Beginner Hiking Trails in Gauteng: Flat & Easy Routes for New Hikers

So, in my recent post about where to start if you want to start hiking, I suggested… well okay, "insisted"… that you start on flat trails.

Naturally, some of you came back asking me to actually list flat trails. Fair request.

But here’s the problem: I hate giving out info that might come back to bite me in the bum when someone decides my idea of “flat” is, well, not flat enough.

Add to that the fact that my memory might be hazy on trails I did on the 100 hikes ago. But, I can confirm that nothing on this list is going to require a helicopter rescue. Probably. Hopefully. (No promises if you insist on hiking in flip-flops.)

So here’s the disclaimer — your ages, fitness levels, health issues, and even locations might differ. Proceed with discretion… or just assume I’m not to be trusted. Honestly, both approaches are valid.

But the bottom line: start with the 100% flat "Starter Hiking Trails in Gauteng".

When you feel ready, move on to "Beginner Hiking Trails in Gauteng" These are flat… but not "100% certified flat". More like “you’ll notice a slope if you’re pushing one of those dodgy Pick n Pay trolleys” flat.

Keeping up?

Here’s my list of beginner-friendly hikes that I’ve actually done. Yes, me personally. Not "word around town". There are loads more still on my radar, and I’ll get to them eventually. Patience, friends — I don’t exactly have a personal trail-scouting intern....though now that I say it out loud, maybe I should start accepting applications.

Beginner Hiking Trails in Gauteng

• Big Red Barn

• Danielsrust Game Farm

• Delta Park

• Die Bosveld (short route)

• Faerie Glen (short route)

• Forestiva Farm (River Trail)

• Golden Harvest Park

• Hazeldean Valley Hike (5 km & 8km)

• Hobby Park

• Imbabali

• James & Ethel Gray Park

• Jodev Farms

• King’s Kloof  (depends which trail you pick. Choose wisely, or cry later)

• Kloof Rus Hiking Trail

• Modderfontein Reserve / Taroko Trail Park

• Moreleta

• Norscot Koppies / Kingfisher Nature Reserve

• Riversands Farm Village

• Rietvlei Nature Reserve

• Roodeplaat Dam

• Rosemary Hill Farm

• Rosewood Trails

• Van Gaalen Cheese Farm (shaded route)

• Wolwespruit (shorter route)

Starter Hiking Trails in Gauteng.

So, from the above list — if you’re just dipping your virgin toes into hiking, these are my go-to recommendations to ease in and start building fitness and confidence.

• Modderfontein Reserve / Taroko Trail Park

  Start with the 4.5 km route. There’s also a restaurant and a farmer’s market, because nothing says “fitness” like following up a walk with cake and artisanal jam.

• Rosemary Hill Farm

  There’s a 5 km trail that’s beginner-perfect. And coffee. Always coffee.

• Jodev Farms

  Shorter trails available, plus a coffee shop and an organic stall, because walking deserves carbs, coffee, and the chance to buy overpriced honey you’ll never use.

• James & Ethel Gray Park

  More "park walk" than trail. But beautiful with great facilities, including coffee -obviously.

• Big Red Barn

  There’s a 5 km trail that’s perfect for beginners and loads of other facilities. Make a day of it!

  
  

Once you’ve survived these starter trails without phoning a friend to come fetch you, feel free to work your way down the "Beginner Hiking Trails".  

If you’re after more details, they’re already on my blog: The Hiking Hag Blog. Because yes, past-me already did the work so future-me doesn’t have to repeat it.

Bonus: Hiking Hag Discord

Also, if you love lists (or light stalking), I do have a Discord where I dump all my hikes into neat little boxes: flat, shady, sunny, technical, “might kill you,” etc. You can join, lurk, and judge silently — no one will even know you’re there: Join Hiking Hag Discord

And when you’re ready for something with actual elevation, don’t be dramatic and jump straight into the hardest trail you can find. Build up to it. Or don’t — if flat hikes are your happy place, then stay there. You’re still outside, you’re still moving, and trust me — you won’t be the same person afterwards.

In Conclusion (Consistency is Key)

You don’t get fit by hiking once and then spending the next three months perfecting your excuse list. Consistency is everything. And to be consistent, you need to be committed. And please, if you’re not committed, fine — just own it. But don’t whinge that you’d love to hike but “don’t have the time,” or "aren't fit enough" and we can all move on.

Here’s the truth: if you can walk from your couch to the fridge for snacks- repeatedly-you can manage a flat 5 km trail. One comes with sunshine, trees, and oxygen. The other comes with crumbs on your shirt and regret. Your choice.