Newlands Forest Woodcutter's Trail

Easy

Table Mountain NP

Main risk: crime

At a glance

Distance

4.5 km circuit

Time

1.5–2 hr

Elevation gain

250 m

Summit

350 m

Child friendlyWater on route

Dogs allowed Parking

Crime awareness

Muggings occur in Newlands Forest and on the contour path above it — knife-point robberies of phones and packs are a documented pattern, with a spike recorded over 2024/25. Hike in a group of four or more, go when the forest is busy, carry as little as possible, and if confronted hand things over without resisting.

Know before you go

Shaded pine and indigenous forest with a web of interlinking paths — the Woodcutter's Trail is the classic loop.
One of the mountain's most popular dog-walking areas (on leash).
Busiest before work and on weekend mornings — the safest times to walk.

If you need help

Incident records here show more crime callouts than injury callouts. The terrain risk itself is low — paths are wide and forgiving.

Emergency exit

The forest is criss-crossed with paths and never far from the M3 — head downhill to reach the parking and Union Avenue.

Cell reception

Good throughout.

Start point

Newlands Forest parking off Union Avenue (M3), Newlands

Get directions to trailhead

Parking: Newlands Forest parking off the M3. Do not leave anything visible in the car.

Elevation profile

Peak

350 m

Total ascent

250 m

Trail length

4.5 km

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Shaded and sheltered — a good option in wind or light rain. Muddy after winter fronts.

Water sources

Treat or filter before drinking — never trust a stream raw.

Newlands streams
Year-round
Several small streams cross the lower forest. Treat before drinking.

Build your checklist for this trail

Check turn-around time

Tell someone where you are going

Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.

Last reviewed July 2026

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