Glenariff Forest is a region in Northern Ireland characterized by its diverse landscapes, including planted woodlands, river gorges, and small lakes. Part of the Antrim Glens, the area features terrain shaped by ancient glaciers, with fast-flowing rivers and dramatic waterfalls. These natural features provide a setting for several outdoor sports like hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging.
Glenariff Forest offers more than 10 routes for various outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring…
53
Routes
4.5
(145)
Average rating
1472
People visited

4.7
(77)
445
hikers
4.56km
01:21
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(45)
360
hikers
9.60km
02:47
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
7.44km
02:03
120m
120m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(4)
83
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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61.1km
04:00
760m
760m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
riders
29.3km
01:55
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
29.6km
02:31
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

12
riders
25.1km
02:13
480m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
79
riders
77.7km
03:20
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

34
riders
81.5km
03:45
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

14
riders
49.7km
02:24
720m
720m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

16
riders
24.9km
01:05
170m
170m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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22
runners
9.39km
00:59
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
runners
8.68km
00:54
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

15
runners
9.63km
01:01
70m
70m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Glenariff Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, touring cycling, and jogging. The region features 14 routes across these sports, with an average rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars from more than 6,000 visitors.
A primary attraction in Glenariff Forest is its spectacular waterfalls, especially those found along the Waterfall Walkway. The park also features extensive planted woodlands, tranquil lakes, and offers panoramic views over the glens and the Antrim Plateau.
Yes, Glenariff Forest offers hiking routes suitable for beginners. The park has several well-marked trails, including shorter options like the Rainbow Trail (0.6 miles / 1 km) and the Viewpoint Trail (0.6 miles / 1 km). More options can be found in the guide Easy hikes around Glenariff Forest.
The Waterfall Walkway is a popular trail in Glenariff Forest, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It winds through a National Nature Reserve, providing close-up views of three main waterfalls and the rocky gorges carved by the Glenariff and Inver Rivers. The path includes sections with timber boardwalks and steps.
Glenariff Forest provides several routes suitable for families. These trails offer varying lengths and difficulties, allowing families to choose paths that match their activity level. Specific family-friendly options are detailed in the guide Family-friendly hikes around Glenariff Forest.
Glenariff Forest and its surrounding area are suitable for road cycling and touring cycling. While specific dedicated cycling trails within the park are not detailed, the region is part of the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. Guides like Road Cycling Routes around Glenariff Forest and Cycling around Glenariff Forest offer route suggestions.
Hiking trails in Glenariff Forest vary in length. Examples include the Waterfall Walk Trail at approximately 3 miles (4.8 km), the Scenic Trail at about 5.5 miles (8.9 km), and shorter options like the Rainbow Trail and Viewpoint Trail, both around 0.6 miles (1 km).
Comprehensive information on hiking routes in Glenariff Forest is available through komoot guides. The guide Hiking around Glenariff Forest provides an overview of various trails, including those focused on waterfalls.
Yes, Glenariff Forest offers trails suitable for jogging. The varied terrain, from gentle paths to uphill sections, can accommodate different running preferences. Information on specific routes can be found in the guide Running Trails around Glenariff Forest.
Glenariff Forest Park provides amenities to enhance the visitor experience. These include picnic and barbeque areas, a tea house, a visitor centre, and a seasonal restaurant. Car parks are also available for visitors.
The official website for Glenariff Forest Park is hosted on the Northern Ireland government website. It can be accessed at nidirect.gov.uk/articles/glenariff-forest-park.
For general inquiries regarding Glenariff Forest Park, including guided walks, contact the Forest Service, Garvagh Forest Office. The phone number is +44 (0) 28 7034 0870.

