The best gravel rides around Grote Rietplas
4.9
(30)
326
riders
26
rides
Gravel biking around Grote Rietplas offers a diverse landscape for cyclists. The region features a blend of natural beauty, including wooded areas, stream landscapes, and heathlands, alongside recreational lakes. Cycling paths wind through varied terrain, incorporating both paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for gravel bikes. The area provides opportunities for exploration with small elevation changes and interconnected water bodies.
Best gravel bike trails around Grote Rietplas
- The most popular gravel bike trail is Grote Rietplas – Kleine Rietplas loop from…
Last updated: May 21, 2026
19
riders
18.5km
01:17
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
39.9km
02:34
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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11
riders
19.0km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
riders
16.0km
01:03
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
30
riders
55.5km
03:29
110m
110m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
De Kleine Rietplas is located on the edge of the Wijk Rietlanden in Emmen. In addition to a sandy beach with a sunbathing lawn, you will find a restaurant and snack bar with a beautiful view of the lake from the terrace. There is also a playground, zip line, skateboard ramp, raft in the water, panna cage, observation tower, and canoe rental. In short; there is plenty to do for the whole family! There is free parking and showers are available. The area is cleaned regularly. De Kleine Rietplas is connected to the Grote Rietplas. The Grote Rietplas recreational area includes a surf and sailing lake, among other things. There are also beaches, sunbathing lawns, small harbors, a campsite, parking lots, a canoe course, and walking and cycling paths through the area. Various events are organized annually in the recreational area, such as RetroPop, the international Kite Festival, and the Rietplasloop. Parc Sandur is located on the southeast side of the lake. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/226344250/kleine-rietplas
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Attention, watch out...Attention jump
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Sleen is always great and good ways
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A really great round...always fun
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The starting point is great, you can easily park your car there
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The ‘Drentsche Veen- en Middenkanaal Maatschappij’ started in 1852 with the construction of the Oranjekanaal. The company bought peat land behind Emmen and in the Odoornerveen. In 1854 the canal diggers reached the place where the canal crossed the route from Coevorden to Groningen. This ancient road followed the Ridge of Rolde. This is where the village of Schoonoord eventually arose.
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A nice start of the walk is to look at dolmen D45 which is located in the Emmerdennen a forest area in the town of Emmen. D45 is the third largest dolmen in the Netherlands and also has the outer ring. The 'from tree to forest' route is a very diverse walking route where you will encounter beautiful landscapes, but also the gnome forest.
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Nice bathing spot in the forest - but the toilets have not been in use for a long time
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available around Grote Rietplas?
There are nearly 30 gravel bike trails to explore around Grote Rietplas, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes range in difficulty from easy loops to more challenging rides.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Grote Rietplas?
The region around Grote Rietplas offers a diverse landscape for gravel biking. You can expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, winding through wooded areas, stream landscapes, and heathlands. Some routes feature small elevation changes and connect various water bodies, providing varied terrain.
Are there gravel bike routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Grote Rietplas offers several easy gravel bike routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Grote Rietplas – Kleine Rietplas loop from Erica is an easy 9.8-mile (15.8 km) trail that provides a scenic ride around the interconnected lakes.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints along the gravel routes?
Gravel routes around Grote Rietplas offer picturesque views of reed beds, water birds, and calm waters. You'll encounter well-preserved stream landscapes, heathlands, and forests. A particularly charming spot is the Small drawbridge by the Grote Rietplas, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature reserve.
Are there any specific landmarks or attractions to see while gravel biking?
Absolutely! Along your rides, you might encounter the imposing De Vuurvogel Sculpture at the entrance to Parc Sandur. The Rietplas Park and various sandy beaches also offer pleasant stops.
Are there any longer or more challenging gravel bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for more experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, routes like the Flow trails in the Netherlands – Dolmen D45 (Emmerdennen) loop from Emmen offer a more difficult 33.5-mile (53.8 km) ride through wooded areas and heathlands, often taking around 4 hours to complete.
Is parking available near the gravel bike trails?
Yes, the Grote Rietplas recreational area includes dedicated parking facilities, making it convenient to access the gravel bike trails. Parc Sandur, a residential and recreational park, also offers parking options.
Can I reach Grote Rietplas by public transport for gravel biking?
The region around Emmen, including Grote Rietplas, is generally accessible. While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads might vary, Emmen itself is well-connected, and local transport options can help you get closer to the starting points of the routes.
Are there places to eat or stay near the gravel biking routes?
Yes, the area offers amenities for cyclists. Parc Sandur, located on the Grote Rietplas, features a shopping center and a holiday park with accommodation. There's also a camping site within the broader recreational area, and local cafes and pubs can be found in nearby towns like Emmen.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about Grote Rietplas?
The gravel biking experience in Grote Rietplas is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscape, the blend of natural beauty with recreational facilities, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Are dogs allowed on the gravel bike trails in Grote Rietplas?
While specific regulations for dogs on every trail may vary, generally, dogs are welcome in many outdoor recreational areas in the Netherlands, often on a leash. It's always advisable to check local signage or park rules for the specific section you plan to visit.
Are there any circular gravel bike routes around Grote Rietplas?
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Grote Rietplas are designed as loops. For example, the Grote Rietplas – Kleine Rietplas loop from Parc Sandur is a popular moderate 25.8-mile (41.5 km) circular path that connects the two lakes and passes through wooded sections.
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