The best walks and hikes in Nord
4.5
(12411)
77,223
hikers
4,915
hikes
Hiking in Nord, located in the Hauts-de-France region, offers diverse landscapes characterized by extensive natural parks, varied terrain, and historical features. The department features protected areas like the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park with its meadows, peat bogs, and river valleys, and the Avesnois Regional Natural Park known for its bocage landscapes and forests. Hikers can explore a network of trails through rolling hills, woodlands, and along rivers, providing options for various experience levels.
Best hiking trails in Nord
- The most popular hiking route is L'abbaye de Mont des Cats — loop from Berthen, a 6.4 miles (10.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 53 minutes to complete. This moderate route includes a climb to a hill offering views of the surrounding area.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is La Canarderie Trail, a moderate 6.3 miles (10.1 km) path. This trail leads through natural areas with varied flora and fauna, typically completed in 2 hours 37 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the Parc de la deule — loop from Houplin-Ancoisne, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail leading through the Parc de la Deûle, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Nord is defined by bocage landscapes, extensive forests, and river valleys, with trails suitable for easy family walks and more challenging routes through varied terrain. The region's natural parks provide well-marked paths for all ability levels.
- The routes in Nord are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 11,000 reviews. More than 74,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Nord's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.6
(100)
533
hikers
10.3km
02:53
200m
200m
Hike the L'abbaye de Mont des Cats loop from Berthen, a moderate 6.4-mile trail with panoramic views and a visit to the historic abbey.
4.6
(125)
438
hikers
10.1km
02:37
60m
60m
Hike the moderate 6.3-mile La Canarderie Trail to explore mining heritage and panoramic views from a slag heap in Parc naturel régional Scar
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4.7
(80)
373
hikers
4.90km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(86)
342
hikers
8.69km
02:23
30m
30m
Hike the Mare à Goriaux Circuit Trail, a 5.4-mile route through wetlands and former industrial sites with panoramic views.
4.3
(74)
219
hikers
14.5km
03:41
40m
40m
Hike the 9.0-mile Lac du Héron loop from Willems, a moderate route through a nature reserve with lake views and wildlife spotting.
4.4
(50)
252
hikers
20.6km
05:40
350m
350m
Hike the difficult 12.8-mile Les monts des Flandres loop from Berthen, featuring panoramic views and significant elevation changes.
4.5
(55)
243
hikers
10.5km
02:48
120m
120m
Hike the moderate 6.5-mile Sentier du mont Noir loop in Saint-Jans-Cappel, exploring forests, vineyards, and historical sites with Flanders
4.5
(32)
115
hikers
14.0km
03:35
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(36)
153
hikers
5.62km
01:26
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(47)
120
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Popular around Nord
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Tips from the Community
During the winter of 2024-2025, several renovations were carried out: the restrooms, pontoons, walkways, and wooden structures were replaced. New furniture (benches, picnic tables) was also installed.
2
0
The park is 12 hectares in size, so much more than the name (6 acres = approx. 6 hectares) suggests.
2
0
The Parc du Héron covers 110 hectares, a significant portion of which is covered by water: the Lac du Héron and the Marque River. Approximately 70% of the area is designated as a nature reserve.
1
0
This is one of the entrances to the Parc du Héron. It covers 110 hectares, a significant portion of which is occupied by water: the Lac du Héron and the Marque River. Approximately 70% of the area is designated as a nature reserve.
3
0
Although the Napoleon Bridge has a long history, the current bridge only dates from 2014! That year, as part of the overall redevelopment of the Citadel Park, the Napoleon Bridge was rebuilt. This was based on the design created by Philippe Canissié in 1849, after the original bridge had become significantly outdated (including the roof's need for renovation). During the 2014 project, new sphinxes and concrete abutments covered with the original stones and sculptures were added. The first version of the bridge was built in 1809, and inscribed with the names of French victories in the Napoleonic battles. The bridge was destroyed in both the First and Second World Wars.
