The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Mechels Bos

The so-called lake at Terhills was created from the old gravel pits and the excavations of the Eisden Mine, which, together with the slag heaps, formed the "mountains and lakes" landscape that, as part of the Hoge Kempen National Park, was transformed into a tourist hotspot. On the resort side, there's an area with water sports and more recreational opportunities, and on the other side (east and at the foot of the slag heaps) more natural-looking areas, focusing on hiking and more waterfowl and nature. In recent years, the well-known pontoon has been added, of course. So you can walk around and across the lake. Hikers will find junctions at various locations that take them to other parts of Hoge Kempen National Park (more wooded or heathland-rich). When it comes to viewpoints and benches, there's something for everyone.

Beautiful route and nice view point

Enjoy a peaceful walk on the heath

A paradise within a paradise...

The Lake Route takes you through one of the most water-rich and tranquil areas of the Hoge Kempen National Park. It's a walk where reflecting ponds alternate with coniferous forests and quiet areas. From the very first moment, you'll feel the typical Kempen atmosphere: sandy paths, soft moss under the pines, and the rippling water that repeatedly appears between the trees. The route meanders past large ponds that were once created by gravel extraction. What was once an industrial site has now been completely restored to nature. The banks are overgrown with reeds, and dragonflies hover above the water's surface. On warm days, you can hear the calls of waterfowl from the opposite bank. Between the lakes, you'll walk through vast pine forests interspersed with patches of young heather. The paths are gentle and gently winding, giving the walk a leisurely rhythm. Here, the scent of resin and warm forest floor pervades, and occasionally a woodpecker or deer appears between the tree trunks.

Great view of the heathland

The viewpoint in the Mechelse Heide offers hikers a magnificent panorama of the vast, hilly landscape of the Voerstreek region. From this elevated spot, you can enjoy expansive vistas of rolling meadows, wooded banks, sunken lanes, and the picturesque villages that dot the landscape. The Mechelse Heide itself is a nature reserve with heathlands, grasslands, and marshlands where diverse plants and animals thrive. The viewpoint offers not only a scenic stop during a walk but also an opportunity to spot birds or study the landscape's relief.

Boelbos is a charming and atmospheric woodland in the Voer region, known for its rich biodiversity and playful hiking experiences. It is sometimes called "beestig" (animal-like) because of the many animals that live there, from birds and squirrels to deer and small woodland creatures. The forest consists of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, old wooded edges, and natural walking paths. Sometimes there are hidden corners, small clearings, and winding paths that invite discovery and exploration. Boelbos is ideal for families, nature lovers, and hikers who enjoy a bit of adventure, as every path can offer surprises: animal tracks, small streams, or quiet sitting spots. The animal-like Boelbos combines nature education and recreation. Hikers can not only enjoy the peace and quiet and greenery but also learn about the local flora and fauna while exploring the forest in a safe and responsible way. It is a place where nature experiences and adventure converge.