Hayterdale Trails is one of the best mountain bike trails in the Eastern Cape, and becoming well known nationally. You will quickly see why we at Hayterdale trails like to take the word “Breathtaking” both figuratively and literally. The Zuurberg mountains offer many spectacular views that can be seen from the trails and for the riders looking for more of a challenge it only takes one right turn out of the Hayterdale gates to start wanting a little bit more breath.
MARATHON
Marathon trails is our primary focus with 3 featured routes on the Hayterdale farm. The routes cater for all categories of riders and we aim to provide trails that everyone will remember fondly.
CROSS COUNTRY
Our Cross Country track has hosted multiple provincial and national races. It has drops, rock gardens, jumps berms and everything in between. It has three climbs and is totaly enclosed in the Hayterdale game camp.
GRAVEL
Gravel riding is a discipline that is increasing in in popularity. Although we have not previously catered specifically for this discipline, our vast majority of jeep track and gravel roads in the area are surely enough to wet any Gravel Grinders appetite.
MARATHON ROUTES
Our marathon routes were designed to all start and finish at the same point, so that riders can do two routes subsequently. You can warm up with the green route and then do the red route and if you still feel like doing more you could finish off with the blue route. You can also do laps of the loop. Looking for a 50km ride with +1200m elevation gain? Do the red route twice. It is all up to what you feel like doing on the day.
We have mapped every trail that we have built individually on Trailforks, so that once you get more confident with the area you can hand pick the trails that you want and create your own private routes, the opportunities are endless!
We use Trail Forks to map our trails and improve the accessibility of the trails. We suggest using Trail Forks together with our trail markers to navigate our trails without getting lost. You can download Trail Forks for free here.
The Green Route is suited for those who want to take their kids and their family on a flat scenic route.
Starting from Hayterdale you head South on the R335 and turn left into the Hayterdale flats. Following the jeep track for about 5km you will end up at the same gate at the R335 that you entered in. You will then head back up the R335 towards Hayterdale for about 800m. At this point you can head back to the Hayterdale camp site or turn left into the first bit of single track. This will loop back to the Hayterdale camp via various jeep track and single track sections.
The Blue Route is suited for those riders who want a little bit of a challenge but are not up for the longer Red Route.
Starting from Hayterdale you cross the R335 straight into the single track climb of Micheal’s Hill. You ascend the hill under the electricity pylons and all the way past Hayter’s Hell. From the top of the ridge picturesque views of Hayterdale and Addo Elephant Park will be visible behind you on your right hand side. Once you reach the top of the hill you turn left down one of the best single track descents on Hayterdale, Zolile’s Roller Coaster. After the Roller Coaster you head down towards the R335 and follow the single track back to the Hayterdale camp.
The Red Route is suited for those riders who want a challenge and want to experience the best that Hayterdale has to offer.
Starting from Hayterdale you head North on the R335 and ascend the Zuurberg pass, all the way up to and under the GZT Bridge and continue until about 400m before reaching the Zuurberg Hotel. You then turn left onto the TMH trail and enjoy the long winding single track hugging the west side of the mountain right alongside to the R335. You climb up to the entrance of Camp Figtree and then turn left down towards the GZT Bridge, crossing over the Bridge reveals a beautiful view of Hayterdale and the horizon includes the Addo Elephant Park and Nelson Mandela Bay. After the bridge you descend along the beautiful Seaview trails down into the valley of Hayterdale and you then ascend Bush Back Ridge and head over to the Hayterdale flats. You pick up speed on the Hayterdale flats and head up the last climb of the day outside of the Hayterdale camp, Skeleton Gorge. You finish off by crossing Deon’s Bridge and ascend the small hill within the Hayterdale Camp.
PERMITS
Hayterdale permits can be paid for once you enter Hayterdale. As you drive through the main gate there is an information desk against the side of the Hayterdale lodge where one can sign indemnity forms and pay your day fees into the honesty box.
TRAIL USAGE - R40
Any day visitor needs a single permit for all activities at Hayterdale, regardless of age. If you are camping, your permits are included in the camping fees.
SHOWERS - R15
If you want to use our shower facilities after your activity, please include this shower fee in with your permit fee.
Fat Tracks and Addo Zuurberg Outdoor Club members have special discounts. Please see our pricing page for more details.
EXPERIENCE WHERE IT COUNTS
With over 10 years of experience in building trails, we have made over 50km of hand crafted single track for all levels of riders to enjoy!
We take care to pick trails that are already existing from animals. This way we minimize our Eco foot print and the trails are easier to build!
oZONE Africa having fun in the Zuurberg Mountains
The good folk from oZone Africa have spent many hours traveling and exploring the South African wilderness and sharing their experiences as they go. They spent a long weekend at Hayterdale and explored the Zuurberg mountains and had a lot of great things to say. Their recent issue of oZine magazine perfectly sums up their trip. Download the magazine below.
First Steps at Hayterdale
We know that when visiting Hayterdale you just want to hop on the bike or lace up those shoes to get out into nature and
Introduction to Gravel Biking at Hayterdale
“Hayterdale can provide the perfect location to enjoy this new discipline of the sport, being located on the R335 and with many jeep tracks on Hayterdale, gravel grinders can enjoy many miles with smiles. In this article we would like to introduce gravel bikes, the set up and features required and how you would make the best of them at Hayterdale Trails.”
Using Trail Forks to navigate Hayterdale Trails
Hayterdale Trails uses Trail Forks to map and plan our routes. This allows riders to download the routes onto your phones via the Trail Forks
