A 520.1-hectare part of the raised bog-like summit region has been designated as a nature reserve since 1938. In 1986, on the territory of the district of Freudenstadt, a further 876.2 ha was granted reserve status. This is intended to protect the typical landscape of the Black Forest grinden with their extensive woods, stands of mountain pine and the tarn of Buhlbachsee. Parts of the forest are also designated as Schonwald.