Harties River Trail: Been There, Done That — Or So I Thought

So, this day’s adventure, again, was technically a redo... but not really. Salt and I had done this trail before — but the 6 km version. Nothing too serious (that I remembered).

This time though? My ride-or-die hiking partner Sage was back in the game, and we went for the 10 km like the overconfident trail veterans we thought we were. Naturally, I expected a bit of déjà vu… just longer.

It was not. This trail had plans — and none of them included predictability.

The trail started out misty and magical, just like I remembered — a frosty little fairy tale straight out of Narnia. Honestly, nothing elevates a trail like that crisp, icy, winter wonderland aesthetic.

Not to judge (okay, maybe a little), but I’ll never understand the “hibernate in winter” crowd. Winter is the trail’s best kept secret. Stay inside if you must — more misty magic for the rest of us.

We then hit that familiar forest patch — the one I vaguely remembered from the previous round. A bit of “oh hey, you again.”

But after that?

Honestly… meh. It lost the plot for a bit. Just trees doing tree things.

I casually mentioned to Sage that I’d seen some chatter online about “difficult inclines.” I scoffed, naturally. I had zero recollection of anything more demanding than a mildly sassy uphill shuffle.

That's when the universe went, “Hold my hiking poles,” and proved me wrong on every level.

A few kilometers in — BAM. Inclines. And not the polite kind. These were the legs-burning, lungs-negotiating kind. And every time I thought we’d reached the peak, the trail pulled a “just kidding” and threw another one at us. Rude.

But. What you get in return?

Wowzer. Sweeping, cinematic views in every direction.

Hills like these demand sweat and occasional swearing. But oh boy, do they deliver.

So yes... those inclines? They just have to be conquered.

Every corner delivered a new jaw-dropping panorama — the kind of scenery that bullies you into taking 400 photos you’ll never delete.

There were some deliciously technical bits (my absolute fave), a few dodgy declines (take them sloooow), and one particularly shady little section that hadn’t quite shaken off the morning mist. The rocks were extremely slippery. But slow and steady doesn’t just win the race… it also saves your dignity and your tailbone. Priorities.

There are some very open sections on the 8 and 10 kms, so in summer, this trail could turn into a full-blown sweaty little slog.

That said, the areas we passed looked like they’d be beautifully lush in the warmer months, with water flowing and everything doing its green, leafy thing. So basically, you trade the frost for foliage. It will be beautiful either way — just pick your aesthetic.

Thank you, Sage. Don’t be a stranger — the trails are always a little more magical, a little less brutal, and a whole lot more memorable with you around.

RATINGS

AREA 

Okay, don’t you dare ask

COST - R 60

DIFFICULTY 

10 km — Definitely not for beginners. Bring your stamina and maybe your emotional support snack.

8 km — Also not beginner-friendly. Similar vibes, just slightly less dramatic.

6 km — Not flat, but a gentler intro to the trail’s personality. Manageable, scenic, and a good warm-up if you’re working your way up to the others.

TIME - 4 hours

MARKERS 

Good

HIGHLIGHTS 

Honestly? All of it. This trail completely snuck in and stole a piece of my heart.

I’m not even sure what did it —Was it actually that exceptional or was it the moody, mist-drenched magic making everything feel like a dream? Or perhaps just the joy of hiking with Sage again after forever?

Probably a mix of all three. But whatever it was… it got me.

Harties River Trail — I want my heart back.

(Actually, you can keep it. I need an excuse to come back anyway.)

ABLUTIONS

SAFE FREE PARKING

AMENITIES 

The Rusty Feather — adorable little spot for a post-hike binge. I don't think it's technically part of the trail setup. You can book with the trail booking. The service is great.

NOTE TO SELF

Yes, round two can still throw surprises. And shade. And inclines.

ON A FINAL NOTE

If you are a first timer, brace yourself for a mandatory trail briefing.

For me, the second anything starts to feel like a classroom, my brain hits eject, I short-circuit, hear absolutely nothing, and suddenly I’m back in school wondering why I didn’t fake a stomach bug that day.

Thankfully, second-timers get a hall pass.

That said, I’ve got mad respect for the trail manager. The guy is super hands-on and clearly gives a damn, which always shows in how well-maintained and beautifully marked everything is.

Booking? A breeze. Just WhatsApp them your date and group size, they send you a link, and voilà — organized to the point of smug efficiency. Trail briefings aside, from that first message to the friendly, helpful security guard, all the way to your final, slightly broken step — it’s impressively well-run.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO