Four Longer Hikes to Stretch the Legs
Embrace the Challenge: Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit in the Blue Mountains NSW
The Blue Mountains offer stunning natural beauty and countless opportunities for adventure. With its dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and breathtaking views, this region is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or looking for a new challenge, these longer trails promise unforgettable experiences when you visit Blue Mountains. From panoramic lookouts to hidden waterfalls, every step reveals a new marvel. Embrace the wilderness and immerse yourself in the serenity and grandeur of these iconic landscapes. As you explore, stay safe, carry enough water, and let someone know your plans.
Grand Cliff Top Walk
Distance: 19 kilometres
Difficulty: Grade 3. Moderate, some bushwalking experience needed. Although the walk doesn’t go down into the valley, it includes numerous stairs, short steep inclines, uneven surfaces, and multiple stepped sections.
This trail takes you along the edge of the cliffs from Wentworth Falls to Leura, finishing in Katoomba, covering the most iconic sites of the Blue Mountains. It is designed to be split into two days with an overnight at local accommodation in the middle.
The Grand Cliff Top Walk offers spectacular views of the Jamison Valley and landmarks like the Three Sisters. The path winds through eucalyptus forests and open heathlands, providing a mix of shaded and exposed sections. Along the route, you have the chance to encounter many native birds, such as the yellow-tailed black cockatoo – a significant bird to the traditional custodians of Gundungurra Country.
Grad Cliff Top Walk Highlights
Multiple Scenic Lookouts along the way: There are numerous vantage points to snap the perfect photo.
Leura Cascades: A beautiful spot to take a break and enjoy the cascading water.
Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk: This 1.5km stretch is a great opportunity to view the stunning Blue Mountains landscape from a unique perspective.
Grand Canyon Track
Distance: 6.3 kilometres loop
Difficulty: Grade 3. Moderate
For those looking for a more challenging trek (read more steps down into the valley, and more steps to make it out of the valley), the Grand Canyon Track delivers.This historic loop track offers an immersive journey into the heart of a World Heritage-listed landscape. Adventurous and well-loved, this trail has been walked since 1907. The loop will take you through lush native vegetation, past impressive sandstone walls and serene waterfalls. With its flowing creek and cascading waterfalls, this walk is especially refreshing in the warmer months. However, it’s important to avoid canyon walks before, during, or after heavy rainfall, so be sure to check the forecast and park alerts before heading out.
Starting and ending in Blackheath, this track provides a comprehensive experience of the Blue Mountains’ rugged beauty.
Grand Canyon Track Highlights
Fern-covered Gullies: Walk through lush, green landscapes.
Waterfalls: Discover hidden waterfalls along the way
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest Walking Track
Distance: 4km return
Difficulty: Grade 4. Challenging. Descend down the steep cliff-face to the valley floor.
Breathing in the fresh air of the Blue Mountains is practically a national tradition—and there’s no better way to experience it than on this challenging and rewarding walk. Start at Perrys Lookdown, where sweeping views of the valley invite a moment of pause.
As you descend the steep trail, you’ll pass a large swamp before tackling the rugged cliff line. Keep an eye out for birdlife—this is prime territory for spotting red-headed gang-gangs and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.
The track leads to the edge of the magnificent Blue Gum Forest, where towering eucalypts thrive in rich soil. Pause beneath a deanes blue gum for a snack, and listen for the delicate chimes of the bell miner echoing through the trees. From here, either retrace your steps up the cliffs or extend your stay with a night under the stars at nearby Acacia Flat campground.
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest Highlights
Perrys Lookdown: Stunning scenic views over Grose Valley, Blue Gum Forest and Mount Banks.
Blue Gum Forest: A haven for birds and wildlife, one of the finest examples of a closed forest.
Hanging Rock Trail or Baltzer Lookout
Distance: 10km return
Difficulty: Grade 3. The majority of this trail is along an easily accessible fire trail, until you reach the end point where, if you choose to descend the cliff face to reach Hanging Rock, the climb becomes steep and is often subject to winds, making this section challenging.
Easily reached from Blackheath via Ridgewell Road, this trail winds through heathland and open forest. In spring, keep an eye out for vibrant red waratahs and blooming grass trees with their creamy flowers. A short bush track leads to the unfenced Baltzer Lookout, also known as Hanging Rock. Take great care near the sheer cliff edges. Pause to breathe in the crisp mountain air and take in the breathtaking views over Hanging Rock and the Grose Valley.
Hanging Rock Highlights
Baltzer Lookout: Reaching the end point of the trail with views over the Grose Valley – truly magical.
Option to cycle: Given most of the walk is along a firetrail, why not cycle it and speed up the time!
Plan Your Blue Mountains Getaway
After a long day on the trails, you’ll want a comfortable place to rest. Blue Mountains Escapes offers a range of accommodations to suit every traveller’s needs. Whether you prefer a cosy cabin or a luxurious retreat, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and recharge. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and easy access to all the attractions the Blue Mountains have to offer.