Are you looking for a fun, exciting Trôs Marets hiking trip through the Belgian Ardennes?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for this hike, from parking details to tips for navigating the trail’s twists and turns.
Starting from the forest and walking along small WATERFALLS until you reach beautiful panoramic views of Malmedy!
Let’s get started!
OVERVIEW of the Trôs Marets Hike:
- TRAILHEAD: Trôs-Marets hike
- MILES: 3 miles (4,8km) out and back (loop hike)
- TIME: 1 – 2 hours (depending on your stops)
- DIFFICULTY: easy
- ELEVATION GAIN: 518 ft
- HIKE PERMIT: no
- PARK PERMIT: no
- SIGNS: follow the blue rectangle starting at Ferme Libert
Start of the Tros Marets hike
This hike starts at Ferme Libert Malmedy. You can park your car (there are around 15 parking places available), and you’ll notice a sign at the entrance to the path.
At Ferme Libert, it runs straight through forests. At the far end, there is evidence of a Trô Maret throwing itself into the Tros Marets valley. Trô-Maret means a mountain stream that leads us from waterfall to waterfall. The way to get here passes on the flank of the hill, which can be very slippery and difficult to navigate at times.
Download The Hiking Route Here
We recommend downloading the GPX file for the hike. Using an app like GPX, you can follow the hike on your phone. You can download the free GPX file here.
What should I expect?
As you begin your hike, follow the well-marked path (with blue rectangle signs) that leads you into the dense forest. The trail is a mix of natural paths, wooden bridges, and occasionally steep sections, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge. The challenge is worth it, in our opinion, as you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful nature along the route!
After about 2 kilometers, you’ll reach a fork in the road. Keep left to stay on the main trail that follows the valley of the Trôs Marets stream.
The path will lead you through the most picturesque part of the hike, the canyon itself.
Here, the trail narrows, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering rock faces and hear the sound of flowing water. It’s an amazing experience that feels miles away from the rest of the world.
After navigating through the canyon, you’ll eventually come to another split point. This time, go right, following the signs back towards Ferme Libert. This section of the trail offers stunning views of the river and surrounding hills and valleys, making it the perfect backdrop for a rest or a picnic.
KEEP IN MIND: The path has a lot of wooden bridges that cross the river multiple times, giving you the perfect opportunity to see the river from above. As you stare at the water, you will see it has a rather brown color. Don’t worry, this is not pollution, but the high amount of iron in the soil. The Ardennes rivers are known as ferruginous sources; that’s why most of Belgium’s drinking water comes from this region.
If you want to extend the hike, you can start at the center of Malmedy and hike your way up through the forest until you reach this starting point of the Trôs Marets hike.
Of course, you can do the second part of 7 km towards L’Ermitage. However, we chose to stop at the 5 km and go for a well-deserved drink in Malmedy
After the Hike
Once you’ve completed the hike, take some time to explore Malmedy and enjoy its cozy cafes, and delicious local cuisine (Boulette Liégoise). The town of Malmedy also boasts several historical sites worth visiting, such as the Malmundarium and the Baugnez 44 Historical Center. If you can’t get enough of beautiful cities like Malmedy, take a look at Mons Belgium!
When to visit
The Tros Marets Valley is accessible through the summer and winter months.
The landscape is especially beautiful during the autumn and winter months, as the light shines beautifully through the forest.
BEWARE: In the winter, you should wear waterproof hiking boots and warm waterproof clothing.
Travel Accessories You Will Need!
To have the most comfortable and safe experience at the Trôs Marets hike, we recommend these travel accessories:
Make sure you have all the necessary travel accessories before your trip!
- Universal Adapter
- Osprey Backpack
- Power Bank
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- Traveler’s EHBO Kit
- Ebook reader
- Travel Bottles
- Multi-tool
- Packing Cubes
- Neck Pillow
- RFID Wallet
- Travel Umbrella
- Raincoat
- Walking shoes
- Eye Mask
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Microfiber Towel
Conclusion
With its free parking, downloadable GPX file, and detailed trail guidance, the Trôs Marets Canyon Hike is an accessible escape for hikers of all levels.
