Hogsback Blue Cypress Route

Hogsback is one of the most magical villages in South Africa — perched at 1,300m in the Amatola Mountains above the mist line, surrounded by indigenous forest, pine and cypress plantations, waterfalls and a distinctly otherworldly atmosphere. JRR Tolkien’s father lived here and some believe the landscape influenced the Middle Earth mythology. The Blue Cypress Route is a 12km intermediate forest singletrack through the village’s famous cypress plantation.

What to Expect

Forest singletrack winding through tall blue cypress and indigenous forest on moderately technical terrain. The cypress plantation sections create a cathedral-like riding environment — tall straight trees, filtered light and the quiet of the forest floor. Rocky sections on the transitions between forest types require some technical attention.

Hogsback Village

The village has exceptional accommodation, cafés and art galleries — plan for a full weekend with riding, waterfall walks and the village’s unique atmosphere. All four Hogsback routes can be ridden across a weekend.

Getting There

Hogsback is in the Amatola Mountains, accessed via Alice on the R345. GPS: -32.5956, 26.9289.

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