Top 20 Bike Parks around Herentals

Herentals is renowned for its extensive network of mountain bike trails, primarily managed by Sport Vlaanderen, rather than traditional bike parks with jumps or pump tracks. These trails traverse the scenic Kempense Heuvelrug, featuring land dunes and forests, offering varied terrain from sandy paths to challenging muddy sections.

Yes, the Green Loop (Lichtaart) is an 11-kilometer trail largely unpaved with beautiful singletracks, making it suitable for honing steering skills. Additionally, Sport Vlaanderen Herentals offers 'Start 2 Mountainbike' lessons for beginners, making the sport accessible for newcomers. The trails generally offer varied difficulty, allowing riders to choose routes that match their ability.

For more physically demanding rides, the Red Loop (Herentals) is a 17-kilometer trail with a succession of short, steep climbs and challenging muddy and sandy stretches. For experienced riders seeking technical challenges, the Black Loop at Skiberg Herentals offers a 4-kilometer course with spectacular climbs and downhills, including 'hard' and 'easy' options. You can also test your limits at De Put (Herentals), known for its steep climbs and descents.

The trails traverse the picturesque Kempense Heuvelrug, offering a diverse backdrop of forests and land dunes. You can also visit The Zwart Water, a unique fen with dark-colored water, where you can observe birds from a viewing hut.

Yes, you can climb De Paepekelders Tourist Tower, located at the highest point of Herentals. After ascending 112 wooden steps, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings, including an orientation table to identify landmarks.

Visitors particularly enjoy Lichtaart Singletrack, known for requiring technology and steering skills, and Singletrack in the Forest, where riders can maintain speed through corners. These are often highlighted for their flowing and engaging characteristics.

The trails offer a varied experience depending on the season. During wetter months, some trails like Lichtaart Singletrack are preferred to avoid sandy conditions that can occur after long periods of warm and dry weather. The Black Loop at Skiberg Herentals is typically accessible from September to March, offering specific winter riding opportunities.

The Sport Vlaanderen Herentals center serves as a convenient hub, offering ample parking and showering facilities. It's a multi-sports facility that also provides 'Start 2 Mountainbike' lessons for beginners.

Absolutely! Beyond mountain biking, Herentals offers a variety of outdoor pursuits. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as those around the Kempense Heuvelrug and the Nete River, detailed in our guide to Hiking around Herentals. For road cyclists, there are routes along the Netekanaal and Albertkanaal, which you can find in our Road Cycling Routes around Herentals guide. Gravel biking enthusiasts will also find extensive routes, including the Kempense Heuvelrug and Zeven Neten MTB Loop, available in our Gravel biking around Herentals guide.

Visitors appreciate the variety of the interconnected loops, catering to all skill levels, from flowing singletracks to physically demanding and technical sections. The unique natural environment of the Kempense Heuvelrug, with its forests and land dunes, significantly enhances the riding experience. Many also enjoy the challenge of technical features like those found at Skiberg Herentals and the rewarding views from spots like De Paepekelders Tourist Tower.

Yes, the interconnected loops of the Sport Vlaanderen network allow riders to combine them for a longer, more varied experience. For instance, you can form a 36 km route by combining the red, green, and blue loops, tailoring your ride to your desired length and difficulty.