Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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Fern Loop

Ashhurst, Manawatu - Wanganui

Submitted by Janelle Foster

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 8 ?

Gnarl Factor: 35 ?

5.8km

130m

130m

264m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Run Makeup

30%
70%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.1%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.2%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

0:50

Slow

0:35

Moderate

0:25

Fast

Easy to follow track that starts with a steady climb. Excellent views of the valley and surrounding wildlife. Well worth the small trip out of town!

Waterfalls, creak crossing and a few boggy areas

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Ample safe carpacking on main road.

0 km

0 minutes

Unknown

No

Moderate.

Generally good.

Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

River and creek access available.

Muddy terrain after rain

Some stairs on the upward climbs

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Trail Reviews

Nice loop but very muddy and slow after rain. Allow extra time to read the signs about the ferns.

Richele McKenzie

November 13, 2021

This is a fantastic track. I wish I lived nearby as this would be a regular run. The trail is mainly smooth, flat and fast running through the beautiful bush. There is a steep bit just after the loop splits which has several proper stairs and root stairs to get up. Then it is back to mainly flat trail with only a couple of short climbs, all runnable. There is a short section with some bogs but none are too deep and easily traversed. The descent is easy and fast. The tracks are well maintained and there are heaps of information boards about the ferns. One of the best short runs I have done.

Kirstine Collins

August 1, 2020

Well worth the 30 min drive from Palmy. We walked with the family around the loop and it was most enjoyable. Would love to come back and run it too. You could complete a few loops for more distance and vert.

Kate Southern

January 20, 2020

Great loop. Nice flowing single track. Good to get in there before it gets too boggy.

Owen Svensson

April 22, 2019

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