4.6
(517)
4,785
riders
120
rides
Mountain biking in Noordbargerbos offers a diverse environment within a 271-hectare mixed forest located southwest of Emmen. The terrain is largely flat, featuring a mix of wide sandy paths and narrow singletracks. Riders encounter natural elements like tree roots and some artificial obstacles, often with bypass options. The routes are well-maintained and clearly signposted, providing a varied experience for different skill levels.
Last updated: May 30, 2026
3.8
(5)
250
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.7
(15)
108
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.3
(8)
83
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(12)
51
riders
11.4km
00:52
10m
10m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.9
(17)
100
riders
20.5km
01:23
30m
30m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The ice of the Saale glaciation brought boulders of all shapes and sizes from Scandinavia to Drenthe. The largest boulder in Drenthe lies along the road from Emmen to Erm in the Noordbargerbos forest. The "Thickest Stien" must weigh at least 55,000 kilos. The Noordbargerbos is a relatively young forest in a beautiful nature reserve.
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beautiful in all seasons
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this is possible, but I started from home
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Large parking lot but be early because it is very busy. Especially early afternoon. Parking is free.
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Very nice sandy path through the middle of the country
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Sandy path through the meadows
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Beautiful sandy path through the meadows
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Very happy to discover this place…. Thanks to the editors
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Noordbargerbos offers a wide selection of mountain bike routes, with over 120 trails available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to more challenging rides.
The mountain bike trails in Noordbargerbos are largely flat, making them accessible for a range of riders. Most routes are classified as moderate, with 66 moderate trails, 49 easy trails, and 6 difficult trails available. The terrain features a mix of wide sandy paths and narrow singletracks, with some natural elements like tree roots and artificial obstacles, often with bypass options.
Yes, the largely flat terrain and the presence of easy trails make Noordbargerbos suitable for family mountain biking. Many routes offer bypass options for artificial obstacles, allowing riders to choose a less challenging path. The mixed forest environment provides a pleasant setting for rides with varying skill levels.
Absolutely. The Noordbargerbos mountain bike route can be connected with other trails in the wider Emmen area, including Valtherbos/Emmerdennen, Grote Rietplas, Sleen, and Exloo. This allows for longer and more varied rides. For example, the Flow trails in the Netherlands – Walk Around the Lake loop from Emmen Zuid is a moderate 64.3 km path that connects to other trails.
You can expect a diverse terrain in Noordbargerbos. The trails feature a mix of wide sandy paths and narrow singletracks. Riders will encounter natural elements like tree roots and some artificial obstacles, which often have bypass options. Users frequently highlight the 'kombochten' (berms) as a fun feature.
While dogs are generally welcome in the forest, Noordbargerbos has a designated off-leash area in its southern part, which is popular among dog walkers. When mountain biking, it's advisable to keep dogs on a leash and be mindful of other trail users.
A prominent natural feature in Noordbargerbos is the Steen van Noordbarge, also known as 'De DIK(ste) STIEN van Drenthe.' This impressive glacial erratic is estimated to weigh around 55,000 kilograms and is a significant landmark within the forest. The forest itself, a 271-hectare mixed woodland, also provides a tranquil setting.
The mountain bike routes in Noordbargerbos are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.35 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained and clearly signposted paths, the varied terrain with its mix of wide sandy sections and technical singletracks, and the fun 'kombochten' (berms).
Yes, Noordbargerbos offers several longer loop trails. For instance, the Beautiful sand paths – Geeserstroom loop from Emmen Zuid is a 59.6 km trail, and the Winding Forest Path – MTB route Sleen loop from Emmen Zuid covers 52.7 km, both offering extensive rides through varied forest and sand paths.
Noordbargerbos, as a mixed forest, offers a pleasant riding experience throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. While the trails are generally well-maintained, conditions can vary with weather, so checking local forecasts is always recommended.
Yes, some routes incorporate points of interest. For example, the Emmerdennen Mountain Bike Trail – Dolmen near the mountain bike route loop from Emmen Zuid is a 49.4 km route that passes by a dolmen, offering a glimpse into the region's historical landscape while you ride.


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