The best traffic-free bike rides in Cleland National Park

There are 6 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes available in Cleland National Park, offering a variety of experiences away from busy roads.

The routes in Cleland National Park cater to various skill levels. You'll find 3 easy routes, 2 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route, ensuring there's something for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. The park's hilly nature means many climbs, often steep, requiring good fitness and lower gears.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Victoria Park – Lounders Boatshed Café loop from Glenside offers a pleasant circular ride. You can also explore the Roadbike loop from Torrens Park for another circular option.

Cleland National Park is rich in natural beauty. You can cycle past significant natural bushland, eucalypt gullies, and even areas with rare perched swamps. Notable landmarks include the iconic Mount Lofty Summit, offering panoramic views, and the scenic Waterfall Gully. You might also spot the Sugarloaf Hill viewpoint.

Yes, the park features beautiful waterfalls. The prominent Waterfall Gully is a popular starting point for trails, and you can also find Second Falls within the park. While some immediate areas around waterfalls may be footpaths, they connect to longer routes suitable for cycling.

Parking is generally available at various entry points and popular trailheads within and around Cleland National Park. Specific parking areas will depend on your chosen starting point for a route. It's advisable to check the park's official website for detailed parking information.

Public transport options to Cleland National Park are limited, but some bus services operate to nearby suburbs or towns in the Adelaide Hills. From there, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the park's cycling routes. For detailed public transport information, it's best to consult Adelaide Metro's website.

Yes, the Adelaide Hills region, including areas near Cleland National Park, has several charming cafes and eateries. For example, the Victoria Park – Lounders Boatshed Café loop from Glenside includes a stop at Lounders Boatshed Café. The Norton Summit Climb – Uraidla Republic Café & Bakery loop from Adelaide also passes by the Uraidla Republic Café & Bakery, offering great spots to refuel.

Absolutely. Routes like the Roadbike loop from Torrens Park and the Glenelg Foreshore and Marina – Brighton Jetty loop from Goodwood are rated as easy, making them suitable for beginners or families looking for a relaxed ride. The Brownhill Creek – Cafe 1954 at Brownhill Creek loop from Goodwood is another easy option.

The no traffic road cycling routes in Cleland National Park feature varied terrain. While many are on paved or smoothly surfaced roads, some shared-use trails might have a hard base like Bitumate, suitable for road bikes. You should be prepared for significant elevation changes, as the park is known for its challenging climbs, especially towards viewpoints like Mount Lofty Summit. Routes can range from relatively flat, like the Victoria Park – Lounders Boatshed Café loop from Glenside with 88m elevation gain, to very challenging, such as the Norton Summit Climb – Uraidla Republic Café & Bakery loop from Adelaide with over 1400m of climbing.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.76 stars from 46 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural bushland, the rewarding climbs to panoramic viewpoints like Mount Lofty Summit, and the peaceful experience of cycling away from traffic on well-maintained surfaces.

Generally, you do not need a specific permit for cycling on designated trails within Cleland National Park. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Parks SA website for the most current information regarding park entry fees or any specific trail regulations, especially for shared-use trails. You can find more information at parks.sa.gov.au.