10:00–12:00. Photographers seeking silky long-exposure water effects must use an ND filter (6-stop or variable) in these conditions. Overcast days are ideal for even illumination throughout the gorge without the extreme contrast problems caused by patches of sky light breaking through the canopy. In April and May the snowmelt water volume is at maximum and the cascade shoots out at full force with impressive spray radius; by August the flow is considerably reduced. Any camera bag and equipment should be in waterproof covers within 10 metres of the base of the fall — the spray is persistent and unpredictable in wind. The trail surface is uneven and wet year-round; waterproof hiking boots are strongly advisable. The trail continues beyond the Grand Saut to the Lac de Bonlieu above, but most photographers stop at the main fall. There are no public restrooms on the trail itself; facilities are at the parking area only.