Woodville Big Tree Forest Trail – (Garden Route NP – Hoekwil/Wilderness)

A forest favorite near to Wilderness and George. The Woodville big tree Forest Circuit (Blue Route/7km Route) is the longer of two easy trails in the Woodville indigenous forest section of the extensive Garden Route National Park. At the time of writing 28.12.2023 the trails in this Woodville section have been recently maintained and cleared. Commendations to Sanparks as the trails are in immaculate condition and well signposted with white feet showing the direction to walk on blue or green signs indicating the relevant or chosen trail. There are also signs every kilometer showing the distance covered on either the blue or green trail. The route begins at the parking area or entry checkpoint where an entrance fee is payable if one is not in possession of a valid wildcard (you will need to show proof that the card is valid with an email or within the app, see the Wildcard website for more details). The path loops around the picnic/ braai area and crosses a wooden bridge before reaching the large 800-year-old plus Outeniqua Yellowwood tree, the Grand Old Lady of the Forest as the trail signs call it. After passing the tree and heading on a bit the trail diverges Eastward and immediately the amount of foot traffic reduces with the vast majority of tourists staying in the vicinity of the big tree and not attempting the forest trails. Perfect if you are looking to have some quiet time alone in the forest. The route cuts through high canopy along a wide jeep track which narrows to a single-track footpath and crosses a wooden bridge. Continuing along, on the Eastern edge of the forest a clearing is reached, here telephone lines and the odd pine tree are visible from the path. The trail turns Northwards, then Westwards and begins a gradual but unrelenting ascent on a grass covered jeep track. Being out of the canopy this section can be hot in Summer and there might be some exposure to the sun here. As one climbs views of the canopy below and the surrounding Outeniqua peaks like Geloofskop (902m) appear to the West. This section has a few picnic benches for those who wish to stop and admire the view over Hoekwil and the Wilderness heights with the forest canopy in the foreground. On a clear day the ocean might be visible from these vantage points. After keeping level for a while the jeep track turns Southward and descends rather sharply back down into the indigenous forest canopy, keep this in mind if attempting the trail in reverse as you will have a much steeper incline that may challenge the unfit. Once back in the canopy the trail reaches a reservoir and then turns East back towards the big tree. Soon the Green route is met and it’s a straightforward and very scenic forest walk back to the big tree and back up to the parking area. The trail is primarily under indigenous forest canopy but the vistas over the top of the canopy are a somewhat unique feature when compared to most forest trails in the area (Natures Valley Salt River and a handful of others being the exception). The forest scenery is idyllic, it is filled with various species of trees, fungi, insects and birds. There are even a few larger mammals like bushpigs and baboons but these aren’t frequently sighted. The area around the tree although busy in season (December summer school holidays) is never too crowded and the Sanparks rangers at the only entry and exit points keep a good eye out and manage this section of the park effectively. It’s a good forest trail near to George and is a much quicker and easier day out when compared to the even closer Groeneweide Trails so the extra kilometers drive might be worthwhile especially if one plans to use the picnic area afterwards. Highly recommended if in the George or Wilderness area and looking for a stretch of the legs which won’t consume the whole day.