Groeneweide Forest Red Circuit Variation – (Garden Route NP - Saasveld/George)

This Garden Route classic in the largest indigenous forest area near to George is a great day hike almost exclusively under tall canopy. The Groeneweide trails are some of the Garden Route National Park’s longer forest trails and when compared to the options nearer to Knysna, they are far less frequented. The Groeneweide trails have recently undergone some maintenance and are still in the process of being cleared and re-signposted. If you are familiar with the trails but have not attempted in recent years then much of what was once familiar has changed to some degree, this recording attempts the familiar Red Route (the longest of three possible routes) done in reverse and with a slight variation of taking the old exit/entrance out to the university and then looping back to the start via old forestry roads. This section can be skipped but then impressive sections of the Kaaimans river and huge old Yellowwoods will be missed. The trails used to begin on the edge of Saasveld NMMU University near the Cricket nets. Nowadays the trails begin right at the University entrance and hikers park outside without the need to enter the university’s property. There is a lower parking and an upper parking area. Only the upper parking was available the day we attempted this trail as the gate to drive lower was locked and for good reason, deep mud that could get a vehicle stuck. After winding down the forestry road the trail narrows to single track and meets the Kaaimans River, all signage and indication where to cross had been washed away with the recent floods only an old rope gives an idea but once crossing the path appears quite clearly on the other side, after good rain in early Jan 2024 we had to remove our boots to cross the river but this need will vary based on the amount of rainfall in days prior, if unsafe, rather do not cross a river in flood. The path then continues moderately uphill through a wide forest path on the Northern Bank of the Kaaimans. Soon after a moderate but substantial uphill the first direction signs appear for the different trails. Heading straight or North at this junction (following the direction of the feet) will mean doing the trails in their intended direction, a circular route in a clockwise direction. If this route is chosen, it’s straightforward following of the red, blue or green signs, depending on the route you wish to take. Heading right at this intersection will mean attempting the trails in reverse allowing for the detour to the second or other Kaaimans crossing, as well as the Big Tree. Please note that taking this variation will mean exiting the forest at the University, please make sure to be up to date with any rules regarding access to this private property, alternatively the trail can still be done in reverse skipping this section involving the University. Taking the right at the intersection the path continues on a wide jeep track under canopy until a much larger road is met. This unnamed road continues all the way from the Seven Passes Road near Idille and continues deep into the mountains, this was possibly the original access route to climb Melville Peak. A right turn or Southerly turn towards Idille rejoins you with the path after a short walk on this larger road. Off the main road the path turns to single track, and we were pleasantly surprised to find parks board working on clearing and maintaining the trail a few paces on. I had read reviews from a few years back describing the last sections of the trail as terribly overgrown, so this clearing is a welcomed sight. After a long, pleasant section of this single-track trail under canopy there begins a series of intersections and adjoining paths, follow this recording, or the feet signs in reverse to stay on track. If you encounter the swimming signs, then you are on track and can enjoy a dip in one of the Silwerrivier’s many pools as a reward. After leaving the Silwerrivier Pools the path continues Northward and then into a clearing out of the Forest for a short section. From here peaks of the Outeniqua Range come into view and there is some Fynbos around. Soon its back into the forest canopy and here one will have to keep an eye out for signs, some are older and not in the same format as the newer color feet signs, but they are still relevant and quite useful in guiding the way. Once the sign is met that shows the red and blue routes diverging from, or moving in the opposite direction to the green route you can choose to either carry on straight back to the earlier first split or turn right and do the detour via the University. Although longer this variation provides some interesting scenery. After crossing the Kaaimans further upstream from the earlier crossing point the trail exits the forest near the University’s cricket nets, note from here the familiar feet signs disappear but it’s the only path in and out to and from the old trail head. From the old trail head at the University its back to forestry roads through a section of the campus grounds and then back up to the parking area. Please note that although this hike does not involve all that much elevation it can be quite a long day of hiking so, please be prepared. Furthermore, the high forest canopy can be rather disorientating so if you are not confident with navigation or do not posses the ability to follow this trail on Garmin, or other GPS devices consider doing in the standard route around (clockwise). If you find yourself lost retrace your steps and look for a sign that can guide. In general, these trails are much better signposted these years and with parks board actively clearing and maintaining the trails it should provide easier navigation and less likelihood of getting lost. If the Red Route with this variation is too long it can be shortened, consider doing the even shorter blue or green routes if time or fitness is an issue but then please note the swimming area on the Silwerrivier will be skipped. Very enjoyable forest trail, enjoy it and play your part to keep it pristine.