We were concerned that cutting back thorough the Black Forest would plunge us into a series of hill climbs that would be no fun with heavily loaded bikes. This proved to be only partly true. The first day was a delightful cruise along the Kinzig River - with interesting history and scenery, and no hills. For the last day, yes, we had to schlepp the bikes up kms of 18 percent grade to escape to the Neckar Valley. However, hills that we expected around the Neckar turned out to be downhills, so the day was only half bad.

On this route we definitely got to see some "black" forest, alright. Classic black forest houses, however, were fairly scarce, and there were no cuckoo clocks or ladies with strange hats to be seen.

Pros

Mostly flat river side cycling
Some interesting towns, lots of fachwerk
Good path surface
Lots of signage

Cons

Had to climb out over a mountain
Too many signs, equals confusion
No cuckoo clocks, few black forest houses