Misty Mountain MTB Trails

About Misty Mountain MTB Trails

Where: Misty Mountain Reserve, near Nature's Valley and Jeffreys Bay, part of Tsitsikamma National Park
Level: four routes from 8 km to 65 km, easy through taxing
Type of route: jeep track, single track, gravel road routes through the Tsitsikamma forest
Best: avoid during heavy rains

Because these routes offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the country you might want to do something a little easier, like the Orange Route, first time around, before tackling the more technical sections of the Black Route.

These routes also function as family-friendly routes, which you can plan to include a stop at Storms River village coffee shop for coffee and pancakes.

Yellow Route, 8 km – perfect as a warm up route, or just to get a feel for things before tackling something more difficult. Expect nothing more than a leisurely spin past farms, through pine plantation along well graded gravel roads.

Orange Route, 15 km – a longer but similarly untaxing route along gravel roads down towards Storms River Look Out Point, where the views are incredible, which means the ride may take longer than anticipated. The whole family will enjoy this route.

Blue Route, 30 km – things warm up a little with this route, which requires some fitness and experience. It starts on the Orange Route but en route to the Look Out, heads off into the Tsitsikamma forest with charged downhills and a series of bends that need technical know-how. The route heads down to the Storms River crossing. Take a moment to picnic under the trees. A steep climb follows through dense forest. Be quiet enough and you may spot a Knysna lourie. Once at the summit a couple of rocky river crossings follow before you enter Storms River Village. The return is varied and fun.

Black Route, 65 km, offers a varied terrain for the experienced rider. It begins on the Yellow route before heading into the MTO plantations through ancient trees. Although you remain at least 200 metres above sea level much of the route follows the coastline with the sea below you. The views are spectacular so factor in a stop or two for photo moments. Most of the route is jarring jeep track until you reach the Elands River Look Out Point. The return is a straight run into the plantation until you join the Blue Route, which forms the second leg of the Black Route.

No helmet, no ride.

Off your bike: hike the Dolphin Trail.