Golden hour light over the grasslands and cliffs on the Van Gaalen trail network

Van Gaalen Trails · Since 2008

60+ km of trail across 30 private farms

The Van Gaalen trails cross the Skeerpoort Valley on the Harties side of the Magaliesberg. Manicured, marked and maintained routes for mountain biking, trail running, hiking and birding. Reed tunnels for the family. Concrete Hill for the brave.

Permits & access

Simple, honest trail fees

Day permits and the mandatory indemnity form are available at the Trail/Farm Shop. Bookings are only required for groups larger than 20.

  • Hiking & trail runningR50
  • Mountain bikingR60
  • Children under 12Half price
  • Toddlers under 4Free

Annual membership

  • MTB year permitR1 000
  • Trail running / hiking year permitR1 000
  • Family trail packageR2 000

Members ride 7 days a week, get a Van Gaalen buff, and access extends to the neighbouring Vergenoeg Nature Reserve trails. Sign up & pay at the Cheese Shop.

Sign Indemnity Form

Trail hours

  • Wed – Fri08h00 – 17h00
  • Sat – Sun & public holidays06h30 – 17h00
  • Mon & TueClosed

Trails close on race days, so check the Van Gaalen MTB Facebook page before big rides. Trail queries: Victor Schipper, 083 560 3318 or victor@vangaalen.co.za

Trail rules, read before you ride
  1. Helmet, protective eyewear and a cellphone are compulsory for mountain biking.
  2. Removing plants, animals or crops is strictly prohibited.
  3. No pets, dogs or motorbikes.
  4. No picnics, smoking, fires or dumping on the trails.
  5. Stay on marked trails: no fence-climbing or making your own lines.
  6. Respect privacy and greet the landowners.
  7. Close gates that were closed.
  8. Trails are closed on race days.
  9. Report problems, blocked routes or anything strange.
  10. Right of admission reserved; permit and signed indemnity required.

Trail maps

Download before you go

Van Gaalen FullPDF map River TrailPDF map Greek ChurchPDF map MTB AdvancedPDF map

The routes

Pick your route

A shaded reed tunnel on the Yellow Route at Van Gaalen

10 km Yellow Route

2 / 4 / 6 / 8 / 10 kmNoviceHike · Run5 km pram friendly

Our suggested route for first-time hikers at Van Gaalen. The easiest and best-marked trail on the farm, covered with a canopy of trees and an abundance of reed tunnels and bridges. Fun for the whole family, with turn-back options every 2 km.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX
Rider on lush green single-track along the River Trail at Van Gaalen

River Trail

12 kmNovice – IntermediateMTB · HikePlenty of shade

A shaded loop along the Magalies River and the ideal route to develop your mountain-biking skills. Sporting forests, pecan nut plantations, farmlands and long reed tunnels with exceptional flow. Perfect for a family looking to be active outdoors.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX
View over the Skeerpoort Valley cliffs from the Greek Church route

Greek Church

10 km · 20 km with River TrailIntermediate138 m climbMTB · Hike

A favourite for riders chasing more distance with relatively easy climbing. The 1952 Greek Church overlooks the Skeerpoort Valley and Hartbeespoort Dam; steel bridges, a red-route descent and short, steep bursts keep you honest the whole way round.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX
Rider on the rocky Railway link trail with the Magaliesberg beyond

Railway & Pomphuis

10 kmNovice – IntermediatePomphuis loop 4.3 km · 83 mMTB

The Railway is the highway of the network, linking all the loops together. Pomphuis adds a punchy 4.3 km loop with 83 m of climbing, plus the Mine Shaft red route for anyone hunting extra elevation.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX
Two riders pausing at the top of the Concrete Hill climb at Van Gaalen

Concrete Hill & Tannie Miems

10 kmAdvanced110 m over 1.7 kmMTB

The Concrete Hill climb is a beast: 110 m of elevation in 1.7 km, and a proper test for anyone training towards big races. Tannie Miems answers with a technical descent of rocky drops, shaded single-track and a cross-country-style rocky river section.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX
A rider silhouetted against the sunset on the Poffadder route at Van Gaalen

Poffadder, Revenge & Daggapad

5 kmAdvancedRed routesEnduro · Downhill

Only 5 km. But for those after a very real challenge, Poffadder and Revenge are red routes that are virtually impossible to climb out of, offering some of the best rocky switchback descending around for any enduro or downhill enthusiast.

GPX coming soon Map PDF Download GPX

Finish every ride with cheese

Terrace @ Van Gaalen opens at 08h00 for post-ride breakfasts, farm platters and cold drinks with the Magaliesberg in view. Buy a permit, sign the indemnity, and go.

See Terrace @ Van Gaalen Trail Updates on Facebook