Misty Mountain Reserve MTB Trails
Description
Misty Mountain Reserve have 4 very effectively marked trails that span across their own grounds and link together trails in the South African National Parks, Tsitsikamma indigenous forests and trails in the Mountain to Ocean Pine Plantation. Permits are essential.
Yellow Route
The Yellow Route is 8.7km long and no technical skill is required. A very slight incline follows out of Misty Mountain Reserve, which will allow a nice gradual downhill back. The route follows well ridden and graded gravel roads. This is the perfect route for people who don’t really cycle, but would like to jump on a bike – which are conveniently available for hire.
Orange Route
The Orange Route is 15km long and is perfect for the active family. It take you out on the gravel and then down towards the Storms River Lookout Point, where you can truly enjoy this spectacular view. You could add a loop of the Blue Route to add some forest riding.
Blue Route
The Blue Route is the first Misty Mountain Reserve route that requires cycling fitness. You follow the Orange Route out of Misty Mountain Reserve, but instead of going to the Storms River Lookout Point, it drops down into the National Parks indigenous forest.
This is an exciting downhill with some challenging bends, this route takes you all the way down to the Storms River crossing, and a picnic spot is available here, if needed. From here you start the climb back up on a hill that never seems to end, through dense indigenous forest. Wildlife has been spotted here early in day.
There are some little “Rocky River” crossings at the top of the hill. At the very top of the route, you will find yourself in the Storms River Village, where you can top up on drinks, get a coffee and browse the little shops.
From there you will head back, which is a blast! Now that you have seen the views, you can really go for it. Through the forestry, takes you up towards the Storms River Lookout Point, this section consists of very unused jeep tracks that will bring you very close to nature, as the forest is slowly trying to reclaim this path. You will be riding parallel to the Storms River gorge, from this point you will follow the Orange Route back to Misty Mountain Reserve.
Black Route
The Black Route is 65km in distance and is definitely for the fit mountain biker looking for some good testing distance over varied terrain. There is little technical sections along the route.
The Black Route starts off by following the Yellow Route, but then you dart off into the Mountain to Ocean Pine Plantations. Riding between trees and enjoying the quiet these plantations are known for, but will soon be broken when you hit the coast, which you will always be about 200m above sea level, riding a good 7km parallel to the coast at this height.
The route is fairly bumpy as the track undulates constantly till you reach the Elands River Look Out Point. This is where you can take a break before heading back into the plantation, where you can enjoy a long smooth speed section. You will join the Blue Route, which forms the second leg of this route and takes you back to Reserve.
PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO AGGRESSIVE LOGGING IN THE AREA, OUR BLACK ROUTE HAS BEEN CLOSED TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
Take With
- puncture kit
- spare tube
- tools
- refreshments and water
- camera
- GPS
Getting There
Get yourself to the N2 between Port Elizabeth and Knysna.
180km from Port Elizabeth or 103km from Knysna you will get a turn-off South towards Misty Mountain Reserve.
The turn-off sits between the Petro Port and the Tsitsikamma Lodge. From there follow the signs along a gravel road for about 7km. The route is well sign-posted.
Contact
Reservations: +27(0)41 582 1461,
After hours: +27(0)71 200 6945 .
Reserve Tsitsikamma: +27(0)42 280 3004
Cell: 079 715 4621
More info on the town of Plettenberg Bay | More info on the Garden Route area |
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