Van Gaalen Trails

Van Gaalen Trails is among the most extensive and beloved MTB networks in Gauteng — over 150km of well-maintained singletrack on a working cheese farm and surrounding game-stocked land near Skeerpoort in the Magaliesberg foothills. The combination of trail volume, varied terrain, game sightings and the unique post-ride cheese farm experience has made Van Gaalen a regular destination for the Gauteng cycling community for many years.

The Trail Network

The sheer scale of the Van Gaalen network is its defining feature — 150km+ of singletrack across terrain that ranges from flat farmland and savanna on the easy green loops to the rocky koppie sections and technical Pofadder extension that attract advanced riders from across the province. The flowing intermediate blue network (50km) is the most popular option: well-maintained singletrack through the farm’s varied landscape, with impala, zebra and the occasional giraffe adding wildlife interest to the ride. The full advanced network, incorporating the Pofadder technical extension, is a full-day or even multi-day commitment for serious riders.

The Cheese Farm

Van Gaalen’s artisan cheese farm is one of the genuine attractions of the venue — a Dutch family producing traditional Gouda-style cheeses from their own dairy herd, with tastings and a well-stocked shop that riders queue for after particularly satisfying rides. The cheese stop is a Van Gaalen institution.

Getting There

GPS: -25.7167, 27.7667. Tel: +27 12 207 1181. Skeerpoort Road, Skeerpoort. From Pretoria: R104 west, R512 toward Skeerpoort. From Johannesburg: N14 west, R512 north, Skeerpoort turnoff.

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🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →