The Bayehon waterfall is one of Belgium’s most beautiful natural landmarks — a 9-metre cascade tucked deep in the forests of the High Fens near the village of Longfaye. Fed by the Bayehon stream, which rises in the Neûr Lowé Fen on the plateau above, the waterfall plunges into a narrow, forested gorge in a setting that feels genuinely wild.
It’s widely considered the most scenic waterfall in Belgium and is often cited as the second most significant after the double waterfall at Coo. Unlike Coo, which is easily accessible by road, reaching the Bayehon requires a proper hike through forest trails — which is a large part of its appeal. Admission is free, and the trails are open year-round.
Location
The Bayehon waterfall is located in the High Fens nature reserve, near the village of Longfaye in the municipality of Waimes, in the province of Liège. It sits within the broader Reinhardstein area, roughly 8 kilometres southwest of Signal de Botrange.
The waterfall can only be reached on foot via forest trails — there is no roadside viewpoint. The paths involve some rocky and uneven terrain, wooden bridges over the stream, and sections that can become muddy and slippery after rain or snowmelt. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is strongly recommended.
Parking
There are two main options for parking:
- Moulin de Bayehon (recommended): A small free car park along the Route de Bayehon, right at the trailhead. This is the closest starting point to the waterfall and gives you the shortest walk in. Spaces are limited and fill up fast on autumn weekends and sunny summer days — aim to arrive before 10:00 if visiting on a weekend.
- Sourbrodt village: A quieter alternative about 2 km away, adding a pleasant forested section to the start of your hike.
- Club de Ski Alpin d’Ovifat: Another alternative starting point, slightly further away but useful when the Moulin de Bayehon car park is full. All parking is free of charge.
Getting There
The Bayehon waterfall is most easily reached by car. From Brussels, take the E40 towards Liège, then the E42 towards Malmedy. Exit at Malmedy and follow signs towards Waimes and Longfaye. Total drive time from Brussels is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
- From Liège, the drive takes around 45–50 minutes via the E42 and N68.
- From Signal de Botrange, the Moulin de Bayehon car park is about 8 km by road — a 12-minute drive southwest along the Route de l’Observatoire and Route de Waimes.
- By public transport: The area is not well served by buses. The nearest train station is Welkenraedt or Verviers-Central, from where a taxi or hire car would be needed to reach the trailhead. Public transport is not a practical option for most visitors.
Best time to visit
The Bayehon waterfall is worth visiting in any season, but the experience varies significantly throughout the year.
- Autumn (September–November) is the most spectacular time to visit. The surrounding forests turns vivid shades of orange, red, and gold, and the combination of colour and flowing water makes for exceptional scenery. Expect the car park to be busy on weekend afternoons.
- Winter (December–February) can be magical — especially after snowfall, when the forest is blanketed in white and the waterfall runs at full strength from snowmelt and rain. In very cold snaps, the edges of the waterfall may partially freeze. Trails can be icy, so take extra care.
- Spring (March–May) brings high water levels after winter rain and snowmelt, making this one of the best times to see the waterfall at full power. The forest is fresh and quiet, with far fewer visitors than autumn.
- Summer (June–August) is the least dramatic season for the waterfall itself — prolonged dry spells can reduce it to a trickle. However the forest remains beautiful and the trails are at their most accessible and least muddy.
Hiking Routes
All hiking routes to the Bayehon waterfall start from the Moulin de Bayehon car park on the Route de Bayehon. Two colour-marked routes are available:
Red Route Distance: 9 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: approx. 2.5 hrs The shorter of the two marked routes, taking you through dense forest, along the Bayehon stream, and down to the waterfall viewpoint before looping back. A good choice for a half-day outing or if you’re hiking with children.
Green Route Distance: 12.5 km | Difficulty: Moderate | Duration: approx. 3.5–4 hrs A longer loop that takes in more of the surrounding High Fens landscape, including elevated sections with open views across the plateau before descending back to the waterfall. Recommended for those who want a fuller day hike.
Both routes are clearly waymarked and well-maintained. You can also combine sections of each or extend your walk towards nearby Reinhardstein Castle, which adds roughly 3 km and is well worth the detour.
Tips: Download an offline map before you go (Komoot and AllTrails both have coverage of this area). The trails are not lit, so plan to be back at the car park before sunset.
Where to stay nearby?
There’s no accommodation at the waterfall itself, but several good options are within a short drive:
- Waimes & Robertville (5–8 km): The closest villages, with holiday cottages, gîtes, and small hotels. Robertville also has the scenic Lac de Robertville nearby, making it a great base for exploring the whole area.
- Malmedy (12 km): A charming town with a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and facilities. Well-placed for exploring both the High Fens and the Ardennes.
- Stavelot (18 km): A beautiful historic town with a good selection of accommodation and excellent restaurants. Slightly further but well worth considering for a longer stay.
Prices range from around €50–80 per night for self-catering cottages to €100–150 for mid-range hotels. Book ahead for autumn weekends — this is peak season for the whole High Fens region.
Conclusion / Practical Tips
Before you visit the Bayehon Waterfall — practical checklist:
- 📍 Location: Longfaye, Waimes, Province of Liège
- 🚗 Parking: Free at Moulin de Bayehon — arrive early on weekends
- 🎟️ Entry: Free, open year-round
- 🥾 Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots essential — trails are rocky and muddy
- 📅 Best season: Autumn for colour; winter/spring for highest water flow
- 🗺️ Routes: Red (9 km) or Green (12.5 km) from Moulin de Bayehon
- 🔥 Fires: Strictly prohibited in the High Fens nature reserve
- 📶 Signal: Mobile coverage is patchy — download an offline map before you go
The Bayehon waterfall rewards the effort to reach it. Unlike many tourist attractions that can be seen from a car window, this one requires a proper walk through beautiful forest — and that’s exactly what makes it special.
