Interested in a two-day micro-adventure in the Belgian Ardennes? Be sure to check out the super cool concept of packrafting. It’s a trek through nature, but with a unique twist. Over the course of two days, you’ll not only explore hiking trails but also paddle for miles along the Ourthe River with your own super-light raft. This is a unique way to discover the Belgian Ardennes with The Packraft Trail!
The New Sport of Packrafting
Have you heard of packrafting? This relatively new sport originated in Alaska and allows you to embark on hikes in water-rich natural areas. With a super-light raft that easily fits in a backpack, you can alternate between hiking trails and rivers, covering longer distances.
Micro-Adventure in the Belgian Ardennes
In Europe, you can increasingly enjoy these types of treks because we have incredibly beautiful natural areas with water-rich environments close to home. The Packraft Trail offers a micro-adventure in the Belgian Ardennes where you’ll follow a two-day designated route without a guide. You can go solo or with your team, taking everything at your own pace. This route includes both land and water sections. It’s a challenging two-day journey but manageable for anyone with a decent level of fitness. There’s plenty of space to rest, enjoy the scenery, and have lunch along the way.
Tip: If you have a dog that isn’t afraid of water and is athletic enough to spend the entire day outdoors, you can bring them along on this adventure!
The 2 Routes of The Packraft Trail
The Packraft Trail has mapped out two routes depending on the water level. Both routes are approximately 40 kilometers (24 miles) long. The High Water Trail covers 20 kilometers (12 miles) on water, while the Low Water Trail goes for about 10 kilometers (6 miles) on water. These routes are designed because the area you’ll be hiking in is subject to significant rainfall. Regardless of the water level, these routes will allow you to see the most beautiful spots.
Nature Reserve “De Twee Ourthes”
The trip takes you through the nature reserve of “De Twee Ourthes” in the Belgian Ardennes. This area is located along the Belgian-Luxembourg border and is situated on the country’s oldest rock formation.
What Does the Route of The Packraft Trail Look Like?
The trip starts in the village of Maboge, and from there, you’ll hike 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) to Lac de Nisramont. From there, you’ll embark on a 5-kilometer (3 miles) rafting session across the lake and the western river (Ourthe Orientale). Finally, you’ll hike another 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) to the campsite in Engreux.
On the following day, you’ll first hike 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and then raft 5 kilometers (3 miles) downstream on the Ourthe Occidentale over the reservoir to the dam. Afterward, you’ll hike back to Maboge, where you started and parked your car.
This route is available almost all year round and is known as the Low Water Trail. If it turns out that the water level is high, an alternative route will be chosen. The first day remains the same, but on day two, you’ll first hike 8 kilometers (5 miles) and then raft 15 kilometers (10 miles) downstream back to Maboge.
Accommodation During The Packraft Trail
You’ll be on the go for two days, and a basic overnight stay is included. This overnight stay will be at a campsite, so you’ll need to bring camping gear. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it. It’s also possible to have the camping gear delivered to the campsite so you don’t have to carry it along the way. The campsite provides basic sanitary facilities (outdoor toilets and outdoor showers) and allows you to make a cozy campfire.
Additionally, there’s an option to spend the night at the basecamp the night before departure. The basecamp is situated along the banks of the Ourthe River and is close to towns like Jupille, La Roche, and Ardenne.
Dates and Prices for The Packraft Trail
You can book The Packraft Trail until the end of September. Departures are on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, with prices starting at $110 per person. The package includes a packraft, a 4-piece paddle, a raft inflation bag, and a trekking backpack (to carry your packraft and personal belongings). You’ll also receive packraft instructions, a handbook, and a trail guide for your journey. The overnight stay at the campsite on day one is also included.
Check the website of The Packraft Trail for more information or to sign up right away.
