The best cycling routes in Blackwood River National Park

There are 5 touring cycling routes available in Blackwood River National Park, offering a range of experiences from moderate loops to more challenging, unpaved trails.

The park features diverse terrain, including undulating hills, gravel backroads, and expansive valley views. You'll encounter dense jarrah, marri, and karri forests, with routes offering a mix of smooth bitumen roads, challenging singletrack, and gravel paths.

Springtime, typically between August and November, is particularly beautiful for touring cycling. During this period, the park is vibrant with native wildflowers, including various orchids and banksias, adding a colorful backdrop to your ride.

Yes, there are moderate routes available. For example, the Barrabup Pool – Cambray Sidings Rail Trail loop from Nannup is a 36.5 km trail with mostly paved surfaces, suitable for various skill levels. Another moderate option is the UCL loop from Nannup, which is 30.5 km and winds through undulating hills and forest.

Absolutely. For those seeking a more strenuous ride, routes like the Powlalup Nature Reserve – Barrabup State Forest loop from Nannup (87.9 km) or the Sussex State Forest loop from Nannup (94.3 km) offer significant distances and elevation through dense forests, requiring good fitness.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Blackwood River National Park are loops. Examples include the Barrabup Pool – Cambray Sidings Rail Trail loop, the UCL loop, and the Greenbushes Pool loop from Nannup.

The Blackwood River itself is a central feature, offering numerous scenic vistas. You'll cycle through dense jarrah, marri, and karri forests. Notable spots like Chapman Pool, Warner Glen, and Sues Bridge provide lookouts and direct access to the river for picnicking or swimming.

Yes, the park is a haven for wildlife. Cyclists often spot western grey kangaroos, quokkas, and a rich diversity of birdlife, including grey fantails, red-rumped tits, kookaburras, and various waterbirds, especially near the river.

While specific 'family-friendly' designations aren't provided, the moderate, mostly paved loops like the Barrabup Pool – Cambray Sidings Rail Trail loop could be suitable for families with some cycling experience, given their manageable distances and surfaces.

Touring cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from undulating hills and expansive valley views to dense jarrah and marri forests. The quieter country roads and less crowded environment also enhance the cycling experience, allowing for a peaceful immersion in nature.

While the park itself is generally welcoming, specific regulations regarding dogs on cycling trails can vary. It's always best to check with the local park authorities or signage at trailheads for the most current information on dog-friendly policies.

Many routes are accessible from nearby towns like Nannup and Bridgetown, which typically offer parking facilities. Within the park, popular spots like Chapman Pool, Warner Glen, and Sues Bridge also provide parking for visitors accessing the river and trails.

Yes, the park offers delightful picnic areas and campgrounds. Chapman Pool, Warner Glen, and Sues Bridge are notable spots that provide facilities for picnicking, and Sues Bridge also allows for swimming and launching kayaks, making them ideal rest stops during your ride.