Trail Info
Closest Town: Howick
Grading: Beginner - Advanced
Duration: 30 minutes to a whole day
Location (Area/Province): KZN - Natal and Midlands
Configuration: Various
Start Point: Karkloof Country Club
Trail Basics
Access: Payable at the Country Club
Beware of: Fire danger between June and September
Facilities: Toilets, Ablutions, Bike wash, bike shop, restaurant, bar, tennis court, squash court, kiddies play area, kiddies bike track, safe parking next to the club house.
Cell Reception: Yes
Head to the Karkloof Country Club where – once you’ve signed your indemnity form and paid for your permit – you will crank off on what I promise will be one of the best rides of your life. All routes begin and end at the Karkloof Country Club and are graded according to the International Mountain Biking Association trail-grading standards. Routes are well-marked, and all information is available on the Karkloof Country Club website. In addition to the marked trails, there are many kilometers of forest roads and single track. Once you have familiarised yourself with the trails, you can combine routes to make your ride as long and as fun as you want. The outback trails are, as the name suggests, not very well maintained and unmarked, but for thrill seekers, they are what makes Karkloof so exhilarating.
On The Bike
10km – A route designed for riders new to mountain biking made up of a fun selection of trails easy to moderate grade near the club that winds through plantations and gives you a little taste of what Karkloof MTB has to offer. The ideal route for kids and beginner riders.
25km – there is no longer a 23km route, please copy and paste the info from the 23km route to this route.
42km – The longest route of them all, it’s sure to challenge you but without a doubt you will experience some of the finest single track in the midlands. It is a technical route that consists of tough climbs and beautiful descents traversing through the Karkloof valley. The route passes by the spectacular Karkloof Falls before making its way back to the Club via a punchy climb and exhilarating descent that leads you into to a casual cruise along the Karkloof river.
Off The Bike
Karkloof has a variety of trail running tracks in addition to their MTB ones:
5km trail run – A fun combination of easy to moderately grade single track winding through plantation near the club house.
6km TT Run – Race against the clock as you head out from the club on an exciting time trial route that consists of moderately technical terrain. The route meanders through plantations near the club and crosses over the Karkloof river to a local dairy farm where it casually winds along the riverbanks until arriving back at the clubhouse.
8km trail run – An exciting route incorporating easy to advanced trails that is perfect for new trail runners that want to challenge themselves. The route passes through the Karkloof Falls picnic sites and makes it way back to the
clubhouse alongside the Karkloof river.
10km Trail run – A route for avid trail runners wanting to stretch their legs and enjoy some of Karkloof’s finest trails, this route incorporates moderate to advance graded trails and will certainly put a smile on your face.
21km trail run – The ideal route for advanced trail runners, this route has everything. Carefully planned so that runners can enjoy breathtaking views, tough climbs, exciting descents and a gentle meander along the Karkloof river.
Alternatively, check out our blogpost on the Karkloof Trails here. The Country Club’s website also has a comprehensive list of the routes which prospective riders (such as yourself) may find helpful.
GPS: 29°22’59.4” S / 30°13’48.8” East
Karkloof Country Club on Trailforks.com
