The best MTB trails around Turnhout

There are over 1200 mountain bike trails available around Turnhout, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 270 easy routes, over 760 moderate trails, and more than 230 difficult options for experienced riders.

The mountain bike trails in Turnhout offer a diverse landscape characteristic of Belgium's Kempen region. You'll encounter a mix of heathland, fens, forests, and sand dunes. Some trails, like the Hoge Mouw, feature rocky sections and steep climbs, while others, such as the Lichtaart Singletrack, wind through wooded areas with dedicated singletrack sections.

Yes, Turnhout offers several challenging routes. For instance, The Zwart Water – Singletrack in the Forest loop from Wolfstee is a difficult 78.2 km trail with over 200 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Sandy Hill – Singletrack in the Forest loop from Balen, which is nearly 80 km long and features significant elevation changes.

The region around Turnhout is rich in natural beauty. You can explore areas like the Zwart Water, a natural monument known for its dark-colored fens and surrounding woods. The Kapucienenberg Land Dunes offer unique landscapes with high, dry dunes and wet stream valleys. Additionally, the Belse Heide Nature Reserve provides expansive heathland views, especially when the heath blooms purple in late summer.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't always explicit for MTB, many of the easier and moderate trails through forests and heathlands can be suitable for families with some biking experience. The region's varied terrain includes flatter sections, and the former railway line, The Bels Lijntje, offers a car-free greenway that can be a good starting point for less experienced riders.

The mountain bike trails around Turnhout are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 1800 reviews. More than 43,000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the diverse terrain, well-maintained paths, and the scenic mix of heathland, fens, and forests.

Yes, many mountain bike routes in Turnhout are designed as loops. Examples include The Dessel Ramp – White mountain Trail loop from Schoonbroek, which explores varied terrain over 64 km, and the Pasture path – Bel Trail loop from Balen, a 52.8 km route through open landscapes.

Turnhout's diverse landscape makes it suitable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the heathlands bloom in late summer. Winter riding is also possible, though conditions may vary with weather. Always check local conditions before heading out.

Yes, some trails in the region incorporate natural water features. For example, the Ponds along the Nete – Gewad Trail loop from Geel is a moderate 41.8 km route that passes by several ponds. The area also features highlights like the Warandeplas and Devil's Pit Pond, which can be found near various routes.

Just outside Turnhout, you'll find the De Lilse Bergen Bike Park. This facility features specially designed tracks with ramps, jumps, and berms, providing an excellent opportunity for riders to practice and hone their skills in a dedicated environment.

Yes, the Kempen region around Turnhout is known for its sand dunes. The Konijnenberg Forest Trail – Keiheuvel Sand Dunes loop from Mol is a moderate 42 km route that specifically includes the Keiheuvel Sand Dunes, offering unique scenery for mountain bikers.

Ride durations vary significantly depending on the trail's length and your pace. For example, a moderate route like the The Black Water – Lichtaart Singletrack loop from Lille, which is about 32 km, typically takes around 2 hours. Longer, more difficult trails can take 4-5 hours or more to complete.