Schmerbachtal von Fürth und Hammelbach, Protected nature reserve in Grasellenbach and Fürth, Germany

The Schmerbachtal von Fürth und Hammelbach is a protected nature reserve near Grasellenbach featuring mixed woodlands, meadows, and small streams. The area contains wetland habitats that support rare plants and bird species.

The Schmerbachtal von Fürth und Hammelbach was placed under protection on 13 September 1990 under the identifier 1431017, covering about 4.47 hectares. The designation aims to secure the nutrient-poor grassland and fen plant communities once widespread in the Sandstone Odenwald, along with the spring fen and alder carr. Management is meant to be extensive, with remaining spruce removed.

The reserve lies in the Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park and borders the Mossautal municipal area along the district boundary. The Schmerbach itself crosses from the Grasellenbach to the Fürth district before flowing into the Streitbach at the B 460. The name Schmerbach refers to the stream that runs through the protected valley.

Several marked hiking trails crisscross the area and connect to the regional walking network of the Bergstraße district. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and stay on designated paths to protect the habitats.

The reserve covers about 4.47 hectares in two adjoining parts, including a roughly one-hectare wooded high-moor area at the small Hirschwiese on the L 3105 and a 900-metre stretch of the abandoned Schmerbach stream floodplain. The stream crosses from Grasellenbach into Fürth and later flows into the Streitbach at the B 460.