4.3
(97)
1,999
riders
111
rides
Gravel biking in Grote Netevallei Te Balen Met De Most traverses a landscape characterized by a blend of wet valley areas and dry inland dunes. The region features the meandering Grote Nete River and its tributaries, forming expansive alluvial plains. Cyclists encounter varied terrain, including dry coniferous forests, heathland, and drifting sand, particularly within the De Most-Keiheuvel Nature Reserve. This area offers a diverse environment for gravel biking, transitioning between distinct natural cores.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
5.0
(3)
87
riders
38.5km
02:30
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
56
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

38
riders
54.5km
03:42
100m
100m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
29
riders
83.9km
05:30
140m
140m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
9
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Grote Netevallei Te Balen Met De Most
At Kattendijk, we deviate briefly to the left, to the beautiful picnic area at the Leyssensmolen. This important landmark is a corn mill with a very turbulent history. The wooden Leyssensmolen, surrounded by a green hedge and crowned with a pyramidal roof, is a must-see in Kattenbos. The mill, named after the Leyssen family who managed it from 1860 to 1905, has been a protected monument since 2001. After three relocations, the last in 1964, the mill now rests in this idyllic location amidst the vast natural landscape. If you've brought a picnic, this is undoubtedly the most beautiful picnic spot of the day.
1
0
The Bailey Bridge in Mol At the beginning of World War II, the bridges on the Kempen canals were blown up. With the liberation, the British built a temporary bridge in Mol, which still stands today. The bridge is a so-called Bailey bridge, named after its designer, R.C. Bailey. He developed this ingenious, modular bridge for military purposes. A Bailey bridge can be assembled without machinery, using only manpower. Such a bridge is actually only meant to be there for a short time, but in some places, such as in Mol, it remained. The pillars of the old bridge are still clearly visible.
0
0
You cycle under the S-shaped bridge...
9
0
Narrow concrete path. Don't drive over it in the afternoon, it's busy then.
0
0
Perfect for racing bike and gravel bike. Find a good time. If it is busy here you have to watch out for other cyclists because the path is very narrow. Avoid on the racing bike in the weekends with nice weather. The speed differences are really too big then.
0
0
At this location you are standing in front of the iconic and historic lifting bridge in Balen-Wezel. The sturdy lifting bridge is an important connection over the Beverlo Canal, both economically and recreationally. Information about the Beverlo Canal runs from the harbour basin in Leopoldsburg in a northerly direction to the Bocholt-Herentals Canal. The canal has a length of 14.8 kilometres. The canal is no longer of great importance for commercial shipping and is therefore a beautiful canal for pleasure craft. There are eight bridges over the canal, some of which are still made of wood. The banks are mostly natural and reinforced in some places. The canal runs through many nature reserves and passes many bodies of water.
5
1
Beautiful, quiet and scenic section. With a great cycle path in a wonderful forest.
3
0
From mid-August the heather is in bloom, this makes the Lommel Sahara even more beautiful than usual. Definitely worth it, many picnic spots, nice cycle path, ideal also to put the bike aside and take a walk along the water.
3
0
There are over 110 gravel bike trails documented on komoot for Grote Netevallei Te Balen Met De Most. This includes a wide range of options, with 18 easy, 58 moderate, and 36 difficult routes, ensuring something for every skill level.
The region offers a highly varied terrain, characterized by a unique blend of wet valley areas and dry inland dunes. You'll encounter paths along the meandering Grote Nete River, through dry coniferous forests, heathland, and even drifting sand, particularly within the De Most Forest Path and the Keiheuvel area.
Yes, the region offers several routes suitable for families, particularly among the 18 easy and 58 moderate trails. These often feature flatter sections along canals or through less challenging forest paths, allowing for a pleasant experience for various fitness levels. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and distance.
You can explore diverse natural features and historical landmarks. Highlights include the distinctive De Keiheuvel Sand Dunes, the serene De Most Forest Path, and historical watermills such as the Hoolst Watermill and Topmolen Balen. Many routes also follow the scenic Grote Nete River.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 36 difficult routes available. One notable option is the 83.9 km Path along the Grote Nete – Jagershof Bailey Bridge loop from Balen, which showcases the region's rich water landscape and diverse terrain over a longer distance. Another challenging route is the 52.3 km Asdonkstraat – Dessel-Kwaadmechelen Canal loop from Olmen.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 60 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain that transitions seamlessly between wet valleys and dry inland dunes, the scenic paths along the Grote Nete River, and the well-maintained routes through forests and heathland.
Yes, many of the gravel bike trails in Grote Netevallei Te Balen Met De Most are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Kerkhoven Canal – Beverlo Canal loop from Vennen and the View of Leyssensmolen – Singletrack in the Forest loop from Keiheuvel.
Gravel biking in Grote Netevallei Te Balen Met De Most is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Summer is also suitable, though some sandy sections might be softer. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for potentially wet or muddy conditions, especially in the valley areas.
Yes, the Keiheuvel area, known for its dry open land dunes and coniferous forests, is featured in several routes. A popular option is the View of Leyssensmolen – Singletrack in the Forest loop from Keiheuvel, which takes you directly through this distinctive landscape.
Yes, the region's landscape includes canals that offer pleasant gravel biking opportunities. The Kerkhoven Canal – Beverlo Canal loop from Vennen is a prime example, providing paths along these waterways and through varied natural surroundings.
Ride durations vary significantly based on the route's length and difficulty. Moderate routes like the 39.4 km Kerkhoven Canal – Beverlo Canal loop from Vennen typically take around 2 hours 34 minutes, while longer, more difficult trails such as the 83.9 km Path along the Grote Nete – Jagershof Bailey Bridge loop from Balen can take over 5 hours.


Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.