The garden route has some stunning trails and spectacular mountains. Located above the city of George looms the impressive George Peak and behind it Cradock Peak.

George and Cradock Peak

The garden route has some stunning trails and spectacular mountains. Located above the city of George looms the impressive George Peak and behind it Cradock Peak. The terrain and plant species here are absolutely breathtaking and will quickly draw you in. Many of the routes start through the green forest with moss-covered logs and thick ferns with options to climb higher to wide open views.

There is a vast network of trails and multiple options for ascent, starting through the forest and climbing to the peak. George Peak is steep, with a 1000m elevation gain, making the climb a vertical kilometre (VK). It is a strenuous climb if your legs are not used to big up-hills, but the views are well worth the work. The trails are well-marked. From George Peak a trail drops down the other side and approaches Cradock Peak, which has a small scramble right before topping out to more grand views and the big towers located on the summit.

Note during the wet season it can get very muddy and slippery. Winds at the top often make for a cold summit so make sure to check the weather. There are many gentler options in the forest for hikers seeking a more moderate experience.