Salt River Hiking Trail

Lovely hike. Pretty uphill to the look-out point and not too exciting until you get to the river. The river is great - clean and warm. Fun for the kids. Can park off and swim in the river mouth for hours. Easy and fun swimming. Walked along the coastal side on our way back which is beautiful. Lots of fun along the rocks, but take extra care with the kids as there are one or 2 narrow or steep sections and you need to ensure they are sufficiently cautious and stable on their feet. We were a group of 9 including a toddler on a back and a 5 year old. Nature's Valley beach is breathtaking but I don't think there are lifeguards. Very enjoyable day in nature. Probably 2 hours there and back, but give yourself another 2 hours to enjoy the spoils of the river mouth and relax. Be sure to take the coastal route close to low tide.

Great scenic trail. We did the salt river loop up the hill first and then back along the beach. Firstly, make sure you come during low tide if you want to do the loop. To get to the hill, walk along the beach and look for the sign that says salt river via natures valley lookout. When you leave salt river to come back there are some steep stairs with a sign that mentions a rock slide and “impassable” but it was fine. The way back along the beach is challenging but just stay close to the hill and look for any sign of the trail. We had fun exploring the tidal pools.

1. It's free, 2. It's not too severe for a morning walk, 3. There is plenty of shade, 4. You can swim before, after and during the walk, 5. It's a relaxing place with breathtaking views and scenery.

Directly across from Nature’s Valley Trading Store are public toilets where the cement trail leads to the beach. At the beach turn right and about 200 meters there will be a green sign at the edge of woods that reads “Salt River via Nature’s Valley Lookout”. This begins the hike up through the woods. Be sure that you check the tides so that low tide is about an hour after you start so that you will not have to double back. After 40 minutes or so there will be a small green sign at a wide intersection where you turn left then head to Brak River. Walk along the river bed to the left and toward the ocean. At the base of the craggy rocks to the left there will be a sign at some scary looking “stairs” that indicates the Blue Beach trail is dangerous due to rockslides and is inaccessible. If you are an experienced hiker and the trail is dry and you are at low tide then continue up that trail. At the beach (rescue point 70) continue left. From here on until you get back to the original beach you started from, you will have to pick your way through the rocks. Tip: keep to the left when you run into problems and don’t be afraid to backtrack as there are no trail markings - just beaten paths. At one point there is a section with a rope rail but that’s the only indicator of the trail. The hike is varied and beautiful and the wildflowers in the spring, just lovely. Leave yourself about 2 hours.

What a stunning short walk in Nature. Total of about 4.4km and beautiful scenic views around every corner. Perfect walk to have a picnic down by the water or else go sit down and enjoy a delicious meal from the Natures Valley restaurant once you've completed your hike.

The Salt River Mouth trail - 5 November 2021. This coastal trail is situated in the beautiful and peaceful Nature’s Valley. Nature’s Valley is a quiet little holiday coastal town close to Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, South Africa.We started the trail at the wrong spot and walked down the beach for quite a distance. This was not a problem as everyone loves long walks on the beach. For the most part the trail traverses through dense bushes. The bush path was a bit of a let down, since we wandered through the Knysna forest the day before. Coastal plants and shrubs don’t have the same enchantment as a deep forest and its ancient trees and ferns for me personally. Along the way you reach a viewpoint looking over a stunning long stretch of beach (the romantic long beach walk whence we came from). The splendour of the Salt River Mouth trail is evident when you reach the mouth of the Salt River.The river segregates the bush and forest. One moment you are engulfed by shrubs and the next you enter a clearing of sand and flowing water. I get a kick out of how nature transforms in an instant. Here you have the opportunity to remove your shoes and drive your feet and toes into soft sand. The emerald canopy of the forest in front of you is stunning. Turn your gaze to the north and you see a mantle of green as the forest canopy continues in this direction. Look to the south and you see what is called Mermaids Cove. The cove is a lovely, secluded little beach surrounded by rock and stone; the perfect spot for mermaids and sirens to lure men (who are naturally weak of will) with their beauty and charm. Unfortunately we did not encounter any mythical sea creatures, though we were beguiled by the beauty of the cove.We score the Salt River Mouth trail as follows:Overall Score: 7/10Cost: FreeDifficulty: 2/10 (Not difficult at all)Technical: NoViews: YesPools and Waterfalls: No waterfalls, but a lovely river stream down to the ocean.Crowds: We were alone for the most part with a few other couples on the trail and surrounding area.

Really nice en beautiful hike. Do check out the tides before hiking. There is a lovely spot where you can have a lekker picnic and swim. I would definitely recommend this hike.

Beautiful but such a pity that we came across fishing litter along the way. Awful fishing gut, plastic, bottles, cans and boxes.

It's a beautiful hike to where the Salt River flows into the ocean. There's a small bay with a sandy beach and a nice open river bed.Trail starts at the café with 2 options, next to the ocean around the cliffs (1.8km one way) and the other over the hill (2km one way).The route next to the ocean is closed off due to falling rocks, even though people still use it. Best to go during low tide as there are a place where high tide goes over the rocks where the path is.The route over the hill offers a beautiful lookout over Natures, mostly under the canopy which is nice. We hiked it with kids on our back, not too hectic definitely worth it.

Very nice and pretty easy hike...mostly under trees with a stuning end of salty river going to the ocean. Full of little shrimps and fish. Great place to relax and swim.The Trial Via Blue Rocks/Natures Valley main Beach is after rock slides dangerous and access is not possible.