4.5
(33)
441
riders
27
rides
Gravel biking around Kleine Rietplas is characterized by a predominantly flat landscape in the Rietlanden district of Emmen, Netherlands. The area features recreational lakes, green spaces, and a network of pathways suitable for cycling. While many paths are paved, some segments offer unpaved surfaces for varied gravel biking experiences. The region's terrain includes paths alongside canals and lakes, providing accessible routes for various cycling abilities.
Last updated: July 12, 2026
20
riders
17.3km
01:13
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
39.6km
02:34
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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11
riders
19.0km
01:20
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
13
riders
42.0km
02:41
70m
70m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
16.8km
01:09
30m
30m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kleine Rietplas
The swimming spot is located in the Sleenerzand forest, between Noord-Sleen and Schoonoord and close to Emmen. The spot originally originated from sand extraction during the construction of the N381 and is a wonderfully clean swimming spot with a separate play pond for the little ones, with a spacious sandy beach. The spot is approximately 4 hectares in size and is shallow (with a slowly sloping bottom), making it very suitable for small children. The beach (which surrounds the entire spot) is cleaned daily. In short: ideal for a day out with your family!
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De Kleine Rietplas is located on the edge of the Wijk Rietlanden in Emmen. In addition to a sandy beach with a sunbathing lawn, you will find a restaurant and snack bar with a beautiful view of the lake from the terrace. There is also a playground, zip line, skateboard ramp, raft in the water, panna cage, observation tower, and canoe rental. In short; there is plenty to do for the whole family! There is free parking and showers are available. The area is cleaned regularly. De Kleine Rietplas is connected to the Grote Rietplas. The Grote Rietplas recreational area includes a surf and sailing lake, among other things. There are also beaches, sunbathing lawns, small harbors, a campsite, parking lots, a canoe course, and walking and cycling paths through the area. Various events are organized annually in the recreational area, such as RetroPop, the international Kite Festival, and the Rietplasloop. Parc Sandur is located on the southeast side of the lake. Source: https://www.drenthe.nl/locaties/226344250/kleine-rietplas
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It's a beautiful place, with good paths/trails... I'll definitely be back.
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Attention, watch out ...Attention Jump
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A really great round...always fun
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The starting point is great, you can easily park your car there
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The ‘Drentsche Veen- en Middenkanaal Maatschappij’ started in 1852 with the construction of the Oranjekanaal. The company bought peat land behind Emmen and in the Odoornerveen. In 1854 the canal diggers reached the place where the canal crossed the route from Coevorden to Groningen. This ancient road followed the Ridge of Rolde. This is where the village of Schoonoord eventually arose.
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In the middle of the woods and a beautiful lake. The camper can also be parked there, with a direct view of the lake.
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There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Kleine Rietplas, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels suitable for different riders. These routes are carefully curated to provide a peaceful cycling experience away from motorized traffic.
The terrain around Kleine Rietplas is predominantly flat, making it accessible for many skill levels. You'll find a mix of surfaces, including paved paths, unpaved gravel sections, and paths alongside canals and lakes. This variety provides the classic gravel biking experience while keeping the routes generally easy to navigate.
Yes, several easy routes are perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Grote Rietplas – Kleine Rietplas loop from Erica is an excellent option. It's a relatively short and flat loop that connects both recreational lakes, offering scenic views without significant challenges.
Parking is generally available at various points around Kleine Rietplas, especially near the recreational areas and facilities. Many routes start from locations with accessible parking, making it convenient to begin your ride. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages on komoot.
The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Kleine Rietplas, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 30 reviews. Riders frequently praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the paths, the beautiful lake views, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for an enjoyable and relaxing ride.
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer or more challenging ride, routes like the Dolmen D35 – Dolmen D30 loop from Emmen offer a more extensive adventure. This route covers over 55 kilometers and includes more elevation gain, providing a good workout while exploring the wider Emmen area and its historical dolmens.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Kleine Rietplas are designed as convenient loops. This allows you to start and end your ride at the same point, making logistics simpler. The Kleine Rietplas – Dolmen D45 (Emmerdennen) loop from Zeldenrust is a great example of a circular route that takes you through diverse landscapes.
While gravel biking, you'll enjoy picturesque views of the Kleine Rietplas and the larger Grote Rietplas. The area features green spaces, paths alongside canals, and even a tall grass hill with an observation tower offering panoramic views. You might also encounter historical dolmens on some of the longer routes, such as the one passing by Dolmen D45.
Definitely! Kleine Rietplas is a recreational hub. After your ride, you can relax on the sandy beaches, enjoy a meal at the café with a restaurant, or even rent a canoe. The area also has playgrounds, a zip line, and a skateboard track, making it a great destination for a full day of outdoor activities.
Yes, several routes extend into the broader region, allowing you to discover more of the Dutch landscape. For example, the Kibbelkoele Lake – MTB Route Gieten-Borger loop from Emmen Zuid takes you further afield, connecting you to other lakes and natural areas while maintaining a focus on traffic-free paths.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking around Kleine Rietplas. The weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can also be enjoyable, especially if you plan your rides for cooler mornings or evenings, and winter rides are possible, though some paths might be wet or muddy.


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