Cleland Crafers Track SA

The Cleland to Crafers Track is a scenic, MTB Green (easy) rated trail with beautiful views to the ocean.

It’s seven kilometres one way with 200 metres of climbing. As an out-and-back ride, it’s fourteen kilometres with an overall climb of 360 metres. Apart from the climbing, it’s not a difficult trail – quite manageable even for an Uncool (limited MTB skills) rider like myself!

The Cleland Crafers track winds through beautiful rainforest — Beautiful track through lush rainforest

You can start the track from either Cleland or Crafers. However, as Cleland has a slightly lower elevation, and as the first four kilometres climbing out of Cleland are quite challenging, I think starting at the Cleland end is more enjoyable.

The highlight of the out-and-back ride is the scenic views of the ocean, which are at their best when seen on the return track from Crafers to Cleland.

Cleand Crafers Track - Scenic views to the ocean — Scenic views to the ocean

To keep things manageable, be sure to follow the Green arrows (MTB-rated easy).

Cleland Chambers Track - follow the green arrows, to make sure you stay on the easier tracks. — Follow the green (not blue) arrows, to make sure you stay on the easier tracks!

Map of the Cleland Crafers Track

If you prefer a loop ride, you can start at Crafers, ride the Cleland Crafers Track down to Cleland and then continue on the bitumen up to Mount Lofty.

With a similar amount of overall climbing, it’s well worth it for the views on a clear day. However, taking this route, the second half is all bitumen and you will have to share with a few cars.

Here’s a ride suggestion for including Mount Lofty:

Summary of the Cleland Crafers Track

Length: Seven kilometres one way with 200 metres climbing. Fourteen kilometres out-and-back with 360 metres climbing.
Difficulty: Moderate due to some steep inclines, narrow tracks and uneven surfaces.
Suitable for mountain bikes or eMTB
Surface: Gravel/dirt
Signage: While there are arrows indicating the MTB level (green, blue or black) at each junction, it can be confusing as this route utilises a number of different trails (Chambers Gully to Crafers Trail, Steub Trail, and Mount Lofty Crafers Trail). I recommend you use the map above, and be sure to follow only the Green MTB arrows.
Best Times: Suitable for most times of the year, but avoid very hot days.
Coffee and Food: Crafers Bean Cafe in Crafers (toilets for customers), has a great egg and bacon roll. Cleland Wildlife Park has a cafe, and you can access the toilets if you buy a coffee.

Another awesome ride in the area is the Crafers Bikeway.