Hawthorn Chigger Loop
A dynamic mountain biking adventure that winds through diverse terrain, offering a balance of challenge, flow, and scenery. Named after its iconic final section, the “Chigger” switchback downhill, this loop is a fun ride for riders seeking an exhilarating mix of technical trail and smooth singletrack.
Starting at approximately 236 meters elevation, the route quickly lifts you out of the start zone as you climb steadily through luscious landscapes featuring wooded sections and open views. The initial ascent rewards you with varied gradients that warm up your legs while providing strategic spots to catch your breath and soak in the surrounding forested beauty.
Midway through, you’ll experience a transition from forested climbs to more open sections where the trail carves along gentle slopes, rewarding riders with glimpses of distant valleys and mountain ridges. This section tests your handling skills as the trail contours through tight turns and rolling terrain, keeping engagement high and momentum flowing.
The highlight awaits near the end, as you enter the “Chigger”—a series of technical downhill switchbacks that demand precision and confidence. This downhill rollercoaster is packed with tight corners, berms, and short bursts of speed, offering an adrenaline rush that will put your trail skills to the test. The combination of gradient, technical features, and natural obstacles creates a perfect playground for experienced riders looking for a satisfying end to a challenging loop.
Completing the loop, riders descend back to the start at around 236 meters elevation, having covered diverse elevations and trail types that combine to create an immersive mountain biking experience.
| Start Coordinates: (DD) | -33.9463556, 22.4313537 |
| Start/Finish | Hawthorn Trailhead |
| Distance | 8.4 km |
| Elevation Gain | ± 223 m |
| Perceived Exertion | Moderate > Challenging |
| Trail System | Hawthorn |
| Surface | Plantation road Single track Rocky sections |
| Route Markers | None |
| GPX Map | Download GPX file for self-navigation on your GPS device or smartphone. |
ESTIMATED TIME
| Mountain biking | ± <1 h |
