The trail takes a circular route via the escarpment overlooking Amsterdamhoek, returning through valley bushveld on the plateau. Amsterdamhoek is named after a Dutch man-of–war, the Amsterdam, which ran aground near the mouth of the Swartkops River on 16 December 1817. The walks are suitable for reasonably fit persons, who are advised to walk in a group, wear stout shoes and take a sunhat and drinking water.
The dense, stunted vegetation known as valley bushveld seen along the trail has adapted to the arid climate combined with the shallow clay soils on top of calcareous sandstone. Aloes, especially A. pluridens, at the start of the trail make a stunning show when in flower during June/July and attract many sunbirds.
Views from the top of the escarpment are excellent w here the lower reaches of the Zwartkops estuary, a major recreational area can be seen. Estuaries are amongst the most productive ecosystems on earth w here salt marsh vegetation provides food for mud prawn and other invertebrates living in the intertidal mudbanks, these animals in turn provide a food source for birds and fish. There is also a good view upstream to Redhouse, the Zwartkops Nature Reserve, saltpan and beyond to Uitenhage and Cockscomb, the source of the river.
Grysbok are common, whereas bushpig and the rare blue duiker are seldom seen. Formerly this bush supported many game animals, including elephant. The only remaining evidence of the presence of these large mammals is well-worn game tracks and the old wallows. The trail passes through a series of these wallows which can be seen as bush-free depressions that hold water after good rains.