Pls recommend best 2 trails in Pietermarizburg/Hilton/Howick area

[Mileage]

Going down that way for a wedding on Sat and want to stay after and try some of the trails in the area over the long weekend

 

Im happy with 2-3hr rides on Monday and Tuesday morning before heading back.

 

Which are the 2 best routes to ride

 

Thanks

[rouxtjie]

Why not hit cascades?

[b-rad]

Cascades if you in pmb otherwise head up to Howick and Karkloof trails. Possibly easiest to park at Karkloof club and follow marked routes from there.

If you up to just riding and exploring loads of great single track and forest riding park at the Howick private hospital/gym and enter the first single track a few hundred meters up Currys post road.

[Griffin]

Thats like asking if i prefer blondes or brunettes

 

What type of riding are you wanting to do? XCO laps (short distance)? XCO 30km route? Enduro? DH?

 

I live in Howick and ride both areas as well as Cascades,Hilton College and Cedara...PM me if you need some details

[Griffin]

Cascades if you in pmb otherwise head up to Howick and Karkloof trails. Possibly easiest to park at Karkloof club and follow marked routes from there.

If you up to just riding and exploring loads of great single track and forest riding park at the Howick private hospital/gym and enter the first single track a few hundred meters up Currys post road.

 

Just remember that there is a trail fee for both Karkloof and Howick. SAPPI Indemnity compulsory and PLEASE adhere to Fire Danger Index...if the trails are closed, dont ride.

[farringdon]

Karkloof. Went there during the Worlds weekend. I only did the 30k and it's amazing.

[Sidewinder.]

KARKLOOF! If you can hit the outback trails you'll die a happy man. The 15km falls loop from the country club is also insanely good fun-berms everywhere with a few awesome rock gardens...you cant go wrong with karkloof

[Griffin]

@farringdon and @sidewinder....thanks for the feedback. I serve on the Karkloof MTB Committee and we are always trying to keep the trails fresh and exciting. Really good to hear that they are being enjoyed. The 15km route is relatively new but its getting great reviews

 

The outback trails are exactly that...the outback. These are not as well maintained or marked as the regular routes, but they include some of the best riding in the area. You could easily put in over 60km of pure singletrack riding

[Grebel]

If you had to choose two, it would have to be Cascades and Karkloof but that has already been made abundantly clear.

[Ryanpmb]

Cascades is right in PMB. There are extensive trails but most are unmarked. That said the area is pretty small so just string a bunch of trails together and you'll find your way back to the parking lot. Can be pretty tough over a short distance - basically up or down, not much level (resting) trails.

 

Howick and Karkloof are a bit further out of PMB (20 - 45min depending where you start from). HUGE network of marked trails. May suggestion here is go start from the Karkloof Club, pay your 20 bucks and follows one of the marked routes.

 

I'm away else would personally meet you for a ride.

 

Enjoy.

[Stretch]

i would say howick trails...there are so many you can get lost...but if you make your way up to the firetower you can head down any of them

 

Also some nice new track in and around grace college in hilton. Rode the new track on Sunday and it nicely designed and free flowing

 

...and then there is cascades

[Ryanpmb]

Cedara/ Hilton trails have also been recently cleaned up and are great to ride. Rode there on Saturday. Head out there and get a taste of the SS SA Champs course... VeloLife organise a Sat morning ride from Jaxx Coffee Shop at The Quarry from 6h30. 2hr ride. Worth it.

[Grebel]

One of the clubs set up a 30km loop at Cascades during the WC. It started at the VA and it might still be marked. Rode up towards Grace College and then back down to Cascades. Not sure about indemnity and cost etc...

[Bike Whisperer]

Karkloof is amazing. You must do the 30km route.

[Stretch]

One of the clubs set up a 30km loop at Cascades during the WC. It started at the VA and it might still be marked. Rode up towards Grace College and then back down to Cascades. Not sure about indemnity and cost etc...

 

thats actually a plan...you can ride a a loop at cascades then head up into Mt verde via that route (exit left by the first table top on the downhill course)..then exit mt verde and go do Grace...i reckon thats a solid 40km...maybe 50 if you go back ....although the only problem with that is getting back into Mt Verde as you need a permit

 

edit....also about 1500m in climbing

Edited September 17, 2013 by Stretch

[Mackie]

Best 3 trails in Howick/Hilton and PMB are Howick, Hilton and PMB.