The best MTB trails around Les Planchettes

Les Planchettes offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 160 routes available. These range from easy rides to challenging routes with significant elevation gains, catering to various skill levels.

Yes, Les Planchettes has trails suitable for different fitness levels. While many routes involve significant elevation, there are around 18 easy and 124 moderate routes that can be enjoyed by those with good basic fitness or families looking for less strenuous options. For example, the Watchmaking Museum loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds-Grenier is a moderate 22.3 km ride with manageable elevation.

The terrain in Les Planchettes is diverse, characteristic of the Jura countryside. You'll encounter a mix of paved surfaces and unpaved trails, often with significant elevation gains. The region features natural monuments, canyons, and mountain peaks, providing varied and engaging cycling experiences.

Yes, the impressive Saut du Doubs Waterfall is a highlight of the region and features on several mountain bike routes. You can explore it on trails like the difficult View of the Doubs – Saut du Doubs Waterfall loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds Les Forges or the challenging View of the Doubs – Saut du Doubs Waterfall loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds-Grenier.

Beyond the Saut du Doubs Waterfall, the region boasts magnificent natural monuments and mountain peaks. You can find stunning panoramic views from locations like the Tête de Ran Summit or the View of the Chasseral. The Col de la Vue des Alpes also offers a fantastic mountain panorama, living up to its name.

Many of the mountain bike trails in Les Planchettes are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the Trails Around Tête de Ran – Tête de Ran loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds and the Le Gros-Crêt – Saut du Doubs Waterfall loop from La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Mountain biking in Les Planchettes ranges from moderate to difficult. While there are some easier options, many routes involve significant elevation gains and can be quite demanding, often requiring very good fitness. There are 26 difficult routes for experienced riders and 124 moderate routes for those with good fitness.

The mountain bike trails in Les Planchettes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 2,800 mountain bikers have explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic views, diverse landscapes, and challenging climbs.

Yes, you can find huts and cabins that offer refreshments or a place to rest. Notable options include the Auberge du Grand-Sommartel, Buvette La Grande Sagneuse, and Le Maillard, which are popular spots for cyclists.

Many routes in the Les Planchettes area, such as those starting from La Chaux-de-Fonds, are often accessible via public transport connections, making it convenient to reach the starting points without a car. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for specific route access.

Absolutely. The region is home to several prominent peaks that offer stunning views and can be part of your mountain biking adventure. You can encounter or view Le Gros-Crêt, Mont d'Amin, Mont Racine Summit, and the Tête de Ran Summit.

The best time for mountain biking in Les Planchettes is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is most favorable. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially in higher elevations.