Lebanon Forest MTB Trails

Lebanon Forest MTB Trails sits in the densely forested hills above the Elgin Valley, just outside Grabouw on the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route. The trail network is anchored by Back 2 Basics, an adventure and accommodation base that provides a welcoming trailhead for 60km of varied singletrack through one of the Western Cape’s most verdant environments.

What Sets Lebanon Apart

Shade. While most Western Cape trail destinations become uncomfortably hot in midsummer, Lebanon’s dense forest canopy keeps the trails cool and rideable throughout the year — including in December and January when riders at Bottelary Hills, the Winelands farms and even Jonkershoek are starting their rides at 6am to beat the heat. The combination of commercial forestry, fruit orchards, indigenous fynbos and river corridors through the Overberg mountains creates terrain variety unusual for a single trail network.

The Routes

Four colour-coded circuits cater to all abilities. The 7.3km Yellow Trail is ideal for beginners and families with young children — shaded forest riding with minimal climbing. The 10.1km Green Trail steps up to easy-intermediate with more varied terrain. The 17.1km Blue Trail is the sweet spot for intermediate riders — a flowing mix of forest, fynbos, river crossings and Elgin Valley views. The 23.6km Red Trail is the full challenge — technical root sections, loose climbs, switchbacks and the sustained effort the network demands at full length.

Expect bridges, roots, rocky sections, wide gravel approach roads and purpose-built singletrack in roughly equal measure. The trail has a friendly, community feel — Lebanon has been a weekend escape for Cape Town riders for years, often combined with a night at Back 2 Basics and an evening braai in the forest.

Getting There

Back 2 Basics is in the Lebanon Forest area near Grabouw. GPS: -34.1634, 19.0215. From Cape Town: N2 highway past Sir Lowry’s Pass to Grabouw, then follow signs to Lebanon Forest / Back 2 Basics.

n

🌐 Visit Official Trail Website →