Forest Buzzard Hiking Trail If you happened to be in the George area and want to do a short and easy day hike through the forest, then this one is for you.
The Forest Buzzard Trail is an easy 2.2 km circular route through pine plantations and some indigenous forest. The route also passes by a cascading waterfall, first round the top and then later near the bottom. When I last did this trail I was privileged to witness our emergency medical personnel as they performed a helicopter rescue exercise from the top of this waterfall. These guys know what they are doing! The trail starts from Witfontein forestry station just outside George. Park your car at the forestry station and start hiking from the gate (to your right as you face the building). Once through the gate, the sign rearing "Forest Buzzard" points you in the right direction. It winds through pine trees and leads to a gravel service road.Turn left here, the trail branches to the right into a jeep track. On the first section of the trail you will cross a mountain biking trail a few times, so be careful for oncoming cyclists. Continue with the jeep track to where another sign points you to a footpath on your left. On this section there is another intersection with the mountain bike trail, keep to your right. The trail continues through the pine trees and crosses a small stream and enters more indigenous forest. There are some benches along the way here, ideal for a stop and a snack. You'll come across a dam with a wooden bridge over the dam wall and shortly after this you will reach the waterfall. The trail winds down and crosses a gravel road near the base of the waterfall and meanders through the forest back to the forestry station. Dogs are welcome here as long as they are on a leash. Distance: 2.2km, circular route. Difficulty: Easy. Permits/costs: Before you start, get a map from the stand at the door of the station and sign the register. The map is your permit, there are no costs. Route markers: Arrows on wooden signs. The trail is well established and well signposted. Directions: From George take the N12 to Oudtshoorn over the Outeniqua Pass. Just outside George before reaching the pass take the turnoff to the right to Witfontein Forestry Station and the Montague Pass. Shortly after turning here turn right into the Witfontein Forestry grounds and continue towards the office building and park there. Coordinates: S33 56.145 E22 25.674 Other: Dogs are allowed in this area as long as they are on a leash. 
6KB.
Only Garmin GPS units supported, need BaseCamp, MapSource or Trip & Waypoint Manger to open.
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