From the Heilbachsee parking lot in Gunderath, with direct access to the CenterParc Park Eifel, the approximately 31-kilometre-long Elz Valley cycle path starts from the main road (L96) via Blumenstraße and Blumsmühle, parallel to the L96 and the Uersfeld stream.

The Bergkrone barite mine is located between Gunderath and Uersfeld, not far from the cycle path. The "De Kaul" mine, which has been closed since 1967, is now used as a water reservoir. Today, a few ruins, spoil heaps and a well in the center of Uersfeld and mining lorries at the western entrance to Uersfeld are reminders of the past mining history.

The route now leads along Mühlenweg and Bachstraße past the southern outskirts of Uersfeld. Here you can also take a detour to the Nostalgikum and enter the "Oberes Elztal" children's hiking area. The Nostalgikum is located in the old boys' school in Uersfeld and is home to an exhibition that shows the lives of "ordinary people" from the last century in various themed areas and literally indulges in nostalgia.

Continuing along the Uersfeld stream, the route now follows the main road and Wiesenstraße through the municipality of Lirstal. From Lirstal, the Elztal cycle path now follows the Elzbach stream, which gives the route its name, first along the main road and then along Bachstraße through the municipality of Oberelz.

Continuing to follow the Elzbach stream, the path continues past the Ditscheider Mühle mill. Here you cross the district road before crossing the L96 at Bermelermühle and continuing through the idyllic Elz valley to the village of Niederelz. From Unterdorfstraße in Niederelz, the route continues along Weinbergstraße, always following the Elzbach stream, past the Monreal sports field and the Monreal train station. After passing the train station, you reach the picturesque half-timbered village of Monreal. Here it is worth taking a short or longer break with a view of the two castle ruins of Philippsburg and Löwenburg, before the route climbs steeply up the Nierstraße towards Mayen.

Passing two small chapels and the Schnürenhof farm, the route now climbs steeply up to Conderhöhe. At the highest point, the route first crosses the K24 and then the B258 before descending again towards the town of Mayen with fantastic views. The route now leads through Mayen, followed by a final ascent to Mayen Ostbahnhof, the destination of the Elztal Cycle Trail.

The start and finish of the Elztal Cycle Path can also be swapped.

It is also possible to cover part of the route - from Monreal to Mayen - by train.

Safety instructions:

• On roads, right-hand traffic applies and the road traffic regulations must be observed.
• In some sections, somewhat busier connections (along the country road) and gravel paths are also possible.
• Caution is advised on all paths, especially in wet conditions.