Bergplaas MTB Route

About Bergplaas MTB Route

Where: Bergplaas State Forest, 26 km from George (get there along the 7 Passes Road
Level: easy to difficult (there are steep climbs)
Type of route: circular and return options along forestry tracks and 4x4 routes
Best: all year round, although during rain it can get muddy

There are many riding options along the 7 Passes Road leaving one hard-pressed to choose between them. By all accounts Bergplaas state forest, an area protected for conservation, is one of the most beautiful spaces in which to ride in the area, and gives any number of different route options, dependent on riders' needs.

It is an indigenous plantation managed by Cape Pine that lies 15 km inland from Sedgefield and the Wilderness (one of three plantations and villages in the area).

Base yourself at 7 Passes Tented Camp for easy access (to reach the camp take the Hoekwil turn-off the N2 at Wildernis, and passing through Hoekwil look out for signs to Mandalay Farm).

To reach Bergplaas from the camp turn left from the parking lot to the tar track. Look out for the Woodville General Dealer on your left. A gravel road heads from here through farmland, into the hills. Follow the Cape Pine signs but ignore the right road to Woodville (great if you are a birding fan and want to catch sight of the Knysna loerie or forest buzzard, or visit the Woodville Big Tree, one of the largest yellow woods in the Knysna forests).

To reach the forest continue through a number of dips and climbs that give you wonderful views over the farms in the valley below the forest.

The main drag heads straight into the forest, although there are gates off to either side giving you alternative options. Look out for signs indicating where, if any, they might be felling trees.

Bergplaas used to be inaccessible to cyclists, but since 2002 it has formed part of the Kingfisher Enduro route that includes a technical 30 km loop in the forest.

You will need a permit to enter the forestry area.

No helmet, no ride.