The best walks and hikes in Deux Ourthes Natural Park

Deux Ourthes Natural Park offers a vast network of over 1800 hiking trails. This includes a wide range of options, with more than 740 easy routes, over 860 moderate trails, and more than 200 challenging paths, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

The park is characterized by the two branches of the Ourthe River, which carve out superb valleys with steep, tree-planted slopes and clear-water streams. You'll also find extensive forests, higher plateaus with unique heathlands and peat bogs (like the Fagnes du Plateau des Tailles), and charming traditional Ardennes villages. The varied topography provides diverse scenery, from riverine paths to elevated viewpoints.

The park is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying the rivers and water activities. Winter hiking is also possible, with the landscape transforming into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, though some trails might be more challenging.

Absolutely. A prominent natural landmark is Le Hérou, a striking rock formation offering breathtaking views of the Ourthe River. You can also explore the scenic Bellemeuse Valley and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Nisramont Lake, which has a Scandinavian feel. Many trails lead to stunning viewpoints like View of the Ourthe meanders from Le Hérou.

Yes, the park is dotted with traditional Ardennes villages and historical sites. La Roche-en-Ardenne is a notable village with cultural appeal. You can also discover historical structures like Laval Castle or the Mesnil castle-farm in Steinbach, adding a cultural dimension to your hike.

The trails in Deux Ourthes Natural Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 17,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse terrain, from winding river valleys to dense forests and high plateaus, as well as the well-maintained paths and the stunning natural beauty, especially around the Ourthe River and its dramatic rock formations.

Yes, the park offers many easy and family-friendly routes. For instance, the Fairies, dwarves and beavers in Achouffe trail is an easy 5.6 km path, and the Vallée des Fées — loop from Achouffe is a gentle 5.3 km loop. These routes are perfect for a relaxed walk with children, often exploring woods and charming areas.

Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the park offers routes with significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. The area around Le Hérou is known for its particularly steep rocks and challenging trails, some even requiring chains for aid. The park also features sections of long-distance trails like the Escapardenne - Eisleck Trail, which can be quite demanding.

Many trails in Deux Ourthes Natural Park are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is Around the Nisramont reservoir, a 14 km loop. Other options include the Maboge — loop from La Roche-en-Ardenne and the La roche plate — loop from Houffalize.

Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in Deux Ourthes Natural Park. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in nature reserves, near livestock, or during nesting seasons, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Parking is typically available at the start points of many popular hiking trails and in the villages within the park, such as La Roche-en-Ardenne or Houffalize. Look for designated parking areas near trailheads or in village centers. Some smaller, more remote trails might have limited parking, so planning ahead is advisable.

While public transport options exist, they can be limited in some of the more remote areas of Deux Ourthes Natural Park. Major towns like La Roche-en-Ardenne are generally accessible by bus, which can serve as a starting point for hikes. For greater flexibility, especially to reach specific trailheads, traveling by car is often more convenient.

The Ourthe River and Nisramont Lake offer opportunities for water-related activities. Nisramont Lake, with its scenic beauty, is suitable for activities like stand-up paddleboarding and float tube fishing. While wild swimming is not officially designated in many areas, some visitors enjoy cooling off in the clear-water streams, but always exercise caution and respect local regulations.

Given the varied terrain and weather, it's best to wear sturdy hiking boots, as trails can be rocky or muddy. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing temperatures. Always bring enough water, snacks, a map or GPS device (like komoot), and a first-aid kit. Depending on the season, rain gear, sun protection, and insect repellent can also be essential.