Platteklip Gorge trail to remain open during maintenance

Hikers heading up Table Mountain this week can breathe a little easier. Platteklip Gorge is not closing after all.

SANParks clarified an earlier notice about maintenance on the popular route to the summit. 

Rehabilitation work is taking place from Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 August - along the section between the Contour Path and the summit. However, the trail will remain open to recreational users throughout the work.

So, yes, you can still tackle those infamous steps. Expect a little less “peaceful mountain escape” and a little more “excuse me, coming through” as maintenance and rehabilitation teams get to work.

Caution ahead

SANParks has asked hikers to exercise caution and be mindful of workers and equipment along the route. 

Some inconvenience is expected. But the work aims to improve trail conditions and create a safer, more enjoyable experience for the thousands of people who use Platteklip Gorge to reach the top of Table Mountain.

The clarification comes after an earlier communication stated that the trail would be closed on Monday, 17 August. SANParks has apologised for the confusion and says the maintenance schedule was designed specifically to allow hikers to continue using one of the mountain’s busiest routes while the rehabilitation work takes place.

Alternative hiking routes

For those who would rather avoid the construction activity altogether, there are other ways up. 

Skeleton Gorge, Nursery Ravine and Kasteelpoort all offer alternative routes to the summit, although hikers should check conditions and difficulty levels before setting off.

And if the thought of climbing Table Mountain sounds considerably less appealing than floating upwards, the Table Mountain Cableway remains another option for reaching the summit from the front face.

The maintenance is part of the ongoing work needed to keep Table Mountain’s heavily used trails in good condition. 

With Platteklip Gorge taking plenty of foot traffic, a little temporary disruption should hopefully pay off in a sturdier, safer trail down the line.

In short, the trail is open, the workers are working, and hikers should keep their eyes peeled.

For the latest information on trails, activities and conditions, visitors can check SANParks’ Table Mountain National Park information before heading out.

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