Assessing Hiking-Induced Trail Degradation in Enseleni Nature Reserve, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nature-based tourism in protected areas brings economic benefits but can also lead to negative environmental impacts, such as trail degradation. This study aimed to quantify hiking-induced degradation on the Mvubu and Nkonkoni trails in Enseleni Nature Reserve, South Africa. Data were collected through systematic sampling at 20 points along each trail, with 50-m intervals between sampling locations. Several trail degradation indicators were recorded, including: trail grade (TG), landform grade (LG), cross-sectional area (CSA), soil compaction, surface composition, soil texture, and soil moisture. Maximum incision depth (MID) and trail width (WID) were treated as response variables. Statistical relationships between degradation indicators and response variables were analysed using linear regression and partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results indicated significant differences ( p < 0.05) between the two trails for several degradation indicators, including surface composition (specifically soil cover), soil compaction, soil texture, and soil moisture. PLSR models explained 19–20% of the variance in MID and 12–55% of the variance in WID. Such weak model performance suggests that trail degradation may be influenced by additional factors not measured in this study. In particular, human behavioural factors, such as hiker avoidance of muddy sections, may play an important role in shaping patterns of trail degradation beyond the measured environmental variables. Early signs of rill erosion were observed on the Mvubu Trail, while informal trail formation was evident on the Nkonkoni Trail. Consequently, the study recommends a dual-track strategy involving revegetation along with the installation of water bars and check dams on the Mvubu Trail to prevent rilling, and “Leave-No-Trace” visitor education for the Nkonkoni Trail to reduce informal path formation.