The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Bois De L'Épinay
4.4
(36)
226
hikers
34
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Bois De L'Épinay are found within a 75-hectare sensitive natural area characterized by diverse ecosystems including woodlands, plateau heaths, and peaty marshes. The region is situated between the Andelle and Chevrette rivers, featuring artificial ponds and historical ferruginous springs. Elevation changes are generally gentle, making the terrain suitable for accessible walks.
Best family friendly hiking trails in Bois De L'Épinay
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Etang de la Chevrette – Andelle Ponds loop from Forges-les-Eaux, a 2.4 miles (3.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour to complete. This easy route features views of the ponds and gentle elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Andelle Ponds – Etang de la Chevrette loop from Forges-les-Eaux, an easy 4.4 miles (7.1 km) path. This trail offers a longer exploration of the pond areas and surrounding natural features.
- Local hikers also love the Andelle Ponds – Forges-les-Eaux loop from Forges-les-Eaux, a 2.1 miles (3.4 km) trail leading through woodlands and alongside the ponds, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Hiking in Bois De L'Épinay is defined by woodlands, riverbanks, and ponds. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy and moderate family friendly hiking trails.
- The routes in Bois De L'Épinay are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Bois De L'Épinay's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
13
hikers
3.83km
01:00
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
7.05km
01:51
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
hikers
3.42km
00:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Departure from the old thermal station, a very large car park allows you to park without any problem. Very practical for a group departure!
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This natural area located in Forges-les-Eaux is organized around the ponds of the Andelle, formed by two rivers: the Andelle to the east and the Chevrette to the west. All around extends the Bois de l’Épinay, remarkable for the great diversity of tree species it shelters. You can walk there, observe the birds, picnic and take a quiet break enjoying the rustling of the many leaves.
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This majestic facade located near the Casino comes from the town of Gisors. Originally, it was the facade of the chapel of the Carmelite convent built in the 17th century at the initiative of François Sublet. After the French Revolution, this building was transformed into a municipal theater before being bombed during the Second World War. Jacques Hébertot, owner of the Forges Casino in the 1950s, bought the last remaining intact vestige from the town of Gisors and erected it in the town of Forges-les-Eaux with the aim of recreating a certain historical setting.
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This area is located just at the entrance to the Andelle ponds, opposite the casino. A few tables are available, at the foot of the lake, for a nice picnic. Be careful, places will be expensive on a nice day!
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This is the starting point for your hike. you can park here easily. Built at the end of the 19th century, this station, despite what its name suggests, served a single-track railway line which linked Serqueux to Charleval. The line was closed after the Second World War and subsequently transformed into a cycle path linking Forges to Dieppe “Avenue Verte”.
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This is a very pleasant picnic area. Located at the end of the Andelle ponds, you will find peace and quiet there as well as some games for children.
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This part of the city was developed from the 16th century with the discovery of ferruginous springs in the current Casino park. It was in 1573 that Nicolas de Moy, Grand Master of Water and Forestry, discovered the presence of ferruginous springs. They were made famous from 1633 with the arrival of King Louis XIII, Queen Anne of Austria and Cardinal Richelieu. The spa was thus born! The springs named Reinette, Royale and Cardinal were thus exploited for their property and their medicinal virtues until the 1980s. @OT Forges les Eaux
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This beautiful space in the heart of the Bois de l’Epinay is the festive place in the town of Forges-les-Eaux, notably with the Horse Festival on the last weekend of July.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are there in Bois De L'Épinay?
Bois De L'Épinay offers a great selection of family-friendly hikes, with over 30 routes available. These range from easy strolls perfect for young children to slightly longer, moderate paths for more active families.
Are there any easy circular walks suitable for families with young children?
Yes, Bois De L'Épinay has several easy circular routes. A great option is the Andelle Ponds – Forges-les-Eaux loop from Forges-les-Eaux, which is just over 3 kilometers long and features gentle paths around the scenic ponds.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on a family hike?
Families can explore diverse landscapes including woodlands, plateau heaths, and peaty marshes. The area is particularly known for its artificial ponds, such as the Etang de la Chevrette, and the two small rivers, the Andelle and the Chevrette, which add to the scenic beauty and biodiversity.
Are there any unique natural attractions or landmarks to discover?
Absolutely! A unique feature is the presence of ferruginous (iron-rich) springs. You can visit the Source de la Chevrette, where the water has a distinctive orange color due to its iron content. This spring was historically recognized for its medicinal properties.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family trails in Bois De L'Épinay?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Bois De L'Épinay, with an average score of 4.39 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural environment, and the variety of landscapes, especially the beautiful ponds and woodlands, making it ideal for family outings.
Are there any longer family-friendly routes for more active groups?
For families looking for a longer adventure, consider the Andelle Ponds – Etang de la Chevrette loop from Forges-les-Eaux. This easy route covers about 7 kilometers, offering more time to explore the diverse scenery of the Bois de l'Épinay.
Is there a good place for a picnic along the trails?
Yes, there is a designated Picnic area available, perfect for families to take a break and enjoy a meal amidst nature during their hike.
What is the best season to go hiking with kids in Bois De L'Épinay?
Bois De L'Épinay is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for family hikes. In spring, you'll see fresh greenery and blooming flora, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is also great, with the shade of the woodlands providing relief from the sun.
Are there any trails that offer good opportunities for bird watching?
The ponds, particularly the Étangs de l'Andelle, are known for attracting various bird species. Paths like the 'Le Miroir aux Oiseaux' are specifically designed to offer opportunities for bird observation, making them a great choice for families interested in wildlife.
What historical sites or attractions are near the family trails?
Close to the hiking trails, you can explore the Domaine de Forges and Historic Thermal Quarter in Forges-les-Eaux. This area has a rich history as a spa town, offering a glimpse into its past.
Are there any moderate difficulty trails for families with older children?
For families with older children or those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Statue of Cardinal Richelieu – Andelle Ponds loop from Forges-les-Eaux is a moderate route of about 8.5 kilometers, offering varied terrain and interesting sights.
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