The best MTB trails around Merris
4.5
(402)
2,915
riders
228
rides
Mountain bike trails around Merris explore a landscape characterized by rolling hills and dense forest sections. The region features moderate elevation changes, with routes often passing through wooded areas and alongside agricultural fields. Riders can expect a mix of natural paths and well-maintained tracks, offering varied terrain for mountain biking.
Best mountain bike trails around Merris
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Mont des Cats Abbey – Hellegatbos Forest Path loop from Bailleul, a 26.4 miles (42.4 km)…
Last updated: June 17, 2026
4.6
(8)
61
riders
38.6km
02:54
490m
490m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
23
riders
33.1km
02:26
40m
40m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.8
(5)
18
riders
33.6km
02:20
350m
350m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(5)
14
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(13)
14
riders
21.5km
01:29
220m
220m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The summit of the slope lies between the Rodeberg and the Vidaigneberg. Near the summit stands the Lijstermolen (Listers Mill). A chairlift runs between the Baneberg and the Vidaigneberg, gliding over the saddle valley between the two "mountains" and the vineyards of the Entre-Deux-Monts, offering panoramic views of northern France and the Belgian coastal plain. The summit is 140 meters high. The name comes from the Bane family, who owned the mountain in the 13th and 14th centuries. The slope is also sometimes called Gildestraat (Gilde Street). https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baneberg
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The parish was founded in 1069. Originally, there was a Romanesque cruciform church. Eventually, there was a three-aisled hall church with a crossing tower and an octagonal superstructure. In 1794, the church was destroyed by fire. From 1805 to 1807, the church was restored. The eastern choir was demolished, leaving the crossing tower, particularly its lower structure, to form a portal. On the west side, the nave was extended and a new choir was built. During the First World War, the church was largely destroyed, but the tower was more or less spared. The church was rebuilt in the 1920s under the architecture of Jules Coomans. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Eligiuskerk_(Westouter)
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every time I went there it was always a 12% climb at times and then we didn't get to the top we had to finish on foot
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Be careful, the passage is very rough, narrow and full of large stones, it gets more complicated when it's wet
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Beautiful technical passage on mountain bike
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muddy in rainy weather
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The Pont de Thiennes is a road bridge located on the Lys, connecting the municipalities of Thiennes and Aire-sur-la-Lys. The bridge is 200 metres long and was inaugurated in 2014. It is built of Soignies granite and was financed by the state (33.9%) for war damage, by the department of Pas-de-Calais (33.05%) and by the department of Nord (33.05%). The bridge is equipped with a lifting system to allow the passage of boats.
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Be careful between Mettern and Fresne, there is heavy traffic and be careful on the cobblestones of Cassel if they are wet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Merris?
Merris offers a wide selection of mountain bike trails, with over 220 routes available for exploration. These trails cater to various skill levels, from easy to challenging, ensuring there's something for every rider.
What types of mountain bike trails can I find in Merris?
The mountain bike trails in Merris are characterized by rolling hills and dense forest sections, with moderate elevation changes. You'll find a mix of natural paths and well-maintained tracks, offering varied terrain. The region features 46 easy routes, 172 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes.
Are there any easy mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Merris?
Yes, Merris has 46 easy mountain bike trails, many of which are suitable for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes typically feature less challenging terrain and gentler inclines, allowing riders to enjoy the scenic woodlands and open countryside at a comfortable pace.
What are some challenging mountain bike trails in Merris?
For those seeking a challenge, Merris offers routes with significant elevation gain and varied terrain. One such route is the Mont des Cats Abbey – Hellegatbos Forest Path loop from Bailleul, a 26.4-mile trail with over 645 meters of elevation gain, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Another option is the Mont des Cats Abbey – Descent of Mont de Boeschepe loop from Strazeele, which is 53.1 miles long with over 609 meters of ascent.
Are there long-distance mountain biking options in the Merris area?
Yes, Merris offers several long-distance mountain biking routes. The longest available is the Mont des Cats Abbey – Descent of Mont de Boeschepe loop from Strazeele, spanning 53.1 miles. Another substantial route is the Mont des Cats Abbey – Hellegatbos Forest Path loop from Bailleul, which covers 26.4 miles.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about mountain biking in Merris?
The mountain biking experience in Merris is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, which includes rolling hills, dense woodlands, and open countryside, offering a good mix of natural paths and well-maintained tracks.
Are there circular mountain bike trails in Merris?
Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Merris are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Mont des Cats Abbey – Hellegatbos Forest Path loop from Bailleul and Descent of Mont de Boeschepe – Ooljemullenweegel loop from Bailleul.
What scenic attractions can I see along the mountain bike trails in Merris?
Many mountain bike trails in Merris pass through or near scenic attractions. You can ride past the historic Mont des Cats Abbey, explore the tranquil Hellegat Forest, or enjoy views from Mont Noir (West). The Marguerite Yourcenar Departmental Park also offers beautiful forest sections.
Are there any interesting landmarks or points of interest around Merris that I can visit?
Beyond the trails, Merris is surrounded by interesting landmarks. You can visit the Mont des Cats Abbey, a significant religious building, or see the Lijstermolen on the Baneberg, a notable man-made monument. For panoramic views, consider visiting Mont des Cats viewpoint.
What is the difficulty level of the mountain bike trails in Merris?
The mountain bike trails in Merris offer a range of difficulties. You'll find 46 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed ride, 172 moderate routes that provide a good balance of challenge and enjoyment, and 2 more difficult routes for experienced riders seeking a greater test of skill and endurance.
Can you recommend a moderate mountain bike route in Merris?
A popular moderate route is The Hermitage – Hellegatbos Forest Path loop from Bailleul. This 23.7-mile trail offers a mix of forest paths and open sections with notable climbs, providing a rewarding experience for intermediate riders.
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