In the valleys of Spessart (Woodpecker Forest), northwest Baveria, Germany

 “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” –John Muir

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(in northwest Bavaria, Germany) For centuries the red-sandstone studded hills and forested valleys of Spessart (Woodpecker Forest) were the private hunting domains of Germany’s nobility and bishops, and remained largely untouched by the outside world. Today, one benefits from that lack of development by visiting the Spessart, which has become a preferred destination for hikers and horsebackers. The region’s famous Donkey Trail (Eselweg) leads through 111 km (68 miles) of the area’s woodlands, along the path followed by the donkey caravans that transported salt from the medieval salt works at Orb and Fulda to the shipping ports along the River Main. This ridge trail passes through Germany’s largest continuous stretch of forest, shaded by some of the old growth oak trees. The Donkey Trail passes through six stages with places to find provide today's trail trekkers a bit of shelter and food at the end of each day’s trek. The Donkey Trail starts at Schlüchtern‘s railway station. Along the way, it passes by many old cloisters, hillside crucifixes, and chapels. In its later stages, it will take you to the legendary Mespelbrunn moated castle, the setting for the notable 1950s German film, “The Spessart Inn.”