Things to Do in Natuurreservaat De Maten
Nature Reserve Guide
Natuurreservaat De Maten is a nature reserve situated between Genk and Hasselt in the Limburg province of Belgium. This area is characterized by an extensive pond complex, dry heathland, sand heaths, and inland dunes, alongside reedbeds, swamp forests, and meadows. The diverse landscape provides varied terrain suitable for several sports like hiking, gravel biking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and more. It is recognized as a Natura 2000 area, highlighting its ecological significance and rich biodiversity.
Things to Do in Natuurreservaat…
162
Routes
4.5
(1197)
Average rating
11686
People visited
4.5
(194)
956
hikers
9.86km
02:30
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(74)
389
hikers
6.90km
01:45
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(62)
419
hikers
6.26km
01:35
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(43)
336
hikers
5.98km
01:31
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
24
riders
58.3km
04:31
270m
270m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(3)
55
riders
109km
07:25
520m
520m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(2)
20
riders
58.6km
03:57
300m
300m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.8
(6)
51
riders
50.2km
03:04
150m
150m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.8
(111)
621
riders
60.4km
03:32
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(64)
599
riders
49.7km
02:52
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(122)
616
riders
52.0km
03:06
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(36)
277
riders
56.8km
03:18
180m
180m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.9
(9)
286
riders
47.2km
02:05
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.9
(8)
199
riders
65.1km
02:46
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
123
riders
85.3km
03:58
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
289
riders
94.1km
04:34
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.5
(98)
762
riders
47.4km
03:29
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(29)
334
riders
35.2km
02:40
160m
160m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
5.0
(7)
50
riders
49.0km
03:41
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(2)
37
riders
45.8km
02:57
200m
200m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.0
(1)
54
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
43
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
runners
5.89km
00:42
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
21
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Natuurreservaat De Maten offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, gravel biking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and jogging. The reserve features diverse terrain with well-marked routes suitable for different preferences. More than 100 routes are available for exploration.
What are the best hiking trails in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Popular hiking trails include the "De Maten Red Triangle Trail," which is 6.1 miles (9.9 km) long and rated moderate. Other options are "De Wijers: De Maten - boarding point Diepenbekerbos (orange)" at 4.3 miles (6.9 km) and "De Maten Nature Reserve – Homeles Pond loop from Genk" at 3.9 miles (6.3 km). For more options, refer to the Hiking in Natuurreservaat De Maten guide.
Are there easy hiking routes for beginners or families in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Yes, Natuurreservaat De Maten offers several easy hiking routes suitable for beginners and families. The "De Wijers: De Maten - boarding point Diepenbekerbos (orange)" and "De Maten Nature Reserve – Homeles Pond loop from Genk" are rated easy. Paths are generally accessible, though some areas can be wet. The Easy hikes in Natuurreservaat De Maten guide provides additional options.
What cycling routes are available in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Natuurreservaat De Maten and the wider De Wijers pond complex offer a network of cycling routes for gravel biking, touring cycling, and mountain biking. Options range from comfortable paths through heathland to more technical singletracks. Specific routes are designed for cycling via junction points. The Cycling in Natuurreservaat De Maten guide details various options.
What are the main natural features and landmarks in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
The reserve is characterized by an extensive network of ponds, part of the larger De Wijers complex, which are vital for aquatic flora and fauna. It features diverse habitats including dry heathland, sand heaths, inland dunes, reedbeds, and swamp forests. Birdwatching hides are available to observe marsh and reed birds.
Is Natuurreservaat De Maten suitable for birdwatching?
Yes, Natuurreservaat De Maten is a significant location for birdwatching. It is a haven for marsh and reed birds such as the Bluethroat, Reed Bunting, and Great Bittern. The reserve serves as a crucial breeding ground and an important stopover point for migratory birds, with dedicated hides facilitating observation.
What is the overall rating of routes in Natuurreservaat De Maten on komoot?
Routes in Natuurreservaat De Maten have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from more than 900 users. Over 10,000 visitors have shared their experiences in the reserve.
Are dogs allowed in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
The provided information does not specify rules regarding dogs in Natuurreservaat De Maten. Visitors should check local signage or the official website for current regulations on pets. It is advisable to keep dogs on a leash in nature reserves to protect wildlife.
Where can I find komoot guides for Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Komoot offers several guides for Natuurreservaat De Maten, covering various activities and points of interest. Guides include Hiking in Natuurreservaat De Maten, Gravel biking in Natuurreservaat De Maten, and MTB Trails in Natuurreservaat De Maten. There are also guides for attractions, lakes, and natural monuments.
How can I contact Natuurreservaat De Maten or its Visitors' Center?
The official website for information regarding Natuurreservaat De Maten and its Visitors' Center is natuurpunt.be/natuurgebied/de-maten. For direct inquiries to the Visitors' Center "De Buitenbar van Bezoekerscentrum de Maten - de Slagmolen," the contact number is +32 492 15 98 52.
What is the best time of year to visit Natuurreservaat De Maten?
The provided information does not specify a best time of year to visit Natuurreservaat De Maten. The reserve's diverse habitats and rich biodiversity can be appreciated across different seasons. Visitors should consider personal preferences for flora, fauna, or activity types when planning a visit.
What types of cycling are popular in Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Gravel biking, touring cycling, and mountain biking are popular in Natuurreservaat De Maten. The area offers both paved and unpaved sections, catering to various cycling styles. Routes range from comfortable paths through heathland to more technical singletracks. The Gravel biking in Natuurreservaat De Maten and MTB Trails in Natuurreservaat De Maten guides provide specific route details.
What is the historical significance of Natuurreservaat De Maten?
Natuurreservaat De Maten is a man-made cultural landscape with a history spanning centuries. The name "maten" is thought to relate to "meadows," referencing its historical use as water-meadows for hay production. The area also contains remnants from World War Two, such as bunkers and anti-tank obstacles.
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