The best gravel rides around Malmedy

Malmedy offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with nearly 60 trails documented on komoot. The region's diverse terrain, from rolling hills to dense forests and the high plateaus of the High Fens, provides ample opportunities for exploration.

The gravel bike trails around Malmedy feature a varied topography, including rolling hills, dense forests, and open meadows. You'll also encounter the unique heathlands and high plateaus of the High Fens, offering a dynamic and scenic backdrop for your rides. Many routes are categorized as difficult due to significant elevation changes.

While many of Malmedy's gravel routes are rated as difficult, the region also offers sections of the RAVeL network, which provides flatter paths suitable for less experienced riders or families. These paths are generally non-motorized and offer a gentler introduction to the area's beauty.

Malmedy's gravel trails often pass by stunning natural features. You can explore the unique landscapes of the High Fens, including vast heathlands and tranquil ponds. Notable water features include the Robertville Dam and the Brackvenn Moor Lakes. The region is also home to impressive waterfalls like the Cascade de Bayehon and the Coo Waterfall, though these may require a short detour from some gravel routes.

The best seasons for gravel biking in Malmedy are spring and autumn. During these times, temperatures are mild, and the natural landscapes are particularly vibrant, with lush greenery in spring and stunning foliage in autumn. While winter sports are popular, gravel biking can be challenging due to snow and ice.

Yes, many gravel bike routes in Malmedy are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the challenging Loop from Malmedy - Parc naturel des Hautes Fagnes-Eifel, which takes you through the High Fens-Eifel Natural Park.

The gravel biking experience in Malmedy is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 110 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the immersive natural beauty of the High Fens, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs and descents that define the region's routes.

Yes, you can find various huts and facilities along or near the gravel routes. Options include Baraque Michel, the Haus Ternell Nature Center, and the Botrange Nature Discovery Trail and Observation Hut. These can provide opportunities for a break or shelter during your ride.

Absolutely. Malmedy offers several longer gravel routes for endurance riders. For instance, the Eupen Reservoir (Wesertalsperre) – Weser Reservoir (Eupen Dam) loop from Meiz is a substantial 137 km trail that typically takes over 11 hours to complete, offering extensive exploration around the reservoir.

For breathtaking views of the High Fens, consider the View of the High Fens – High Fens Nature Reserve loop from Xhoffraix. This route immerses you in the unique landscape of Belgium's largest nature reserve, providing expansive vistas of its heathlands and high plateaus.

Malmedy and its surrounding villages offer various parking options, often near trailheads or town centers. Specific parking availability can vary by starting point, so it's advisable to check local information or tour descriptions for details on where to park for your chosen route.

Yes, some gravel routes in the Malmedy area incorporate singletrack sections, adding an extra element of technical challenge and excitement. The Single trail through the meadows – View of the Valley loop from Bellevaux is a notable example, featuring singletrack through meadows with expansive valley views.