Maintenance work on the Harkerville Trail. Harkerville Trail, Garden Route National Park In June 2017, the Knysna fires nearly destroyed the trail. The wooden supports for many of the steep declines were burnt beyond repair. Guided by Hilton Wilderman, the SANParks Technical Officer responsible for the construction and maintenance of trails since 1994, the SANParks rangers, members of Knysna Region and a qualified engineer (also a member) embarked on a restoration journey that would test their mettle. Their first challenge was a 20-metre landslide that had washed away most of the path, leaving a treacherous drop to the sea. Then, in September 2023, an unprecedented storm surge destroyed the trail’s critical bridge and ladder. With a three-metre exposed drop, the trail was closed. The restoration work was no small feat. Six-metre-long poles, wood, rebar, and power tools had to be hiked in - along a trail that is challenging at the best of times. Despite the enormity of the task, the Harkerville Trail was reopened in 2024, thanks to the joint efforts of SANParks and the SHR. The Harkerville Trail is one of Knysna’s most iconic trails. The coastal trail is a two-day 28 km hike known for its breathtaking views, coastal rock, vertical cliffs, and technical chain ladders. Contact Sabine Schukai knysna.chair@sanparksvolunteers.org 122 SANParks Honorary Rangers 2024 HIKING TRAILS MAINTENANCE Members’ activities continued
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