Easy
Hoge Kempen National Park · Flanders
- Distance
- 3.7 km / 2.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 82 m
- Typical duration
- 54 min
- Forest
- Waymarked route
Mechels Bos Oranje bol
EasyHoge Kempen National Park · Flanders · Belgium
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 123 m (404 ft)
- Typical time
- 1 hr 21 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Route type
- Loop
- Highest point
- Not recorded
About Mechels Bos Oranje bol
Mechels Bos Oranje bol is a 5.6 km hiking route in Hoge Kempen National Park. It climbs roughly 123 m (404 ft) along the way. Most people take around 1 hr 21 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It is an easy walk that most reasonably fit visitors can finish without training.
Tree cover shades most of the route, which makes it a sound choice on hot afternoons.
It is a 5.6 km loop, so you finish where you started and never repeat a section. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Mechelen-aan-de-Maas, about 3.0 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland.
In short, Mechels Bos Oranje bol suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Easy5.6 km123 m
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
The route in detail
The loop is usually walked clockwise from the main trailhead. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The return leg is the reverse of the outward journey, which makes it easy to judge remaining time.
Highlights
- Inside Hoge Kempen National Park
- Forest
- Waymarked route
- Circular route, no backtracking
- Waymarked and signposted
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Yes, signed on the ground
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Follow park rules
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 58/100
- Adventure
- 20/100
- Difficulty
- 16/100
- Accessibility
- 77/100
- Family
- 74/100
- Dogs
- 70/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in Belgium are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Because it is a loop, the light changes direction as you go, so save some memory for the back half. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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Trails near Mechels Bos Oranje bol
Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.
Moderate
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- Distance
- 8.6 km / 5.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 188 m
- Typical duration
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- Elevation gain
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- Distance
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- Elevation gain
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- Typical duration
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- Distance
- 3.8 km / 2.3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 83 m
- Typical duration
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Easy
Hoge Kempen National Park · Flanders
- Distance
- 5.5 km / 3.4 mi
- Elevation gain
- 121 m
- Typical duration
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- Waymarked route