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Country Trail
https://www.trailforks.com/region/cradle-moon-lakeside-lodge–conservancy/
4/5
Cradle Moon Mountain Bike Trails, located in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is one of the best mountain bike trails to experience in SA.
Intermediate and Experienced riders
Cradle Moon is one of those country venues not far from the city that seems to have everything, including mountain biking. The large dam. The game. The restaurant deck on the dam wall. The beach (with natural beach sand). The rondavel accommodation. The restaurants. The swimming pool. However, that’s peripheral to the mountain bike trails, predominantly singletrack and offer a range of gradients, surfaces, and distances.
In the foothills of the Zwartkop mountain, this hidden gem is the most sought-after environmental activity and hospitality destination on Johannesburg’s outskirts. Subsequently, great care has been taken to preserve the original character’s peculiarities while undergoing extensive restorations.
With over 50 kilometres of mountain biking and running trails, you are guaranteed a secure and memorable experience for every level of athlete. So, with varied terrain from forests to mountains and being home to over 20 species of wild animals, including rhinos, Cradle Moon is unique.
There are four main Cradle Moon mountain bike trails – Pink, Blue, Yellow and Red. In short, you can ride them separately or link them for a longer, more challenging ride.
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The signage is generally good. There are a few points on the Yellow Route that may be a bit confusing on your first ride there though (there is a shorter option on Yellow).
The trails aren’t graded. But as a general guide, the Pink is ideal for beginners, Blue and Yellow for Intermediate and the Red for experienced/stronger riders.
Pink – 5km
Blue – 10km with 171m ascent
Yellow Cradle Moon – 13km with 408m ascent
Yellow SpookHuis Long – 26km with 498m ascent
Yellow SpookHuis Short – 17km with 458m ascent
Red – 18km with 598m ascent
Pink has very little singletrack and is ideal for Beginners. Blue, Yellow and Red are mostly singletrack and offer stimulating rides for all levels of rider. Blue and Yellow offer the ideal combination ride for most reasonably fit, reasonably skilled riders, while Red is recommended only for strong, skilled riders.
Game drive, boat cruise, paddling, swimming and fly fishing are all options at Cradle Moon. Drinks on the deck over the dam should be considered an activity too… Because it’s only a 30-minute drive from northern Johannesburg, most just arrive, ride and dash home, but consider staying overnight to experience the venue completely.
With the large dam and the interesting dam wall, as well as surrounding hills and variety of game, you won’t find a more scenic place to ride a mountain bike in Gauteng. The mountain bike trails are well-maintained and stimulating for all levels of rider.
R70 per person (includes the R50 daily conservation fee)
Trail Ratings
Cradle Moon is a one of those country venues not far from the city that seems to have everything, including mountain biking. The large dam, the game, the restaurant deck on the dam wall, the beach (with real beach sand), the rondawel accommodation, the restaurants, the swimming pool… But that’s peripheral to the mountain bike trails, which are predominantly singletrack and which offer a range of gradient, surfaces and distances.
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