Explore Ardennes Forest Hiking Trails and Camping in 2025
Ardennes Forest is one of the most picturesque natural attractions in Europe. The Ardennes Forest is located in Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, where woodlands, rivers flowing, hilly areas and small towns are a normal sight. An extensive range of tourists make this region their preferred choice for peaceful retreats, hiking, and outdoor camping. The region can be even better accessed in 2025 with the introduction of better visitor facilities, marked trails, and sustainable transportation means. The Ardennes offers great outdoor experiences, be it leisurely nature walks or challenging trekking.
Top Hiking Trails to Try in Ardennes Forest
Among the most popular activities in the Ardennes is hiking, due to its diversity and the availability of well-maintained routes. The trails are diverse as each having something new, such as waterfalls, and the sighting of wild animals. The majority of the routes are easy to follow, and some of the longer routes are ideal to experienced hikers. Guided tours also exist when one would like local knowledge and less navigation tension.
|
Trail Name |
Distance |
Difficulty Level |
Key Highlights |
|
GR 57 River Trail |
110 km |
Moderate |
River views, forest paths, scenic villages |
|
Ninglinspo Trail |
6 km |
Easy |
Streamside walk, wooden bridges, waterfalls |
|
High Fens Nature Reserve Loop |
12 km |
Moderate |
Moorlands, boardwalks, panoramic viewpoints |
|
Roche à l’Appel Trail |
4 km |
Moderate |
Rock formations, scenic ridge overlooks |
Nature Escapes and Wildlife Experiences
Ardennes Forest boasts of a good biodiversity and a serene natural environment. The tourists usually visit to see deer, foxes, wild boar, and many species of birds. There are some of the safari zones which have observation towers where one can watch wildlife in peace. There are also forest lakes and rivers where people can enjoy strolling and fish activities. A range of nature lovers enjoy quietness and fresh air, which makes it the best place to relax and take photographs. Some of the recommended nature activities:
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Early morning watching birds around the fringes of the forest.
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Walking near the Semois River in the spring and summer.
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Photography is normally at sunrise or golden hour light.
Best Camping Spots in 2025
Another great experience about the Ardennes is camping. Most of the camping sites have a wide area, top facilities and beautiful river or mountain scenery. Others are family friendly and some are ideal to be used by the backpacker who wants to have some peace and privacy. It is advisable to make reservations in advance when the season is summer because the tourist spots may get crowded. There are car-reachable and tent-only camping areas, which exist all over the forest area.
Must Visit: Top 10 Places to Visit in Belgium
|
Camping Spot |
Location |
Facilities |
Ideal Season |
Cost Range (Per Night) |
|
Camping Le Hérou |
Belgium |
River access, showers, tent and RV spots |
May–September |
€15–€35 |
|
Camping Val d’Or |
Luxembourg |
Cabins, electricity, nearby hiking routes |
April–October |
€20–€45 |
|
Camping Les Bouleaux |
France |
Forest surroundings, picnic areas |
June–September |
€10–€28 |
|
Camping Eau Rouge |
Belgium |
Café, kid activities, cycling access |
May–August |
€18–€40 |
Tips for a Smooth Trip
It is easy to prepare to make your trip more comfortable and stress-free. The following are some of the tips that will improve your tour:
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It is also good to know some simple French or Dutch phrases.
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Use reusable water containers to minimize waste.
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Get offline hiking trail maps.
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Pre-fire check camping regulations.
Different Ways to Explore the Forest
Self-guided hiking: Individual time and desire.
Biking tours: Ideal in the event when you need to travel long distances with picturesque roadside scenery.
Guided nature tours: These are suitable for wildlife viewing and in knowing more about local history.
Final Thoughts
By deciding to visit the Ardennes Forest, tourists have an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a motivating and reliable outdoor setting. The area promotes sustainable tourism and is ideal to tourists who believe in sustainability and natural experiences. No matter if you go on short scenic paths or just spend your nights under the stars, you will get unforgettable memories in each season in the Ardennes.