Trails
In our backyardOn MTB trails around Knysna we are spoilt for choice. Next to rivers and lagoons, through lush forests, over magnificent mountains, past waterfalls and awesome coastline. We have it all. A bicycle can take you on a journey out of your everyday. Let your mind wander as you ride under green giants and through beautiful “fynbos” (a distinctive type of vegetation found only on the southern tip of Africa. It includes a very wide range of plant species, particularly small heather-like trees and shrubs.) In the forest of Knysna amid the mass of flora and giant trees keep an eye open for various antelope species that roam the forests during the day. Some of the tall yellowwood trees in the area are believed to be around 800 years old. Other prominent tree species include stinkwood and the pink-flowered Cape chestnut.
Find adventure and escape in the forest . You never know what you will find on a Knysna MTB trail !
During the 19th century, the Knysna forest was home to hundreds of elephants. However, these were hunted to near extinction.
Nevertheless, it is still believed that a few isolated individuals may still roam these dense forests.
There are many wonderful MTB trails and interesting sites to discover. your own bike or HIRE one from us. Take yourself on one of the well marked trails or let us take you and show you around
We offer transport to and from trails for groups or individuals.
PLEASE PRE-BOOK . Sanparks trail fees are excluded
A shared journey makes it all the more exciting – whether with friends or family. Furthermore ,each experience on our MTB trails in Knysna is different and special. What’s more is that it can be a time to sort out the worlds problems with your best buds or share the joy of cycling with your child for the first time.
Join a local ride in Knysna
Join a local ride with today.
The best way to learn skills is out on the trail having fun and gaining more confidence. Join us on a Wednesday for our weekly kids rides and skills workshops. Aimed at 10 – 15 year olds but moms and dads are encouraged to join in the fun. A Monday ride for older kids 14+ happens most weeks.
Or join in with a casual ladies ride on a weekday morning . Some rides more technical or challenging than others. Find where you fit in and get back on your bike. Connect via one of our Whatsapp groups
Contact us for further information on what rides are available and join in the fun. Tel.0443825153 or follow us on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/knysnacycles for updates and info.
Knysna Cycle Works Rides and Clinics
We offer the following : 1.Jacques Brink Cycling Academy Junior cyclists Watch this space for days and dates for 2021 2. Junior Training Clinics Join the Forest Family Rides on Wed afternoons : For Nippers and Sprogs , Juniors and ladies wanting to get a bit fitter...
Trails for the soul
I have been told I become a different person on the trail on a mountain bike ! I must say it does always make me smile and reminds me of the freedom I felt as a child. My chicken soup for the soul ! It restores my mind as I escape into the leafy shadows and even the...
FOR INFO ON THE SANPARKS TRAILS :
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MTB Trail Paradise in Knysna
The MTB trail paradise we have in Knysna will restore your mind as you escape into the leafy shadows …..
On your bike you can explore a myriad of trails and gravel roads deep into the forest. Experience the mystical “kok-kok-kok-kok call of the Knysna Turaco ( Lourie ) or find a steaming mound of elephant dung if you are lucky !
Ride the “Oyster routes” or “Woodcutters” routes – local unmarked routes following a routes through MTO plantations . Some of these routes are used by local events , like the Knysna Cycle Race. Expect jeep-track, single track and gravel. Best ridden with the locals. There are all types of routes catering to all skill and fitness levels. Join us on an outride or skills session
Explore the great outdoors! Ride the “Kom-se-Pad” route or the 7 Passes on the Old Knysna – George Road
So JOIN US and take yourself on an adventure in our MTB trail paradise or let us show you around.
Hire a bike or bring your own
Red Route
- Route: Breathtaking views of the area, including the Harkerville coastline. Ride through pristine indigenous forest, sections of fynbos and plantations.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks, exciting and long sections single track, and logging roads.
- Surface: Smooth to rough gravel. Dirt tracks. Muddy after rains. Tree roots across track.
- Technical: Feathered braking, gear shifting on the fly while descending, moderate to steep inclines and declines. Bumpy surfaces. Negotiate moderate to rough obstacles.
- Exertion: High.
- Distance: 22 km
- Route Duration: Approximately 3 – 5 hours
Green Route
- Route: Beautiful views. Ride through pristine indigenous forest, small sections of fynbos and plantations.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks, exciting single track, and logging roads.
- Surface: Smooth to rough gravel. Dirt tracks. Muddy after rains. Tree roots across track.
- Technical: : Mostly an easy non-technical ride however the single track section does include technical sections.
- Exertion: Moderate (high when wet).
- Distance: 14 km
Blue Route
- Route: Beautiful views. Ride through indigenous forest, small sections of fynbos and plantations.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks, single track and logging roads.
- Surface: Smooth to rough gravel. Dirt tracks. Muddy after rains. Tree roots across track.
- Technical: Easy non-technical ride.
- Exertion: Easy to moderate.
- Distance: 11 km
Cycle permits are extra over and above transport and tour fees and payable in cash at the trail offices
Yellow Route
- Route: Beautiful views. Ride through indigenous forest, small sections of fynbos and plantations.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks and logging roads.
- Surface: Smooth to rough gravel. Muddy after rains.
- Technical: Basic riding.
- Exertion: Easy (moderate when wet).
- Distance: 13 km
Petrus-se-Brand Cycle Route -Diepwalle to Harkerville
- Route: Beautiful views. Ride through pristine indigenous forest, small sections of fynbos and plantations. Low water bridge crossings.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks, single track and logging roads.
- Surface: Smooth to rough gravel. Dirt tracks. Muddy after rains. Tree roots across track.
- Technical: : Feathered braking, gear shifting on the fly while descending, moderate to steep inclines and declines. Bumpy surfaces. Negotiate moderate obstacles.
- Exertion:Moderate (high when wet).
- Distance: 22.4 km
- Route Duration: Approximately 2 – 3 hours
Homtini Mountain Bike Route
- Route: Most of the trail follows fairly easy contours in the indigenous forest and plantation. It is enhanced by winding single-track slip-paths, shady plantation and indigenous forest roads offering a regular bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. It is a moderate ride with the exception of a steep 4km climb. A quality ride not requiring advanced technical skills.
- Trail Type: Jeep tracks and logging roads, single track.
- Surface: Dirt tracks. Tree roots across track. Smooth to very rough gravel in places. Muddy after rain.
- Technical: Mostly non-technical with some feathered braking, gear shifting on the fly while descending, bumpy surfaces, negotiate moderate obstacles.
- Exertion: Moderate – high (4km climb).
- Distance: 19 km
- Route Duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.
Graspad
Graspad is a newly launched 12 kilometer cycling route. It joins up to all popular Harkerville mountain biking routes. Cyclists will ride through the species-rich indigenous Knysna forest with a backdrop of the ocean.
GPS Coordinates for Kranshoek (where the route begins): 34°05′28″S; 23°18′23″E.
Other activities in Kranshoek: Picnic spots, the waterfall, dolphin and whale watching and the Kranshoek hiking trail. Follow black & white marked bicycle signs from the Kranshoek gate.
Gold nugget route
5km, 7,5km and 10km trails starting from Mother Holly’s at Millwood .The gold nugget targets junior riders as well as beginners. It’s scenic and beautiful set in the middle of the forest with ocean backdrops and fynbos. Goudveld is an old mining town in the middle of the forest.
or let us show you all our wonderful local trails – we’ll ride with you and show you our backyard .
FOR OTHER ADVENTURES AND ACCOMMODATION :
www.gardenroute.co.za
your accomodation and adventure guide
www.knysna.org
attractions in the area
