De Rust 22.76 Mile Trail
The De Rust 22.76 Mile Trail (37km) ventures into the remote southern Free State where the Highveld gradually transitions to Karoo — a landscape of wide open plains, sparse scrub vegetation and the extraordinary silence of the semi-arid interior. This gravel loop is for riders who want to experience the vast, meditative quality of South Africa’s Karoo-edge countryside on two wheels.
What to Expect
Gravel farm roads and compacted dirt tracks traverse flat to gently rolling terrain through sparse Karoo vegetation. Technical demands are minimal but the exposure, distance and isolation demand self-sufficiency. Navigation is straightforward on the farm road network but a GPX track from Trailforks is recommended.
The Karoo Experience
This corner of the Free State offers a riding experience unlike anywhere else in the province — the colours, silence and scale of the Karoo-edge landscape are unique. The absence of development and traffic creates a meditative quality that more popular trail destinations rarely achieve.
Getting There
GPS reference: -29.5234, 26.7812. Access from the R717 in the southern Free State — confirm exact route from Trailforks before riding.
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