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Trail towns are communities that exist because of outdoor routes, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
McGregor/Tanya Paquet/Unsplash
Hiking trails, mountain bike networks, paddling corridors and gravel roads are not side attractions in these places. They are the reason accommodation exists, cafés open early and guiding services operate year round. In Southern Africa, the trail town concept is increasingly important as smaller destinations look for sustainable tourism models that protect landscapes while supporting local economies.
Unlike resort towns built around a single attraction, trail towns depend on networks. Visitors move through them slowly, often staying multiple nights to explore different routes. This pattern encourages deeper engagement with local culture and spreads tourism spend across accommodation, food, transport and guiding services.
Below are some of the most established and emerging trail towns in Southern Africa, each shaped by its surrounding routes.
1. McGregor, Western Cape
McGregor sits at the eastern edge of the Breede River Valley and functions as a key access point to the Riviersonderend Mountains. The village is closely linked to hiking routes such as the McGregor to Greyton trail and a network of paths through the Boesmanskloof Wilderness Area. Many guesthouses in McGregor cater specifically to hikers and trail runners, offering early breakfasts, route advice and flexible check-in times. The compact nature of the village means that trailheads, accommodation and restaurants are all within easy reach. This makes McGregor particularly appealing to travellers who want to minimise driving and maximise time on foot.
2. Rhodes, Eastern Cape
Rhodes is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most complete trail towns. Located in the southern Drakensberg, the village serves as a base for hiking, fly-fishing, mountain biking and winter snow activities. Gravel roads connect Rhodes to high-altitude passes such as Naudes Nek, creating popular routes for cyclists and adventure travellers. Hiking access extends into remote valleys and across the border into Lesotho. Local businesses have adapted to this outdoor focus, with self-catering cottages, guiding services and equipment rentals forming the backbone of the local tourism economy.
3. Clarens, Free State
Clarens has long been known as a weekend destination, but its role as a trail town has expanded significantly in recent years. The town lies close to Golden Gate Highlands National Park and is surrounded by hiking and mountain biking routes within the Clarens Conservancy. Trail access is one of Clarens’ main strengths. Visitors can walk or cycle directly from town to nearby routes without needing to drive. The presence of restaurants, shops and varied accommodation allows the town to host trail events and multi-day outdoor itineraries, supporting both leisure travellers and organised groups.
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4. Hogsback, Eastern Cape
Hogsback is defined by its network of forest and mountain trails in the Amathole Mountains. The village provides access to short day hikes, waterfall routes and longer multi-day trails through indigenous forest and highland terrain. Accommodation in Hogsback is closely linked to hiking culture, with many lodges and backpackers offering trail maps, local guidance and shuttle services. Conservation and community-based tourism play an important role here, making Hogsback an example of how trail towns can balance visitor access with environmental protection.
5. Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Dullstroom has evolved beyond its fly-fishing roots into a multi-activity trail town. The surrounding highlands support hiking, mountain biking and paddling routes, many of which begin close to town. The town’s location along popular cycling routes makes it a natural stopover for multi-day bike trips. Gear shops, trail-friendly accommodation and casual dining options support travellers who plan their itineraries around outdoor movement rather than sightseeing alone.
Trail towns support a form of tourism that is slower, more sustainable and locally beneficial. By encouraging visitors to explore on foot, by bicycle or by water, these towns reduce dependence on high-impact infrastructure and seasonal attractions.
Routes are well signposted, services are designed around outdoor needs and distances between accommodation and trail access are short. As hiking, cycling and paddling networks continue to expand across Southern Africa, trail towns are likely to play a growing role in shaping how people experience the region.
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