To the left and right of the neanderland Steig hiking trail, which covers around 240 kilometres, hikers can discover places of interest, nature and historic towns and villages in the area on new paths. 13 newly opened short circular paths lead off from the Steig and connect attractions with each other. The discovery loops are between two and 19 kilometres long, and have different themes: industry, nature, history, art and culture. The ‘Alt-Erkrath monument route’, for example, connects old and historic buildings with the natural beauty of the valleys of three streams along a 12-kilometre route.
By the end of 2018, 26 of the new discovery loops are due to be completed in the Mettmann district.