The Hahnenkamm, with its varied forest landscapes and well-developed paths, is a popular hiking area and excursion destination for locals and visitors from the nearby Rhine-Main area. It is also a refuge for many animal and plant species that can exist here relatively untouched and close to nature. But the forest is a complex system that requires a lot of care. That is why it has been declared a protected forest, i.e. clearing is only permitted in exceptional cases. The mountain is divided into three vegetation zones: The ridge is mainly made up of quartz-containing and nutrient-poor stones. Oaks, pines and larches prevent the thin layer of soil from being washed away at this high altitude.
Gneiss and mica schist grow on the middle slopes. Here the soil stores water and is richer in nutrients, which is why beech trees thrive here. Loess clay with a high nutrient content dominates the lower slopes. Large parts of the Hahnenkamm have been designated as a drinking water protection area because the forest filters and stores the water. Due to its intensive root system, it can prevent slipping and hold the soil mechanically.