Knysna is well known for its forests and coastline, but it’s also one of the better places on the Garden Route for mountain biking.
What makes it great is the variety. Within a short distance, you can ride through indigenous forest, along quiet gravel roads, or on purpose-built singletrack. Whether you’re looking for something relaxed or more technical, there’s usually a route that fits.
Here are a few of the most popular options.
Harkerville Forest
Located at the Garden of Eden, about 15 minutes from Knysna, Harkerville is one of the most established trail networks in the area. The routes are clearly marked and vary in difficulty.
- Yellow Route (13 km | Easy): A good option for families or an easier ride. It follows mostly gravel roads and remains accessible even after rain.
- Blue Route (11 km | Easy–Intermediate): Introduces forest singletrack, winding through tall trees and older plantations.
- Green Route (15 km | Intermediate): A longer loop with a mix of terrain, including a stop near a natural swimming area.
- Red Route (22 km | Advanced): A more demanding ride with longer climbs, forest singletrack, and sections that open up to coastal views.
Concordia Contours (Simola)
For riders looking for something more technical, the Concordia Contours near Simola offer a network of purpose-built singletrack.
Rather than fixed routes, you can link trails together depending on how far you want to ride. The network includes a mix of flowing sections, berms and tighter technical features through pine plantations and patches of indigenous forest.
It’s a good option if you want a more focused ride without needing to cover long distances.
Petrus-se-Brand
For a longer forest ride, Petrus-se-Brand offers a point-to-point route between Diepwalle and the Garden of Eden.
- Distance: Around 24 km
- Terrain: Mostly jeep track, with some faster singletrack sections toward the end
- Setting: Deep indigenous forest, including large yellowwood trees
Starting at Diepwalle gives you a more gradual descent overall, though there are still a few steady climbs along the way.
Garden Route Trail Park
Located near Barrington, about 20 km from Knysna, this is a purpose-built trail park designed for smoother, flowing riding.
The park offers a network of singletrack loops with berms and rolling sections. Routes like Forest Frenzy and Jungle Fever are popular and suit a range of skill levels.
It’s a good contrast to the forest routes, with a more controlled and predictable riding surface.
Gouna and Rheenendal Forest Routes
If you’re looking for something more relaxed, the gravel roads and informal trails around Gouna and Rheenendal are a good place to start.
These routes pass through indigenous forest and farmland, with options to ride toward the Big Tree, Jubilee Creek, or the old Millwood gold fields.
They’re not technical, but they offer longer, quieter rides with plenty of shade – ideal for easing into cycling during your stay.
Cairnbrogie Farm & Pump Track
Located on the Airport Road near Plettenberg Bay, Cairnbrogie is a fantastic destination for families. It offers a world-class pump track, a cafe, and beautiful trails that hug the Robberg coastline.
Note: Due to current regional agricultural restrictions (Foot and Mouth Disease), access to the farm and trails may be limited or temporarily closed to protect local livestock. We recommend checking their official website or contacting them directly before planning your visit.
Lagoon and Leisure Rides
Not every ride needs to be a full trail outing.
The roads around Thesen Island, Leisure Island, and along the lagoon are flat and easy to navigate. These are best suited to:
- shorter rides
- families or beginners
- early morning or late afternoon cycles
It’s a simple way to spend time on the bike without committing to a longer route.
Choosing the Right Ride
Knysna works well as a cycling base because you can adjust your plans easily.
- Beginner / relaxed: Lagoon rides, Thesen Island, Gouna gravel routes
- Intermediate: Blue and Green Harkerville routes, shorter forest loops
- More experienced: Red Route at Harkerville, Concordia Contours, Petrus-se-Brand
Most rides can be adapted depending on how much time and energy you have.
Before You Go
- Most trails require a permit (SANParks or MTO)
- Forest routes can stay wet after rain
- Carry water – some routes are remote
- Start early to avoid midday heat
Bike rentals and guided rides are available in Knysna if needed.
Riding During Your Stay
It’s easy to fit a ride into your day here.
Head out in the morning, spend time on the water in the afternoon, and keep the rest of your plans flexible. Most of the main trail areas are within easy driving distance.
If you’re bringing your own bike, it’s worth checking with us in advance so we can advise on the most suitable accommodation.
Permits and Access
Most of the managed trails in the area require a valid permit to ensure the conservation and maintenance of these routes. For SANParks-managed areas, such as the Harkerville Forest and Petrus-se-Brand trails, permits can be purchased directly from the Garden of Eden kiosk located on the N2. If you are exploring the MTO forestry areas like the Concordia Contours, day permits are typically available at the trailheads or via local cycle shops in town. Always keep your permit with you, as rangers do perform spot checks along the routes.
Bike Rentals and Local Expertise
If you aren’t travelling with your own equipment, Knysna has several professional cycle shops that offer high-quality mountain bike rentals suited for forest terrain. Shops like Knysna Cycle Works or The Bike Shop are centrally located and can provide everything from front-suspension mountain bikes to helmets and basic repair kits. We recommend booking your rentals at least a day in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons, to ensure the right frame size is available for your ride.