more stats
1.8 miles
Distance
386 ft
Climb
-1,383 ft
Descent
00:17:28
Avg time
-997 ft
Altitude change
820 ft
Altitude min
1,878 ft
Altitude max
1,826 ft
Altitude start
830 ft
Altitude end
-10.755%
Grade
-74.792%
Grade max
37.899%
Grade min
2,561 ft
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
272 ft
Distance flat
00:17:28
Avg time

Devils Tail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Blacks Point
    Reefton
  • AKA
    Murray Creek to Waitahu Valley
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    45 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #111143 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #134152 in Trail Running
    • #50666 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

The track climbs up a historic road to the Waitahu Junction then drops down a benched single track ending with tight fast switchbacks down to the Clematis suspension bridge. Either bike back to Reefton via Gannons Rd and the Reefton Highway or head back the way you came.

source: DOC Reefton Website
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 0 rides
  •  
All
  • 9 rides
  • Last: Feb 4, 2026
update trails status or condition

Devils Tail Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Feb 6, 2026 @ 3:39pm (Pacific/Auckland)
Feb 5, 2026
 Trail is open but there's still lots of trees blocking the trail, the slips are passable now. Overall not worth the effort
Dec 23, 2022 @ 3:56pm
Dec 23, 2022
 Doc signage says clauses. There are major slips on the track and some deadfall blocking the track. It’s passable if you carry your bike, but...
Dec 4, 2022 @ 5:51pm
Dec 4, 2022
 sign at uphill end says "closed due to big slip" so didnt go.. altho earlier report indicates; maybe usable if carry bike.
Nov 28, 2022 @ 2:06pm
Nov 28, 2022
 couple slips can get past if carry bike .. same with couple trees... other than that riding
Mar 12, 2021 @ 9:56pm
Mar 12, 2021
Opened the top section of Devils tail ridge if any one is interested on a more direct dh. Enjoy ????
more »
Status:
on Feb 6, 2026
Wet
Avg: 3.98 (1 votes)
Your vote: 0

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      Directions to devils-tail trailhead (-42.126590, 171.919200)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      10 more »
      mtb
      51 |
      Jan 5, 2019 @ 1:00am
      Jan 5, 2019
      mtb
      52 |
      Jan 5, 2019 @ 12:41am
      Jan 5, 2019
      mtb
      50 |
      Jan 5, 2019 @ 12:38am
      Jan 5, 2019
      report
      mtb
      24 |
      Dec 23, 2022 @ 3:57pm
      Dec 23, 2022

      Videos

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      4.0 ★★★★★
      1 Ratings
      5 ★
      4 ★ 100%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

      1 Review & Comments

      Beatnink Beatnink
      A beautiful track down to the Waitahu river but very challenging in parts with narrow parts with steep drops. A large fallen tree blocked the path half way down but I was able to clamber around it.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Devils Tail located?
      Devils Tail is located in Blacks Point, Reefton, New Zealand. It is part of the Blacks Point trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -42.12659, 171.9192.
      ▼ How hard is Devils Tail?
      Devils Tail is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 10.755%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Devils Tail?
      Devils Tail has 386 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,383 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 820 ft to 1,878 ft.
      ▼ Is Devils Tail a point to point trail?
      Devils Tail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Devils Tail?
      Devils Tail is 1.8 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Devils Tail?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Devils Tail. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access Devils Tail? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Devils Tail are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Devils Tail?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 29 minutes to ride Devils Tail. The trail is 1.8 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Devils Tail?
      Devils Tail is a moderately popular trail. There have been 69 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 73 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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