A NETWORK of new trails has opened up to provide access to more than 12,000 hectares of native bushland, plantation forests and conservation parks in the southern Barossa region.

A new 9.5 kilometre trail now connects the South Para and Warren reservoir reserves, while a separate trail links the South Para to nearby Williamstown.

Environment and water minister David Speirs said the expansion adds another element to the adventure tourism scene and follows policy to open up South Australian reservoirs for recreation.

“The beauty of the new trails is it allows people to run or hike between two of the state’s prominent reservoirs while also providing connection to camping grounds in the nearby Mount Crawford Forest or Para Wirra Conservation Park,” Mr Speirs said.

“For the more adventurous types with hiking experience, the north Warren loop trail connects to a beautiful but challenging 20-kilometre trek winding through the Mount Crawford Forest, South Para Reservoir reserve and to Para Wirra.”

Current South Australian regulations permit people to safely visit reservoir reserves and conservation parks that are open for public access, following social distancing guidelines of 1.5 metres apart and in groups of no more than 20 people.