For all the beauty of the Knysna lagoon flowing languidly out to sea between The Heads or the eclectic collection of shops to be found along the main road, there is an even better reason to visit Knysna, and that is to explore the mysterious forests.

Although just a fraction of the vast tracts of woodland that once covered the area, the forest that remains today covers many thousands of hectares, and sustained efforts by the Department of Forestry and environmental groups have ensured that large areas are open for the public to explore and enjoy.

If you’re planning a visit to the forests, do bear in mind that due to the various plantations around Knysna, the indigenous forest only really starts some distance from Knysna, so you’ll need your own transport to get there.

Goudveld State Forest

Situated just over 30km north-west of Knysna, the Goudveld State Forest found fame in 1876 when gold was discovered in the hills above Knysna. The ensuing gold rush brought prospectors from as far afield as Australia, and the booming mining town of Millwood was established. Not enough gold was being panned from the rivers however, and by 1890 the prospectors had left the forest for the golden pastures of the Johannesburg mines, leaving Millwood as a ghost town. Materolli, the old village store and the only original building still standing, has since been converted into a museum where visitors can get a pictorial idea of the area in its mining heyday.

By far the most rewarding forest walk in the area is an easy-going stroll along Jubilee Creek to a deep rock-pool hidden away three-and-a-half kilometres into the forest. An ideal spot to cool off after the walk! The indigenous forest above and around you is home to a wide variety of birdlife, including the famous Knysna Loerie. You can collect a map of the walk at the entrance to the forest. The only downside to the walk along Jubilee Creek is that it is linear, meaning that you have to return along the same path. There are some delightful picnic spots next to the creek at the car park where you begin your walk.

Diepwalle Forest

The tracts of indigenous forest surrounding Diepwalle ("deep walls") forest station are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Garden Route. The vast forests are a tree-lover's paradise, with the indigenous yellowwood, ironwood, stinkwood and white pear found throughout the area. The dense woods and montane fynbos also supposedly shelter the last remaining Knysna elephants, so tread softly in the forest and you may be rewarded with a glimpse of grey through the foliage as they quietly disappear into the woods. Apart from the elusive elephants, the forest is also home to blue duiker, bushpig, lynx, genet and the plentiful, but rarely seen, bushbuck.

There are three well-marked walking trails in the Diepwalle forest, ranging in length from seven to nine kilometres. All three of the trails begin at the Diepwalle Forest station, which is 16 kilometres outside of Knysna along the R339. A map of the area is available from the forestry office.

The most popular attraction of the Diepwalle area is the much-photographed Big Tree. An ancient yellowwood, estimated to be over 650 years old, it stands nearly 40m high, with a canopy stretching over 30 metres wide. There are a number of pleasant picnic and braai spots near the Big Tree, with clean public toilets.

Garden of Eden

Situated on the N2, roughly half-way between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the Garden of Eden makes for a wonderful road-side stop to stretch your legs on a long drive. It is also one of the few wheelchair-friendly areas in the Knysna forest, with a wooden walkway winding for just over a kilometre through the forest.

Apart from the noise from passing cars on the nearby N2 intruding into the forest tranquility, the Garden of Eden makes for an enchanting stroll, surrounded by a variety of indigenous trees, giant tree ferns and birdlife.

There are also picnic tables and benches available if you want to spread out under the trees with your lunch. Entrance is R4 for adults, which is payable at the entrance gate.

Harkerville Cycle Route

Right across the N2 from the Garden of Eden is the starting point of the Harkerville cycle routes, which wend their way through a mixture of indigenous forest, plantation and fynbos towards the coast.

There are three routes, ranging from 14 to 24 kilometres in length and each trail is colour coded to help cyclists keep to the right road. Highlights along the way include a grove of giant Redwood (sequoia) trees, swimming holes and a fantastic viewpoint looking out over the Indian Ocean.

Certain sections of the cycle routes share the path of the Harkerville Coast hiking trail, so be particularly careful in these areas where there may be walkers on the path. Also remember that the forest is a workplace, and you should be careful to keep clear of all machinery and be alert for timber trucks.