Knysna Timber Route

A pitsaw in the Knysna Forests, possibly early 20th-Century

Discover the history of timber in Knysna - and the forests and products that created the local economy

The Knysna Timber Route covers the Lakes District of the Garden Route: from Island Lake near Wilderness in the West, to the Garden of Eden, about 10 km east of Knysna.

The route takes the form of a self-drive tour using an illustrated and easy to follow map researched and written by Margaret Parkes, the doyenne of local historians, and sponsored by her family’s sawmilling company, Geo Parkes & Sons.

The map provides tantalising snippets of information about features of the local timber economy - such as:

  • The famous Big Trees of the area (the 800-year-old Woodville Giant Yellowwood north of Hoekwil, for example);
  • The local lakes and lagoons;
  • The Seven Passes Road - the historic and scenic back-country route from Knysna to George;
  • Walks and hikes you might like to explore;
  • Some of the landmark buildings in Knysna;
  • The Millwood gold rush in the Knysna forests in the late 19th Century;
  • Knysna’s maritime history, etc.

With photos and descriptions of iconic species - stinkwood, yellowwood, white pear, hard pear, and ironwood - this glossy, full-colour publication would be a great companion on any meander through the Knysna forests. And you’ll want to keep it as a souvenir of your visit when you’re done. 

The route map is available from the tourism information office (41 Main Street) - or

Download the map (.pdf, 1.8MB) here:

KNYSNA TIMBER ROUTE MAP

Knysna forests, forest museum knysna, diepwalle museum, deep walls forest Nobles Blacksmiths Shop, Knysna (long gone, but not forgotten) Government timber auction in the Knysna Forests. 1950s Visit the Knysna forests Garden Route National Park, Knysna Forests Government railway sleeper factory in Knysna. Possibly late 19th Century George Parkes Sawmill. history knysna, sawmill knysna, knysna museum