The best MTB trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

There are over 470 mountain bike routes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy paths to more challenging trails.

The terrain in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is generally light, making it suitable for mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and trekking bikes. You can expect a diverse landscape featuring heath and moorland, dense forests, and wetlands. Many routes follow field paths, with varied natural features including several lakes formed by historical mining activities.

Yes, Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide offers numerous easy and moderate routes suitable for families. The area's generally light terrain and varied landscapes make it a great place to explore with children. For example, the Rotbach Lake – Hiesfelder Forest loop from Neuköln is an easy 18.7 km trail that takes you through forests and past a lake.

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is rich in natural features. You can explore heath and moorland, dense forests, and wetlands. Notable water bodies include the Heidesee, a large former gravel pit, and unique subsidence lakes like the Weihnachtssee and Elsbachsee (Pfingstsee), which formed due to historical mining. These lakes, with their reed beds and marsh forests, provide habitats for specialized flora and fauna. You can also find highlights like the Heidesee in the Kirchhellen Heath and the Deadwood Pond in Naturpark Hohe Mark – Westmünsterland.

While the terrain is generally flat, you can find interesting landmarks and viewpoints. The nearby Halde Haniel, the highest accessible spoil tip in the Ruhr area, offers panoramic views over the Kirchheller Heide. Within the reserve, you can find observation huts, particularly around the Weihnachtssee, for wildlife viewing. The View of Heidesee (East Shore) is another popular spot.

The komoot community highly rates the mountain biking experience in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 2,100 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the extensive network of well-maintained paths, and the tranquil natural environment. The variety of routes, from easy forest paths to more challenging climbs, is also frequently highlighted.

Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the View of Heidesee – Pfingstsee loop from Schlehdorn / Kirchhorst, an easy 16.4 km trail.

Parking is available at various access points around Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide. Popular starting points often have designated parking areas. For instance, routes like the Dorstener Lippe Floodplains – Heidhof Experience Center loop from Grafenwald start from areas with parking facilities, making access convenient.

As a nature reserve, specific regulations apply to protect the local wildlife. While dogs are generally allowed, they must be kept on a leash in most areas to prevent disturbance to animals and plants. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dog access on trails.

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is enjoyable for mountain biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with vibrant foliage or blooming heath. Summer is also popular, but trails can be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be mindful of potentially muddy or icy conditions, especially in wetland areas.

Yes, there are amenities available. The Waldkompetenzzentrum Heidhof (Forest Competence Center) offers a kiosk, which is a good spot for a break. Additionally, the surrounding towns and villages near Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide provide various cafes, pubs, and restaurants where you can refuel after your ride.

While much of the terrain is light, there are options for more challenging rides. For instance, the Totem Poles on Halde Haniel – Halde Haniel Mountain Arena loop from Lohberg is a difficult 14.8 km path that includes climbs to the prominent Halde Haniel spoil tip. Another challenging option is the Totem Poles on Halde Haniel – Halde Haniel Mountain Arena loop from Grafenwald, which features significant elevation gain.