Just over 30 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, tucked along the banks of the Hennops River near Hartbeespoort Dam, lies one of Gauteng’s most complete mountain biking experiences. Hennops MTB Trail has quietly built a reputation as a firm favourite among local riders – and after one lap of its flowing singletrack, it’s easy to understand why.
Paid partnership with Hennops MTB Trail
What began as a hiking destination evolved naturally into something more. “We originally created hiking trails but then discovered that we have ideal terrain, space and gradient to include a stimulating mountain biking trail,” explains Hubert of Hennops MTB Trail. The terrain certainly delivered. Today, riders can tackle a 42km route with 500 metres of elevation gain – a thoughtfully crafted network that consists almost entirely of flowing singletrack.
This isn’t a punchy, stop-start trail. It’s rhythm riding at its best. A carefully balanced mix of mildly technical sections, steady climbs and grin-inducing descents unfolds over predominantly hardpack, well-drained surfaces. Even when many Gauteng trails are muddy and waterlogged, Hennops remains firm and rideable thanks to meticulous drainage and year-round maintenance.
The full experience is divided into seven named sections, each bringing its own personality to the ride.
Safari sets the tone. Six kilometres of gradual rises and dips ease you into the rhythm, with 100 metres of elevation gain. It’s a proper warm-up section – and you may find yourself sharing the landscape with zebra, wildebeest and various antelope. Few Gauteng rides offer wildlife sightings as part of the opening act.
From there, Sani builds the intensity. This 6.4km segment climbs steadily – 138 metres of elevation gain – via well-designed switchbacks that keep the gradient manageable. A rewarding summit loop is followed by a fast, playful descent that reminds you why you ride.
Dragon, 4.5km in length, drops riders into a scenic valley before guiding them back out through a twisting ribbon of perfectly shaped turns. With 80 metres of elevation gain, it’s compact but engaging – the kind of section that rewards precision and flow.
Snake changes the flavour again. A short gravel road climb delivers you to the summit before the trail peels away along a steep hillside via beautifully bench-cut singletrack. At 4km with 54 metres of elevation gain, it’s not the toughest section physically, but the views across the valley are enough to momentarily distract you from the riding line. It’s incorporates a high volume of descending, which is both welcome and fun.
Then comes Kyalami – and yes, it lives up to its name. This 3.7km stretch of gently descending, relatively wide singletrack is all about cornering. With just 28 metres of elevation gain, it’s fast, flat and flowing – the perfect place to test your cornering confidence.
Skeleton, the longest section at 10km, takes you towards the eastern boundary of Hennops. With 170 metres of elevation gain, it’s a sustained sequence of gradual rises and drops that demand focus. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, blending effort with reward through some particularly fun descending segments.
Finally, Home Run delivers exactly what its name suggests. At 3km long, it’s a playful finish back to the trailhead, including a scenic ride along the riverbank – a fitting cool-down to an unexpectedly demanding 42km.
Because that’s the thing about Hennops: it rides bigger than its numbers suggest.
“Hennops MTB Trail is one of my favourite trails to ride in Gauteng,” says Sean Badenhorst, Editor of TREAD Media. “It offers a most engaging 42km trail, which is more challenging than you might expect. It’s also beautifully scenic and the trailbuilder has done a great job with drainage. When most Gauteng trails are too muddy and wet, Hennops usually offers the best alternative. The trail maintenance is always on point though, no matter which season you ride there.”
Another standout feature is flexibility. The trail network has been designed so that riders can skip sections and tailor their own route. Newcomers can shorten the experience, building confidence and fitness over time. Stronger riders can extend their outing beyond 42km by linking sections creatively. It’s a rare design approach that makes the venue equally appealing to first-timers and seasoned riders.
Practicality matches the riding quality. Located on the R511 and easily accessible from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hennops MTB Trail is open daily – from 06h00 on weekends and 07h00 on weekdays. Entry is R80 per rider, with secure parking, ablution facilities and a food and drinks kiosk available on site.
In a province packed with riding options, Hennops continues to stand out – not because it shouts the loudest, but because it consistently delivers. Flowing singletrack. Engaging climbs. Scenic valleys. Wildlife encounters. Impeccable drainage. And the kind of thoughtful trail building that keeps you coming back.
Plan your next ride at www.hennopstrails.co.za/mtb-trail-2/ and discover why Hennops remains one of Gauteng’s benchmark mountain biking experiences.
