Trails for MTB & Trail Running

The Northern Drakensberg has an extensive network of MTB and running trails. These sweeping trails have been voted 3rd best in SA by Trail Magazine. Riders or runners can purchase trail passes from Reception and then access the network directly from the Cavern. Single tracks sweep through the valley at the Acacia Meander and there are magnificent climbs to the Berghouse and Greenfire farm. The Montusi Gorge is a thrilling decent while the climb out along Owls Pass to All Out Adventures gets the muscles working hard. There is generally something for everyone but the hills do provide a great workout!

Runtheberg is a regular trail run held on these trails.

Trails can be accessed from the Cavern. Please pop into Reception to purchase your pass & map.

Maps can be used to design your own trail, or you could choose from the most popular trails detailed below. Routes can be combined to create longer rides.

TRAIL PASS & COSTS – Purchase at The Cavern’s Reception

Single day: R100 OR R300 for the duration of your stay

SUMMARY

The Grotto Trail is an awesome ride for experienced mountain bikers. It traverses the Cavern’s Surprise Ridge, on narrow single track that falls steeply off in sections. There are a number of high bridges that cross stream ravines that have to be navigated. The views and the climbs are breath taking!

Trilby Trail – 17km Technical
A technical route with awesome climbing and views. The route follows a single track from All Out Adventures, past Hlalanthi and then climbs (and climbs) up over the Trilby Ridge and then follows 5 km rolling plateau, where the single track winds over the mountain, crossing no fewer than 10 wooden bridges. At the end of the plateau is the infamous Dutoit’s Downhill!

Montusi Gorge – 17km Intermediate
A fairly challenging ride from the All Out Adventure Centre taking you along the quad trail to Rocky Pass, up the Cascades, beside the canal and up the exciting Secret Pass. The route then follows a scenic single track on a contour trail back to the tar road at Montusi. Riders can then choose between the more technical Forbidden Pass descent or just come down the tar. The trail then runs parallel the road back to All Out Adventures.

Gypsey’s Bend – 10km Beginner
This trail offers a great introduction to single track, with extra wide trails and a gentle gradient. It leaves the Adventure Centre on the quad trail, then crosses the road at Lizelle’s Drift. It then contours through the fields on a wide single track,with a couple of easy to navigate stream crossings. The trail offers lovely views of surrounding mountains.

Detailed Descriptions

27 km Grotto Trail (Technical)
The Grotto Trail is an awesome ride for experienced mountain bikers. It traverses the Cavern’s Surprise Ridge, on narrow single track that falls steeply off in sections. There are a number of high bridges that cross stream ravines that have to be navigated. The views and the climbs are breath taking!
The trail leaves the Adventure Centre on the Gypsy’s Bend Trail. It then follows the Acacia Meander towards the Ledges, where it crosses the road and continues through the woodlot, parallel to the tar road along the Ledges Trail single track. It then climbs steeply up the Cavern driveway to the Cow Slip Falls Dam. The single track fun begins at the dam, and takes riders along the first ridge of Surprise Ridge, through a series of steep ascents and descents, over a number of high wooden bridges that span the stream ravines. The route returns down the Trilby Trail over the mountain plateau, down a steep descent past the Orion Mont aux Sources Hotel. It follows the Trilby Traverse parallel to the road to Hlalanathi, where the Hlalanathi connecting trail brings riders back to all Out Adventures for a well deserved cappuccino!

17 km Trilby Trail (Technical)
This route offers some tough climbs and includes the infamous banked Dutoits Down Hill !
The trail leaves the Adventure Centre on the Hlalanathi connecting trail, a 3km section of single track. It then joins the tar road just above Hlalanathi resort for a short stretch before the single track heads down to the left on the Tugela River Meander. This part of the trail affords close up views of the Amphitheatre so its worth bringing a camera! Another short section of tar is completed before starting on the Trilby Traverse which continues for another 3km to Mont Aux Sources Hotel. The Trilby Tail climbs steeply from the Mont Aux Sources Hotel to a 5 km rolling plateau, where the single track winds over the mountain, crossing no fewer than 10 wooden bridges. At the end of the plateau is the infamous Dutoit’s Downhill! The ride finishes fast along the single track of Gypsy’s Bend and up the exit trail over Lizel’s Drift back to the Adventure Centre.

17km Montusi Gorge Trail (Intermediate)
This well established route is achievable by most and considered to be the best in the Berg. The trail leaves the Adventure Centre and descends towards the Montusi Gorge on the big burmed quad trail. The trails passes the beautiful Montusi Waterfall before climbing steeply out of the Gorge past the Petrified Forest. It makes a steep descent down the Rocky Pass before following a contoured trail beside the stream to the Waterfall Challenge. This challenge has riders riding up a rock cascade in the river bed. Although it seems daunting at first glance, it is surprisingly achievable and lots of fun! The trail goes through Moon Donga then makes a sharp left turn to the Puterill’s Stream crossing, before heading up Secret Pass – a steep narrow pass cut into the side of the hill. From the top of the Pass the trail follows the contour path on the edge of the mountain, offering beautiful views of the valley below and the Drakensberg’s Amphitheatre. The single track continues to the Windmill, where there is an option of descending via the tar road, or via the gnarly woodlot descent. The trail then runs parallel to the tar road back to Lizel’s Drift and back to the Adventure Centre on the quad trail.

10km Gypsy’s Bend Trail (Beginner)
The Gypsy’s Bend trail has been given a facelift, with the trail being widened to give beginners a great intro to smooth flowing single track while offering the experienced riders an awesome ride and stunning scenery. The trail leaves the Adventure Centre and descends towards the Montusi Gorge on the big burmed quad trail. It crosses the tar road at Lizels Dift and begins a gradual climb towards the little berg with dramatic views of Camels Hump and Sugar Loaf Mountains. At the half way point the trail crosses a big stream on big flat rocks. It then follows the river’s edge on a steady downhill to the 8 km mark. The return trail has a short rocky climb before joining up with the Lizels Drift and the quad bike trail that returns to All Out Adventures.

Trail Forks map – click to open link