10 Best hikes and trails in Table Mountain National Park

Hiking/
South Africa/
Western Cape/
Table Mountain National Park

Best trails in Table Mountain National Park

4.5(36,570 reviews)

South Africa
:
#1 of 19 national parks

Want to find the best trails in Table Mountain National Park for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 379 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 10 easy hiking trails in Table Mountain National Park that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 19 to 22,060 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Table Mountain National Park.

Top trails

#1 - Lion's Head Summit

4.8(2705)

•Hard

•2.8 mi

A great hike in the city. It is a bucket list must-do for Cape Town. Well marked and amazing 360 degree views. Some sections are quite exposed and there are ladders and staples to assist. There is one climbing section with staples and chains, this can be bypassed to the left if too difficult. or if you have a dog. This hike is popular on nights with a full moon (with headlamps) as well as at sunrise. The Cape Floral Kingdom of Table Mountain National Park is one of the richest floral regions...

#2 - Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station

4.8(1542)

•Hard

•3.3 mi

Platteklip Gorge is the oldest and most direct hiking route up Table Mountain. It is very well marked. It is the suggested route for amateurs and first time Table Mountain hikers as it is very difficult to get lost. You can choose to walk around at the top and then walk back down or cable car down and then head back to the trailhead along the tar road. The weather can change very quickly on Table Mountain, cloud often rises up out of nowhere and the wind picks up to reach gale-force speeds....

#3 - Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest

4.7(1926)

•Moderate

•2.5 mi

Beautiful, shady and protected hike through indigenous forest. Can get very busy on the weekends in particular. The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to the Table Mountain, for this reason United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) awarded Table Mountain Heritage Status for being a natural site that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The mountain was also chosen as...

#4 - India Venster to Upper Cable Station

4.8(866)

•Hard

•1.9 mi

Beautiful views and fun hike, generally takes three or so hours to complete. There are parts where climbing is involved. This is not a route that amateur hikers should attempt alone. The weather can change very quickly on Table Mountain, cloud often rises up out of nowhere and the wind picks up to reach gale-force speeds. Warm clothing is suggested for the top. If the wind speeds are too high the cable car will not be operating. In this case the suggested route down is Platteklip...

#5 - Kasteelspoort Trail to Diving Board

4.8(625)

•Hard

•2.9 mi

While there are many ways to ascend Table Mountain, one of the most epic routes would have to be Kasteelspoort, which takes you up the Western slopes of the mountain known as the 12 Apostles. This is one of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay coastlines for which the Mother City has become so famous. You'll also be rewarded with the adventurous opportunity to take a photo on the "diving board" which is not for the feint hearted. The weather can...

#6 - Platteklip Gorge

This trail is rocky and consistently steep. The “stairs” are large rocks and boulders. The views are fantastic on a clear day. This is the suggested route up Table Mountain especially if you have never hiked in the area before. The trail is direct and it is difficult to get lost. Reaching the top cable station once you have summited is well marked and only a few hundred metres further. The weather can change very quickly on Table Mountain, cloud often rises up out of nowhere and the wind...

#7 - Skeleton Gorge - Table Mountain - Cable Station

4.8(490)

•Hard

•4.2 mi

The cable car can be taken down the hill to Tafelberg Road. Alternatively you could hike down Platteklip Gorge to Tafelberg Road. This is well sign posted. The weather can change very quickly on Table Mountain, cloud often rises up out of nowhere and the wind picks up to reach gale-force speeds. Warm clothing is suggested for the top. If the wind speeds are too high the cable car will not be operating. The Cape Floral region of the national park is one of the richest floral regions in the...

#8 - Newlands Forest via the Contour Path

4.5(805)

•Hard

•3.5 mi

Newlands Forest is well loved by locals. The lush, tranquil space in Cape Town is all that remains of the former dense, indigenous forest covering much of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Many years ago the forest served as part of the migratory path of the Khoi. Today it’s where people meet to walk their dogs, and stroll or trail run the myriad of paths on the mountainside. The Cape Floral Kingdom of Table Mountain National Park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over...

#9 - Chapmans Peak Summit

4.8(607)

•Moderate

•3.1 mi

This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Cape Peninsula with beautiful fynbos and magnificent 360° views to experience the Peninsula in all its glory! Look out for the proteas and ericas and indigenous trees. You may even spot a black eagle or a fish eagle. Chapmans Peak is the mountain peak around which the famous scenic road, Chapman's Peak Drive is built. It was named after a certain John Chapman, a British sailor sent ashore to check for fresh water in what is now Hout Bay. The...

