The Copper Trail, which starts at Leasingham and climbs over the westernmost ridge of the North Mount Lofty Ranges to Hoyleton, Halbury and Balaklava, has now been extended to Port Wakefield, creating 57 kilometres of continuous trail.
There are three distinct sections of the Copper Trail:
- Leasingham to Halbury (19 km)
- Halbury to Balaklava (the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail) (12 km)
- Balaklava to Port Wakefield (26 km)
The first part of the Copper Trail between Leasingham and Halbury follows dirt country roads. The second section, the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail between Halbury and Balaklava, is a traditional style rail trail with firm surfaces suitable for beginner riders.
The third and final stretch of the Copper Trail is different again and might best be described as a rail trail track or bush track, most suitable for mountain bikes.
Balaklava to Port Wakefield on the Copper Trail
Heading out from Balaklava, the Copper Trail runs adjacent to Balaklava Road all the way to Port Wakefield.
However, you still get the feeling of being out in the bush, thanks to the foresight of the local community, who planted the rail reserve with indigenous vegetation thirty years ago.
On the other side of the Copper Trail, grain fields stretch to the southern Flinders Ranges.
Trail Surfaces
You will find a lot of variety in the trail surfaces, varying from compacted rubble
to dirt track
and in one place, sand.
This short 30-second video will give you a good idea of the different kinds of trail surface you are likely to encounter.
Signposting
Although it would be difficult to lose your way, the Copper Trail between Balaklava and Port Wakefield is well-signposted.
You also get a regular update on how much further you have to go.
Bowmans Siding
Almost 15 kilometres west of Balaklava, you come to the former railway siding of Bowmans.
In the remaining village, you can still see the former general store, complete with painted over mailbox.
Agave plants
Cycling a further four kilometres brings you to a striking forest of agave plants.
From there it is only six kilometres to the end of the rail trail track and then one more kilometre until you arrive in Port Wakefield.
Most people are aware of Port Wakefield as a busy highway stop, but if you venture off the main road towards the start of the Walk the Yorke trail, you will find some lovely old historic buildings.
Summary of the Copper Trail between Balaklava and Port Wakefield
While the 26 kilometre Copper Trail between Balaklava and Port Wakefield is an enjoyable ride in itself, much of its value lies in the connectivity that it provides between the Shamus Liptrot Rail Trail and the Walk the Yorke trail.
Looking at the Copper Trail as a whole, the 57 km continuous trail between the Riesling Trail at Leasingham and the Walk the Yorke at Port Wakefield, now opens up wonderful possibilities for longer rides, connecting also with the Mawson Trail and the Murray to Clare Lavender Cycling Trail through the Riesling Trail.
For further information about the Copper Trail see the Rail Trails Australia website.