4
0
Interesting history about this house. Worth a visit for both young and old.
4
0
A beautiful, spacious park with grassy areas and clumps of woods. Plenty of space for a relaxing break.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Nord?
Nord offers a vast network of hiking opportunities, with over 4,800 routes available on komoot. These trails cater to various preferences, from leisurely strolls to more challenging excursions.
What kind of terrain can I expect when hiking in Nord?
Hiking in Nord provides a diverse landscape. You'll find extensive natural parks like the Scarpe-Escaut and Avesnois, featuring meadows, peat bogs, river valleys, and bocage landscapes. The region also offers rolling hills, woodlands, and even coastal features in areas like Caps et Marais d'Opale Regional Natural Park. While not mountainous, the terrain is varied enough to offer different experiences.
Are there hiking options for different skill levels in Nord?
Yes, Nord provides trails for all abilities. Over 2,500 routes are classified as easy, perfect for a relaxed walk. There are also more than 2,200 moderate trails and around 150 difficult routes for those seeking a greater challenge. For example, Parc de la Deûle — loop from Houplin-Ancoisne is an easy option, while the Monts des Flandres Loop offers a more difficult experience.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Nord?
The Nord department is enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with changing foliage in the woodlands. Summer is also popular, especially for exploring the natural parks and coastal areas. While winter hiking is possible, conditions can vary, so checking local weather forecasts is always recommended.
Are there many circular walking routes in Nord?
Yes, many trails in Nord are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include L'abbaye de Mont des Cats — loop from Berthen and Parc de la Deûle — loop from Houplin-Ancoisne, which are popular choices for their convenience and scenic paths.
Are the hiking trails in Nord suitable for families with children?
Many trails in Nord are family-friendly, particularly the numerous easy routes found throughout the region's natural parks. These parks often feature well-marked, relatively flat paths through meadows and woodlands, perfect for walks with children. The Parc de la Deûle — loop from Houplin-Ancoisne is a good example of an easy, accessible trail suitable for families.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Nord?
Generally, dogs are welcome on many hiking trails in Nord, especially in the regional natural parks. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, particularly in protected areas to safeguard wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Specific rules might apply in certain nature reserves, so checking local signage is recommended.
What kind of natural attractions or landmarks can I see while hiking in Nord?
Nord is rich in natural and historical attractions. You can explore the unique landscapes of the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park, home to the Mare à Goriaux, a significant wildlife habitat. The Avesnois Regional Natural Park features a distinctive bocage landscape with chapels, mills, and the Mormal forest. You might also encounter historical sites like the Citadel Pasture or the Fort des Dunes, and even the Mont des Cats Abbey.
Are there any trails in Nord that offer views from higher points?
While Nord is not a mountainous region, it does offer trails that ascend gentle hills, providing scenic views. For instance, the route L'abbaye de Mont des Cats — loop from Berthen includes a climb to a hill that offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside. You can also find trails around Mont Noir or Watten Hill for elevated perspectives.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Nord?
The hiking experience in Nord is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 11,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's diverse natural parks, the well-marked paths, and the peaceful atmosphere. The variety of landscapes, from tranquil forests to open meadows and riverbanks, is frequently highlighted as a key appeal.
Are there any long-distance hiking opportunities in Nord?
Yes, Nord offers several longer routes for those seeking more extensive hikes. For example, the Monts des Flandres Loop is over 20 km long, providing a substantial day hike. The regional natural parks, with their extensive trail networks, also allow for combining shorter routes into longer excursions, especially in areas like Avesnois Regional Natural Park which boasts over 1,000 km of trails.
Can I find trails near water features like rivers or lakes in Nord?
Absolutely. The Nord department is characterized by its rivers and marshlands. You can find beautiful trails along the Scarpe and Escaut rivers within the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Natural Park. The Sambre River basin in Avesnois also offers scenic towpaths. The Mare à Goriaux Circuit Trail is a great option for exploring a significant water-filled reservoir that is now a wildlife habitat.
Most popular routes in Nord
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