Mike by an intermediate pool in Krom River
Link to detailed route page and map click on route title [route-snippet id=”191″ featured=”image”]December in Paarl can get exceptionally hot and both of us fancied a shady walk where we could cool down in a river as needed. One of the hiking sites which I follow and look to for inspiration is Hikes Travel & Muisvoel Meanders My favourite hiking sites. He had included a post on his hike along this trail in Jan 2016 so we decided to go and explore.
First waterfall and lower pool
The start of the trail from the parking area by the N1, just after the tunnel, quickly got us down to the river and away from the traffic noise. There were plenty of places to hang out in the shade and paddle our feet to cool them down. We criss-crossed the river, walking through mature trees which gave lovely shade until we came to the first waterfall and pool. From there we made use of the well placed chains to scramble up the rocks to get to the much larger pool with an awe inspiring waterfall – even in summer. Would be lovely to come and look at this after rains in the winter.
Great place for lunch and a swim, not that we did today as the pool was in shade by the time we got there and the water felt fairly cold. Another couple provided entertainment from a distance as they cooled down.
Jax making her way up to the second waterfall
The only disappointment to us was the amount of rubbish left behind by hikers. I find it very sad they people are happy to carry up full bottles of beer etc but then leave the empty glass bottles behind rather than carry them back down the trail – spoiling the environment for other visitors.
We did this hike before the large wildfire in Jan 2017 which swept through this area and have not been back since to see what the impact was, if any, on this environment.
