4.2
(367)
2,798
riders
116
rides
Mountain biking around Grote Rietplas offers a diverse landscape combining water-based recreation with wooded and undulating terrain. The region features a dedicated mountain bike route that encircles the Grote Rietplas and Parc Sandur, navigating through sections of forest, grassy paths, and open areas. The terrain is predominantly sandy and gently sloping, providing an engaging experience for riders of various skill levels.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
5.0
(1)
9
riders
9.23km
00:38
20m
20m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(5)
250
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(1)
25
riders
50.2km
03:15
60m
60m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
29
riders
73.0km
04:52
100m
100m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
15
riders
34.7km
02:07
80m
80m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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It's a beautiful place, with good paths/trails... I'll definitely be back.
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Attention, watch out...Attention jump
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Sleen is always great and good ways
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A really great round...always fun
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between Nieuw-Balinge and Gees lies a very special area, the Mekelermeer. At first glance, an ordinary Drenthe fen like many others, beautifully situated in the shady forest of the Gees forestry. But the Mekelermeer is more than a fen, it is a living history book that tells about an ice age, the first farmers and the time of exploitation and forest planting. The Mekelermeer is one of the largest pingo ruins in the Drenthe landscape. Pingo ruins are remnants of an ice hill from the last ice age. They are often recognizable in the landscape as a round lake, fen or pit.
2
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Beautiful wide and narrow hiking trails and very beautiful surroundings.
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0
There are over 115 mountain bike trails recorded in the Grote Rietplas area on komoot. These range from easy loops to more challenging routes, catering to various skill levels.
The Grote Rietplas area is generally suitable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. However, spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. The sandy terrain can be affected by heavy rain, so checking local weather conditions is advisable.
The mountain bike trails in Grote Rietplas are predominantly easy to moderate, making them accessible for beginners and those with intermediate skills. While the terrain is lightly undulating with sandy paths, some routes incorporate technical singletracks, jumps, and flowy turns to keep more experienced riders engaged. For example, the De Vuurvogel Sculpture loop from Erica is an easy option, while the Emmerdennen Mountain Bike Trail – Sand Pit Trail loop from Zuidbarge is considered moderate.
Yes, many mountain bike routes in Grote Rietplas are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. The dedicated mountain bike route around the Grote Rietplas itself is a circular trail. An example is the Flow trails in the Netherlands – Walk Around the Lake loop from Emmen Zuid, which offers a longer circular experience.
You can expect a diverse landscape featuring sections of forest, grassy paths, and open areas near the lake. The ground is predominantly sandy, typical of the region, and the terrain is gently undulating. Some wooded sections include technical singletracks, jumps, and flowy turns, adding variety to the ride.
The trails offer picturesque views of the Rietplas lakes and wind through wooded landscapes. You might pass by the notable De Vuurvogel Sculpture, an imposing wind chime at the entrance to Parc Sandur. The area also features natural highlights like Rietplas Park, Sandy Beach at the Lake, and the serene Kleine Rietplas.
The mountain biking experience in Grote Rietplas is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic views of the Rietplas, and the well-marked paths that cater to different skill levels. The combination of serene lakes and wooded landscapes is frequently highlighted.
Yes, Grote Rietplas offers several easy routes suitable for families. The dedicated mountain bike route around the Grote Rietplas is generally considered suitable for beginners and those with moderate fitness, making it a good option for families. The De Vuurvogel Sculpture loop from Erica is an easy 5.1-mile path that provides scenic views and passes a notable landmark, ideal for a family outing.
You can easily access the mountain bike route from the parking area at Parc Sandur, which is conveniently located near the Grote Rietplas. This provides a good starting point for exploring the trails.
Yes, the area around Grote Rietplas, particularly Parc Sandur, offers amenities such as holiday accommodations. You can find cafes and other facilities within the recreational park and in the nearby town of Emmen, providing options for refreshments and overnight stays.
While the Grote Rietplas area is popular for outdoor activities, specific rules regarding dogs on mountain bike trails can vary. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves and shared-use paths, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all users and wildlife. Always check local signage for specific regulations.
The Grote Rietplas area is primarily accessed by car, with parking available at Parc Sandur. While public transport options to the immediate vicinity of the trails might be limited, you can reach Emmen by train or bus, and then potentially connect to the Grote Rietplas area via local bus services or a short taxi ride.


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