Spring is a lovely time to explore Knysna on foot. The indigenous forest is green after the winter rains, the coastal landscape begins to brighten, and the days are often mild enough for a good walk without the heat of midsummer.
Within easy reach of Knysna, you can choose between gentle forest paths, waterfalls, coastal cliffs and longer trails overlooking the Indian Ocean. Some are ideal for families and casual walkers, while others deserve decent walking shoes, a packed lunch and a few hours.
If you are visiting during SA National Parks Week from 7 to 13 September 2026, your timing is especially good. South African citizens can enjoy free conservation entry to the Garden Route National Park for day visits during the week. Valid identification is required, and accommodation and paid activities are not included.
Here are five worthwhile walks and hikes to consider.
Jubilee Creek: an easy forest favourite
Around 3.5 km return
Jubilee Creek is one of the easiest ways to experience the Knysna forest without committing to a long hike.
The trail begins near the picnic area in the Goudveld Forest and follows the stream beneath indigenous trees before reaching a waterfall and forest pool. Along the way, the path crosses the creek and passes through the landscape associated with the old Millwood goldfields.
It is a lovely walk to take slowly. Look out for ferns, giant yellowwoods and birdlife, and leave some time afterwards for a picnic beside the stream.
The forest pool is popular for a dip in warmer weather, although the water can still be decidedly fresh in spring.
Best for: families, casual walkers and an easy half-day forest outing.
Circles in the Forest: deeper into Knysna’s woodland
3.1 km or 9 km
Starting near Krisjan-se-Nek and the Dalene Matthee Big Tree and Memorial, Circles in the Forest offers a choice between a short walk and a much longer route beneath the canopy.
The name is especially fitting in this part of Knysna. The surrounding forest was the inspiration for Dalene Matthee’s much-loved novels, and there is a wonderful sense of history among the yellowwoods, streams and old forest paths.
Choose the shorter route if you simply want an hour or two outdoors. The 9 km option is better for walkers who want to spend a good part of the morning in the forest.
After rain, the paths can be wet and slippery, so proper walking shoes are useful.
Best for: forest lovers, couples, older children and anyone interested in Knysna’s natural and cultural history.
Kranshoek: forest meets the coast
Around 3 km or 9 km, depending on the route
Kranshoek offers one of the most dramatic combinations of scenery in the area.
The longer trail descends from the plateau through indigenous forest towards the coast before eventually climbing back again. Expect forest, cliffs, open views and rugged coastal terrain along the way.
It is more demanding than its distance might suggest, particularly on the climb back up, so allow plenty of time and take enough water.
There is also a shorter option for visitors who want a taste of the area without tackling the full hike.
Trail access and conditions can occasionally change because of weather or maintenance, so it is worth checking the latest SANParks information before setting out.
Best for: active walkers and anyone who enjoys dramatic forest and coastal scenery.
Half-collared & Giant Kingfisher Trail: Follow the River to a Waterfall
Around 7 km return, 3–3.5 hours
For a walking day further west, head towards Wilderness and the Kingfisher trails in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park.
The route follows the Touw River through indigenous forest and includes a pontoon crossing before continuing towards a waterfall. Much of the walk is shaded, making it a pleasant option on a mild spring day.
Birders should keep an eye and ear out along the way. The forest is home to an impressive variety of birdlife, including the colourful Knysna turaco.
Allow around three to three-and-a-half hours for the walk, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the waterfall.
It also combines nicely with lunch or coffee in Wilderness before heading back to Knysna.
Best for: walkers who like forest, rivers and having a waterfall as their destination.
Robberg Nature Reserve: the big coastal walk
2.1 km, 5.5 km or 9.2 km
Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay is a little further from Knysna, but it is well worth the drive if you want a proper coastal hiking day.
There are three main routes, so you do not have to tackle the entire peninsula.
The shortest Gap Circuit is just over 2 km. The Witsand Circuit is around 5.5 km, while the full Point Circuit covers approximately 9.2 km and is the most demanding of the three.
The scenery is completely different from Knysna’s forests. Think exposed cliffs, dunes, rocky coastline, open ocean and sweeping views along the shore. You may also see Cape fur seals from parts of the trail.
Conditions can change quickly on an exposed coastal route, so check the weather beforehand and take water, sunscreen, a hat and suitable shoes. A CapeNature conservation permit is required.
Best for: active walkers who want spectacular coastal scenery and are happy to make a day of it.
A gentler option
Not every walk needs to take half a day.
If you are travelling with small children, grandparents or simply feel like stretching your legs, Garden of Eden between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay has a short boardwalk through indigenous forest.
It is an easy introduction to the Garden Route’s forests, with picnic facilities and plenty to look at beneath the trees.
You can also stop at the Dalene Matthee Big Tree and Memorial near Krisjan-se-Nek without committing to one of the longer forest trails.
Before you set off
Spring weather on the Garden Route can change quickly, so take a light rain jacket even if the morning looks clear. Water, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes and a snack are sensible for all but the shortest routes.
For longer hikes, check current trail conditions before leaving, particularly after heavy rain or strong winds.
Most importantly, choose a walk that suits the whole group. A relaxed forest trail that everyone enjoys usually makes a better holiday memory than turning a morning outdoors into an endurance test.
Back to the lagoon
One of the pleasures of hiking around Knysna is the variety.
You can spend the morning beneath ancient forest trees, follow a river towards a waterfall or walk above the open ocean, and still return to the Knysna Lagoon with plenty of time to unwind.
For guests staying at The Milkwood Collection, that might mean sandy shoes off, and a quiet hour beside the water before dinner.
Planning a spring stay in Knysna? Explore The Milkwood Collection’s self-catering chalets and villas near the Knysna Heads, or contact our team for help choosing the property that best suits your stay.