Best trails in Garden Route National Park
Want to find the best trails in Garden Route National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 92 great trails for hiking, walking, and birding and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 11 easy hiking trails in Garden Route National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 6 to 9,045 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Garden Route National Park.
Top trails
1
(516)
•Moderate
•4.7 mi
•Est. 2h 15m
Beautiful, shaded hike along the river to a waterfall which is great to swim in. One can also take a canoe to a point and then walk to the waterfall. So much work has gone into making this trail spectacular and enjoyable. For most of the way the walk is on a wooden deck walking under trees in shade, truly a great family day out.
2
(462)
•Moderate
•2.3 mi
•Est. 1h 23m
Suspension bridges are awesome, with a breath taking coast line. Spot nesting pairs of African Black Oystercatchers, one of South Africa’s most endangered birds, on the rocky shores, and the shy Cape Clawless Otter hunting crabs on the coastline. Look out for dolphins frolicking in the surf and migrating Southern Right Whales passing close by. Enjoy stunning coastal scenery in the Garden Route National Park.
3
(284)
•Hard
•3.2 mi
This is the first part of the Otter Trail, until the waterfall. It can be done as an out and back and does not require booking like the full 5 day Otter Trail. Check the tides before doing this trail as it could make a difference to the difficulty. You can use this link: https://www.kwathabeng.co.za/tides/Storms-River-Mouth-tides.html This route can be very rocky and slippery if wet.
4
(256)
•Easy
•2.4 mi
Trail to the beautiful and secluded mouth of the Salt River into the sea. The first part of the way along the coast is officially discouraged ("extremely dangerous") after a landslide a few years ago. If anything, this part can only be tackled at low tide. Otherwise over the mountains to the river mouth and back again.
5
(158)
•Moderate
•3.6 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
Great hike through the forest leading to the Otter trail with views of the coastline. Beautiful waterfall and pleasant walk in the shade. Well maintained path which is easy to follow. The section in the forest is very shady and pleasant, there is a lot to see in the rainforest, the highlight is the hidden and truly spectacular waterfall.
6
(159)
•Moderate
•5.2 mi
•Est. 2h 39m
The Circles in the Forest trail is situated in the Goldfield State Forest and starts/ends at the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site where you can braai and picnic. It is a beautiful walk through an indigenous forest. There is a swimming spot in a cool forest pool with small fish species in and also a beautiful waterfall. There are sections where you walk amongst huge forest ferns and frog-filled streams with small wooden bridges.
7
(96)
•Hard
•24.0 mi
•Est. Multi-day
General Information
Due to the physical demands of the Otter Trail, the following age restrictions are in place: Minimum age 12 years; maximum age 65 years.
Distances and Durations
The trail is 5 days and 4 nights. The following distances and durations are as follows:
Day 1 = 4.8km (± 2 hours)
Day 2 = 7.9km (± 4 hours)
Day 3 = 7.7km (± 4 hours)
Day 4 = 13.8km (± 6 hours)
Day 5 = 10.8km (± 5 hours)
Total Distance = 45km
There are two huts and a single toilet at each overnight stop. Each of...
8
(97)
•Moderate
•2.7 mi
Nature’s Valley is, undoubtedly, one of the natural gems of South Africa. Its peaceful ambience and breath-taking beauty is simultaneously humbling and awe-inspiring, bearing testament to the natural wealth of South Africa. This trail offers a gentle sheltered walk through the forest, leading to a steep incline with a view that is totally worth it. A really lovely forest walk with beautiful old trees.
9
(88)
•Moderate
•8.1 mi
•Est. 4h 5m
Medicine for the mind, body and soul. This trail is hiking within a forest. The trail starts off hugging the rocks so ensure it is low or mid-tide when beginning. this trail. The second half tops out on the ridge in full sun so prepare adequately for the sun. The second crossing of the Salt River is a great picnic spot.
10
(40)
•Moderate
•2.7 mi
•Est. 1h 26m
Very beautiful trail through the forest that ends at the waterfall. The trail is easy and safe for anyone to do. It contains wooden walkways that might be slippery. Please be aware the forest part has a lot of mosquitoes. The waterfall is amazing and great natural swimming hole. Great birdlife and trees in this forest trail.
Showing results 1–10 of 92
Visitor info
Passes & fees
Fee required
Garden Route National Park charges a fee to enter.
Get details from the park
Trail reviews for Garden Route National Park
Such a picturesque beach walk! By far the nicest beach on the Garden Route. I felt like I was back in Thailand. And I must say that it is one of the cleanest beaches in the area.
Difficulty: Easy
Swartvlei to Gericke's Point
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to hike in Garden Route National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Garden Route National Park is Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail, which has a 4.7 star rating from 516 reviews. This trail is 4.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 882 ft.
What is the longest trail in Garden Route National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Garden Route National Park is Karoo to Coast. This trail is estimated to be 58.4 mi long.
How many trails are in Garden Route National Park?
There are 92 trails in Garden Route National Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 3,826 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Garden Route National Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Garden Route National Park has you covered. MTO TUTR 2021 boasts the most elevation gain with 9,045 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Karoo to Coast, which will get you 7,460 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Garden Route National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 camping trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Otter Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 96 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Garden Route National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 31 running trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Half-Collared Kingfisher Trail with an average 4.7 star rating from 516 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Garden Route National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 biking trails in Garden Route National Park and the most popular is Homtini Cycle Route with an average 4.7 star rating from 8 community reviews.
Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Garden Route National Park, including Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 2, Enricos - Sappers Hill, Formosa Peak, MTO TUTR 2021, and Covie Route.
Are there any trails with waterfalls in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there is 1 trail with a waterfall in Garden Route National Park: Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop.
Are there any trails with bays in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 8 trails with bays in Garden Route National Park, including Storms River Mouth Trail, Otter Trail Day 1, Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop, Otter Trail, and Harkerville Coastal Hiking Trail.
Are there any trails with huts in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 5 trails with huts in Garden Route National Park, including Otter Trail, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 2, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 3, Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail Day 4 (exit), and MTO TUTR 2021.
Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 7 trails with scenic viewpoints in Garden Route National Park, including Salt River Mouth Trail, Blue Duiker Trail and Otter Trail Loop, Rugpad Trail via Salt River, Nature's Valley Loop, and Loerie Trail.
Are there any trails with rivers in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 34 trails with rivers in Garden Route National Park, including Salt River Mouth Trail, Circles in the Forest Hiking Trail, Otter Trail, Rugpad Trail via Salt River, and Tsitsikamma Hiking Trail - Day 1.
Are there any trails with beaches in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with beaches in Garden Route National Park, including Gerricks Point - Kleinkrans, and Kleinkrantz Beach Walk.
Are there any trails with bird hides or bird blinds in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there is 1 trail with a bird hide or bird blind in Garden Route National Park: Malachite Bird Hide.
Are there any trails with picnic areas in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 12 trails with picnic areas in Garden Route National Park, including Circles in the Forest Hiking Trail, Kringe in 'n Bos, Kranshoek Coastal Trail, Red Elephant Trail, and Terblans - Bush Pig trail.
Are there any trails with cliffs in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there is 1 trail with a cliff in Garden Route National Park: Kleinkrans to Wilderness Beach Trail.
Are there any trails with caves in Garden Route National Park?
Yes, there are 2 trails with caves in Garden Route National Park, including Otter Trail Day 1, and Otter Trail.