Includes bibliography. / This research report sets out to determine the trail facility preferences (social carrying capacity) for National Hikingway trails in the south-western Cape. It was found that social carrying capacity is a complex concept, based on perceptive experiences and relative social values. It is not so much the level of use that determines SCC, but a user's perceptions of types and levels of use that are apparent in a recreation area. The major line of investigation was a cross-sectional attitude study to ascertain trail facility preferences of mountaineers in the study area: the first step was to the establish the social milieu of mountaineering in order to place the research in an ethical and historical context; next, the literature on outdoor recreation was reviewed and the major trends in research identified in an attempt to place the research in a methodological paradigm; thirdly, the overview and principles established in steps 1 and 2 of the report were used to develop an attitude survey on NHW trail facility preferences. While a range of preferences was found to exist, it was found to be more supportive of the status quo than expected. An anticipated gradation of preferences according to one's level of hiking experience was not statistically supported by sub-group analysis. The survey results emphasise the importance of evaluating conceptual perspectives with empirical analyses. Social and ecological interests are best served by providing a range of trail types characterised by various trail facilities, to cater for high and low carrying capacity preferences. Trail management should consider traditional recreational uses in an area, current land uses and the future needs of mountaineers in the region.