The best walks and hikes around Killeter Forest

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Killeter Forest. To ensure the protection of wildlife and livestock, please keep your dog under close control at all times, and on a lead where signposted.

Parking is available at two main locations. For the Mullyfa, Holy Well, and Bannadoo Trails, you can park at the Big Bridge on Tullycar Road. For the Tullnashane Trail, there is parking available on the Tullnashane Road.

Yes, the area offers several easier walks suitable for families. The Drumboe Woods loop from Stranorlar is a short and gentle trail. For a slightly longer but still manageable option, the Leghowney Loop provides a pleasant walk through the countryside.

The trails in Killeter Forest feature a diverse mix of terrain. You can expect to walk on well-maintained forest roads, peaceful paths alongside the river, and some quiet country roads. The landscape also includes sections of open bogland, which is part of what makes the area an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

For experienced hikers looking for a significant challenge, the Salmon Leap from Barnesmore Gap is a demanding long-distance route. This trail covers over 30 kilometers and involves considerable elevation gain, offering a strenuous day out through varied landscapes.

Killeter Forest is a rich habitat for various wildlife. As you explore, you may spot different bird species. The area is particularly known for its intact blanket bog, which supports unique plant life like bog cotton and various bog-mosses. In winter, you might even hear the calls of Greenland white-fronted geese overhead.

Killeter Forest is known for its vast, remote feel, offering a sense of solitude on its extensive trails through spruce plantations and open bogland. Gortin Glen Forest Park, another popular spot, is often noted for its family-friendly amenities, including a play park and coffee shop, alongside its own scenic walking trails.

The immediate forest has four main waymarked trails of varying lengths. However, the wider area offers a great selection of routes to explore. This guide features a curated list of top hikes, and you can find many more options on komoot to suit your plans.

Yes, there are several loop trails. The Black Lough North loop from Pettigo is a popular moderate circular route that takes you around a scenic lough. Many of the waymarked trails within the forest itself are also designed as loops.

The forest was designated an ASSI primarily due to its large, intact blanket bog and oligotrophic lakes. This unique habitat supports rare plant communities, including various Sphagnum Bog-mosses, Heather, and Hare's-tail Cottongrass, making it an important area for conservation. For more details, you can visit the Killeter Nature Reserve page.

The routes in this area are well-regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the forest and the variety of the terrain, from woodland paths to open bogland.

Yes, while hiking in the forest you can come across the site of the former Derg Lodge, which adds a historical point of interest to your walk. The informational panels installed in the area also provide insights into the local history.