Whether looking for a leisurely walk in nature on the weekend or hoping for a rugged trail to conquer in the woods, the Free State is sprinkled with forest walks to try. With peaks and conservation areas to explore, these forest walks always have something unique to see and experience.
Unsplash/Tayla Kohler
Forest trails in the Free State are usually set in a wonderful array of landscapes and environments, from green pastures to desert-esque walks. Here are a few terrific trails to try out to potentially unlock the adventurous hiker in you.
Clarens Village Conservancy
Clarens Village Conservancy is the place to be, a marvellous mountain reserve with lush vegetation to wade through and take in the beauty of the outdoors. There are 12 hiking trails to choose from that are sure to cater to any fitness level, from beginners to advanced adventurers.
If you’re looking for a tranquil weekend away in the Free State, Clarens is a great option. It has a plethora of activities and places to visit to ensure a memorable trip.
Mahai Falls Valley
The Mahai Falls Valley near the Maluti-a-Phofung district is a superb choice to add to your hiking trail list if you’re looking for a stunning array of diverse scenery to witness along the way. From the lush forested area to the popular swimming hole named the Crack, you’ll have many side activities to indulge in on your walk.
This trail is relatively challenging to navigate, especially if you choose to venture to the Gudu Falls base, which is a steep incline to reach. No dogs are permitted on this walking trail, and it takes around three to five hours to complete (depending on how far you tend to walk the path).
Echo Ravine
A walking trail that is considered a challenging journey near Clarens, the Echo Ravine trail is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a unique experience. This terrific trail in the iconic Golden Gate Highlands National Park is a must, from cascading waterfalls to witness and rock walls to explore and walk along.
With a wonderful blend of cave-like structures and a blanket of green vegetation to walk along, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an otherworldly location. This trail takes around an hour to complete, so this is the perfect walk if you’re looking for a short yet challenging trail to conquer.
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