The best running trails in Deux Ourthes Natural Park

Deux Ourthes Natural Park offers a vast network of over 880 running routes. These trails cater to various fitness levels, from easy paths to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains, ensuring there's something for every runner.

The park is characterized by its diverse and wild terrain. You'll encounter deep, wooded valleys carved by the Ourthe River, impressive rocky ridges, and high plateaus with heathlands and peat bogs. Many paths follow the riverbanks, offering picturesque waterside runs, while others ascend through hilly, forested areas. Expect natural forest paths and potentially uneven or muddy surfaces, especially after rain.

Yes, Deux Ourthes Natural Park has numerous easy running options. For instance, the Réserve naturelle de Chi Fontaine — loop — running from Bovigny is an easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) trail with minimal elevation gain, featuring a boardwalk over bogs and diverse flora. Another accessible option is the La roche plate — loop — running from Houffalize, which is also rated as easy.

While the guide doesn't specify dog-friendly routes, natural parks in Belgium generally welcome dogs on trails, often requiring them to be on a leash. It's always best to check local signage at trailheads or the official park website for specific regulations regarding pets to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Absolutely! Many routes in the park provide stunning views and pass by notable natural features. The Confluence of the Two Ourthes Trail allows you to experience the scenic junction of the two Ourthes rivers and Lac de Nisramont. You can also find impressive sights like the Le Hérou Rock Formation and the Hérou Rocks - François Rémy Viewpoint, offering authentic views of the Ourthe and its meanders.

For experienced runners seeking more challenging routes, the park offers trails with significant elevation gains. The Le Cheslin — loop — running from Laneuville-au-Bois is a moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) route with notable elevation changes. The park's diverse terrain, including high plateaus like the Fagnes du Plateau des Tailles, provides ample opportunities for vigorous runs.

Yes, many of the running routes in Deux Ourthes Natural Park are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the popular Vallée des Fées — loop — running from Achouffe, the Réserve naturelle de Chi Fontaine — loop — running from Bovigny, and the Confluence of the Two Ourthes Trail, all designed as loops.

The park is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for running with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn showcases stunning fall foliage. Summer can be warm, but the shaded forest trails provide relief. Winter running is also possible, offering a unique 'Nordic' experience, especially on the high plateaus, though some trails might be muddy or icy.

The running routes in Deux Ourthes Natural Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 350 reviews. More than 16,000 runners have used komoot to explore the park's varied terrain, often praising the stunning natural beauty, the well-preserved landscapes, and the diverse options for all abilities.

Beyond the Ourthe River and its confluence, the park boasts several unique natural features. The Fagnes du Plateau des Tailles, the park's highest point, offers heathlands and peat bogs with a distinct 'Nordic' feel. The Vallée des Fées (Fairies Valley) is known for its enchanting atmosphere, featuring beaver dams and the Wilogne stream. The Nisramont dam and its lake also add to the scenic beauty.

The Deux Ourthes Natural Park area includes charming traditional Ardennes villages and towns like La Roche-en-Ardenne, where you can find accommodation, cafes, and pubs. The Brasserie d'Achouffe Brewery also offers a unique local experience in a charming environment, perfect for post-run refreshments. For more information on the region, you can visit Visit Wallonia or Visit Ardenne.

The running routes in Deux Ourthes Natural Park vary significantly in distance and duration. You can find shorter, easy trails like the 2.9-mile (4.6 km) Réserve naturelle de Chi Fontaine loop, which takes about 30 minutes. Moderate routes, such as the 4.6-mile (7.4 km) Confluence of the Two Ourthes Trail, typically take around 55 minutes. Longer and more challenging options are also available, with some routes extending over 5 miles (8 km) and requiring more than an hour to complete, depending on your pace and the elevation.