Spruit and Emmarentia

The Spruit and Emmarentia corridor is Johannesburg’s most-used urban cycling route — a 15km continuous green belt trail following the Braamfontein Spruit from the Randburg area downstream to Emmarentia Dam, threading through parks, suburban greenery and informal trail sections that collectively form the city’s most accessible outdoor cycling environment. The corridor is free, publicly accessible, and connects to some of Johannesburg’s best post-ride amenities at the Emmarentia Dam end.

The Corridor

The upstream section (Randburg to Delta Park) follows flat spruit-side singletrack through open park land — easy, fast and well-used on weekday mornings by commuters and fitness riders. The mid-section through Linden, Greenside and Parkhurst borders some of Johannesburg’s best restaurants and coffee shops, making mid-ride stops a genuine option. The downstream section approaching Emmarentia Dam introduces gentle climbs as the terrain rises slightly before opening onto the dam and its surrounding parkland. Emmarentia Dam itself — the Saturday morning parkrun location, weekend paddling spot and Johannesburg families’ favourite picnic destination — provides a natural turn-around point with excellent post-ride options in every direction.

Getting There

Multiple access points along the spruit corridor. Emmarentia Dam main parking: off Olifants Road, Emmarentia. GPS: -26.1500, 28.0167. From Johannesburg CBD: M1 north, Barry Hertzog exit, northwest to Emmarentia.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →