KNYSNA NEWS - The world-famous Red Route was reopened to cyclists on the first day of the Knysna Oyster Festival after numerous requests since the June 2017 wildfires, according to area manager for the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) Megan Taplin.
The Red Route mountain biking trail coastal section through the fynbos area is now open after monitoring rehabilitation for a year and work on the section of the trail that offers cyclists a sneak scenic view of the Indian Ocean. Vegetation has recovered and the topsoil is much more stable.
Section ranger for Harkerville (home to the red, blue, yellow, green and black routes) Nico Oosthuizen, says, "The Red Route was tested by some of the local and regular cyclists who were very pleased with the maintenance work done on it. Those areas include tracks burnt during the extensive Knysna fires."
Although the route is open, assessment and restoration will continue mainly due to the sensitivity of the topsoil in some areas.
Cyclists are encouraged to send feedback to the SANParks Harkerville office.
Kranshoek trail still closed
In the interim, the Kranshoek hiking trail remains closed after an assessment on the vegetation and soil stability along the trail by independent hikers and assessors indicated it still needs time to recover.
One of the many attractions of hiking and biking trails around the Garden Route is the wildlife one can experience. Photo: OakPics
One of the assessors, Di Turner from Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers (Crew), says the trail is one of the most spectacular in the world and should be reopened again as soon as possible. It is botanically unique as it combines four vegetation types – afro-temperate, forest, fynbos, Noetzie thicket and strandveld – making it a microcosm of the Southern Cape habitat types.
"The views of the rugged and beautiful coastline are unparalleled. It is absolutely crucial that it is reopened again as soon as possible. It is an incredible drawcard for international tourists and locals alike. At best, it is a strenuous and difficult hike and should be open to the fitter and more experienced hikers," Turner says.
However, the steep slopes denuded of vegetation by the fire, make sections of the paths unstable for the time being.
The team is monitoring the Kranshoek trail with scientists.
Article: SANParks
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