The best traffic-free bike rides around Herentals

There are nearly 30 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Herentals, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are designed to keep you away from vehicular traffic, providing a peaceful and immersive cycling experience.

The terrain around Herentals is quite varied, ranging from scenic fens and forests to former heathlands. While many routes are unpaved gravel, some may include mostly paved sections. You'll encounter diverse landscapes like the Kempense Heuvelrug and Zeven Neten, offering a mix of challenging and moderate sections. Routes like the Kempense Heuvelrug and Zeven Neten MTB Loop, for instance, traverse varied terrain suitable for advanced riders.

While many gravel routes in Herentals cater to moderate to difficult skill levels, some sections or shorter loops can be enjoyed by families. Look for routes described as 'moderate' or those that stick to flatter, well-maintained paths. The region's natural reserves often have accessible trails perfect for a relaxed family outing, though specific 'easy' gravel routes are fewer among the longer, more challenging options.

The no-traffic gravel trails in Herentals offer access to beautiful natural features and points of interest. You can explore areas like the Zwart Water Nature Reserve, known for its moorland and forests, or the Lovenhoek Nature Reserve with its diverse habitats. Specific highlights include The Zwart Water itself, and the De Paepekelders Tourist Tower which offers great views. Many routes also pass by significant waterways like the Grote Nete river.

Yes, many of the gravel bike trails around Herentals are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Warandeplas – The Zwart Water loop from Herentals and the Grote Nete – Entrance Abbey Tongerlo loop from Olen, providing diverse scenic experiences.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Herentals, with an average score of 4.59 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, car-free nature of the trails, the diverse landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable ride. The opportunity to explore natural reserves and scenic fens away from traffic is a frequently highlighted positive.

Yes, many gravel routes in the Herentals area, particularly those starting from key locations like Sport Vlaanderen Herentals, offer free parking facilities. Sport Vlaanderen Herentals is a popular starting point and also provides amenities like toilets and a bike wash station, making it convenient for cyclists arriving by car.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Herentals, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be great, especially in the shaded forest sections. While winter biking is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy or wet conditions, especially on unpaved sections, and shorter daylight hours.

Absolutely. Herentals offers several challenging no-traffic gravel routes for experienced riders. The MTB Trail in Vorselaar – Zoerselbos loop from Herentals and the Borrekens Castle – Forest Paths loop from Herentals are both rated as difficult, featuring longer distances and varied terrain that will test your fitness and skills. Some routes may even require pushing your bike on certain segments.

While the trails themselves are traffic-free, many routes pass near towns or villages where you can find cafes or pubs for a break. Additionally, some natural areas might have facilities. For example, the Het Boshuisje (De Loteling), Zoerselbos is a cafe that could be a convenient stop if your route takes you through that area.

The no-traffic gravel routes around Herentals vary significantly in length. You can find everything from moderate rides around 50-70 km, such as the Warandeplas – The Zwart Water loop from Herentals (approx. 70 km), to more challenging, longer expeditions exceeding 100 km, like the Kempense Heuvelrug and Zeven Neten MTB Loop which is over 110 km.