#10 - Pipe Track from Kloof Nek

The Pipe Track from Kloofnek is a great path that follows the contour of Table Mountain. It is rocky in places but not steep. This route offers beautiful views over Camps Bay and of the 12 Apostles. You can turn back at any time or continue to Woody Ravine or even further towards Corridor Ravine. This route is very popular on the weekends. On very hot days this route is nice and cool in the early mornings as the sun comes over mid morning. The Cape Floral Kingdom of Table Mountain National...

Showing results 1–10 of 379

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Visitor info

Passes & fees

Fee required

Table Mountain National Park charges a fee to enter. A local rate is available to residents with proof of identification/residence. Cape Point and Boulders Gates are cash-free and only accept card payments. For more information, please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/table-mountain/rates-entry-fees.

Get details from the park

Trail reviews for Table Mountain National Park

31,377 trailgoers Busiest in January

Jennifer Adams

May 18, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Lovely trail with a bit is scrambling at two points. Good for an agile, light dog - otherwise it would be a challenge. Good grippy shoes are needed for the hike down due to loose rocks. Incredible views from the top- rival the top of Table Mountain, for sure

Suther Peak and Radar Station from Sandy Bay

Jalize Uys

May 17, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Walked on pipetrack, then up with Diagonal. At first it similar to Platteklip Gorge, with less comfortable steps and more gravel. Then it becomes very steep, with rock scrambling. When you reach the top, the climbing is not over. You hike over Blinkwater Peak and then up Table Mountain to where Platteklip starts. Then onwards to Upper Cable Car. Proper trail shoes are essential!

Kasteelspoort to Upper Cable Station via Kloofnek Pipe Track

Aeron Meilinger

May 15, 2025•Hiking

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

Wonderful trail up to table mountain. Tough in the beginning but gets easier as you go and the views are incredible the entire hike. I recommend taking a small detour to see the diving board rock for pictures. Hike on!

Parking: Free, Small lot

Kasteelspoort to Upper Cable Station Via Echo Valley

Yeong Koh

May 13, 2025•Hiking

Great views

In my opinion, out of all trails, India Venster has the best views while climbing up the Table Mountain. However, it is not for beginner hikers. It took me about 1.5 hours to get to the top. There’s no shade the entire way up the mountain so make sure to bring water.

Table Mountain via India Venster and Platteklip Gorge

James Sellars

Apr 4, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great trail. Pretty unrelenting ascent but so satisfying to look at the rocky face of Table Mountain up close and then see it from a distance later and know you scaled it. There are 2 or 3 sections in the second half that are a bit technical and require some mild scrambling and there are staples and chains fitted to the rocks to help. Very doable if you a moderately fit, very rewarding views along the hike and obviously at the top. Wouldn't be a fun descent, I've either taken an alternative route or the cable car both times I've done this trail.

Parking: Paid, Large lot

India Venster to Upper Cable Station

Jan de Weerd

Mar 26, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Great, easy trail in the woods. Contour path is phenomenal. Great glimpses of the city. All that while embraced by Table Mountain and Devils Peak.

Conditions: No bugs, Well maintained

Newlands Forest via the Contour Path

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Table Mountain National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Table Mountain National Park is Lion's Head Summit, which has a 4.8 star rating from 2,705 reviews. This trail is 2.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,141 ft.

What is the longest trail in Table Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Table Mountain National Park is Table Mountain Road Bike Loop. This trail is estimated to be 64.8 mi long.

How many trails are in Table Mountain National Park?

There are 379 trails in Table Mountain National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 36,570 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Table Mountain National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Table Mountain National Park has you covered. 13 Peaks Challenge boasts the most elevation gain with 22,060 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Table Mountain Road Bike Loop, which will get you 7,854 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Table Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 camping trails in Table Mountain National Park and the most popular is Cape Point Overnight Hike with an average 4.8 star rating from 63 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Table Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 84 running trails in Table Mountain National Park and the most popular is Platteklip Gorge with an average 4.6 star rating from 464 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Table Mountain National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 22 biking trails in Table Mountain National Park and the most popular is Panorama Loop - Silvermine with an average 4.8 star rating from 323 community reviews.