Dog-friendly hiking trails for you and your furry companion

Let’s face it, our furry friends make the best outdoor companions and if you’re a hiking enthusiast, wishing you could explore the beauty of Cape Town with your fluffy pal by your side, then we’ve got some good news. There’s no shortage of dog-friendly hikes in the Mother City and beyond, so here are a few hiking trails for your next incredible adventure:

Paradyskloof Waterfall:

Check out this 5 km out-and-back trail near Stellenbosch, one of quite a few winding trails heading up the Hottentots-Holland mountain. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete. It starts quite simply; the trail just winds through a delightful pine forest. The trail then takes you through fynbos and a lovely area to rest at the waterfall. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime but the waterfall will be more spectacular in the wetter winter months and might be dried up in summer. Your furry companions are welcome, but must be on a leash, since the mountain is the habitat for exciting faunal species incluing leopards, caracals, duikers, klipspringers, baboons, and hyraxes (or dassies).

Trail details:

• Start point: Eden Forest, 41 Beethoven Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
• Length: 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate

Boschendal

If you’re looking for a fun farm adventure, Boschendal in Franschhoek got a variety of hiking, biking and running trails that cater to all levels of experience.

You can expect some beautiful farm scenery along their running trails and exquisite views of the Franschhoek Valley on the hikes.

Runners can choose between a 5 km or 10 km route. Visit the Trail Centre to get your permits (R60 for a running day permit) and they will help you navigate all the routes they have available.

Trail details:

• Start point: Trail Centre, Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690
• Length: 5 km or 10 km
• Difficulty: All levels

Danie Miller Trail

 Visitors to Gordon’s Bay no doubt have seen the large GB letters against the mountain side. It’s a common misconception that these letters stand for Gordon’s Bay; it actually stands for General Botha, the name of the Naval Officers’ Academy in Gordon’s Bay. But that’s not the only interesting fact. Did you know there’s also a hike that runs beneath the white stones of the GB letters?

Newlands Forest Short Circuit

Newlands Forest is a gem for locals and tranquillity-seekers, and we can see why. This lush scenic escape boasts epic mountainous views and an abundance of greenery. Years ago, this forest served as part part of the migratory path of the Khoi, but today, it’s a hotspot for those seeking adventure. A place where people from all walks of life can meet up and take their dogs on a relaxing stroll or a cheeky trail run.

Enjoy this 3.4 km loop trail near Cape Town, Western Cape. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of one hour to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Trail details:

• Start point: Newlands Forest Rd, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, 0001
• Length: 3.4 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Cecilia Forest

Check out this 4.3 km loop trail near Cape Town. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring and likely a few wagging tails. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. This majestic loop trail is home to trickling streams and lush trees, and the waterfall is the picturesque highlight of the experience.

Trail details:

• Start point: Cecilia Forest Hiking Trail, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town, 7824
• Length: 4.3 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

The Pipe Track from Kloof Nek

Try this 9.5 km out-and-back trail near Cape Town. The Pipe Track from Kloofnek is an amazing path that follows the contour of the iconic Table Mountain. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours 51 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, trail running, and walking, and is a popular weekend activity for Capetonians and their beloved dogs. Boasting breathtaking views over Camps Bay, you’ll bound to be left ohhhing and ahhhing. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.

Trail details:

• Start point: Junction of Tafelberg Rd and Kloof Nek Rd,Cape Town Lower Tafelberg 1, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
• Length: 9.5 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elephant’s Eye

Elephant’s Eye is a 5.3 km out-and-back trail trail located near Noordhoek, often capturing the attention of explorers who are keen on a cave adventure. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour 46 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. They will love roaming around in this scenic paradise.

Trail details:

• Start point: Noordhoek Peak, Ou Kaapse Weg, Silver Mine (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
• Length: 5.3 km
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Please note:

Areas that form part of the Table Mountain National Park require dog walkers to have a Level 1 My Activity Permit, which can be purchased for R320 from the Tokai Plantation Office, Tokai Road on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.45pm. The permit is valid for 12 months from the day of purchase. A maximum of two dogs are allowed.

Also read:

The ultimate guide to dog-friendly restaurants in Cape Town

Picture: Unsplash