Last updated: November 13, 2023
Our comprehensive guide to the 20 best walks in the Blue Mountains, from easy, family-friendly walking trails to challenging half-day hikes.
With so many beautiful walking tracks, the Blue Mountains is a true paradise for bushwalkers, exploring scenic waterfalls, deep valleys, and many lookout points that offer panoramic views.
Hiking is by far the best way to discover all that natural goodness, and that is why we are sharing the 20 best walking tracks in the Blue Mountains.
We have ordered these walks by area (east to west) and distance.
Top 20 Blue Mountains Walks:
| Walk | Area | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lapstone Zig Zag Walk | Glenbrook | 3 km (return) |
| 2 | South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk | Lawson | 2.5 km (circuit) |
| 3 | Wentworth Falls Track | Wentworth Falls | 2 km (return) |
| 4 | Valley of the Waters Walking Track | Wentworth Falls | 2.5 km (return) |
| 5 | Overcliff Undercliff Track | Wentworth Falls | 4 km (circuit) |
| 6 | Bridal Veil Falls Circuit | Leura | 4 km (circuit) |
| 7 | Lockleys Pylon Walking Track | Leura | 7 km (return) |
| 8 | Fortress Ridge Trail | Leura | 7.5 km (return) |
| 9 | Three Sisters Walk | Katoomba | 1 km (return) |
| 10 | Katoomba Falls Round Walk | Katoomba | 2 km (circuit) |
| 11 | Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop | Katoomba | 6 km (circuit) |
| 12 | Prince Henry Cliff Walk | Katoomba | 7 km (one way) |
| 13 | Porters Pass Circuit | Blackheath | 5.5 km (circuit) |
| 14 | Cliff Top Walking Track | Blackheath | 6 km (return) |
| 15 | Grand Canyon Walk | Blackheath | 6 km (circuit) |
| 16 | Hat Hill to Bald Head | Blackheath | 7 km (return) |
| 17 | Hanging Rock Track | Blackheath | 8 km (return) |
| 18 | Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk | Blackheath | 9 km (return) |
| 19 | Walls Lookout Walking Track | Bells Line of Rd | 2 km (return) |
| 20 | Mount Banks Summit Walk | Bells Line of Rd | 2.5 km (return) |
Before you head out to do one of these walks, it’s always recommended to check for the latest updates on closed areas within the Blue Mountains region on the National Parks website.
Top 20 Walks in the Blue Mountains
You can find the starting point for each Blue Mountains walk by clicking on the map location link underneath each walk description.
Hiking in the Blue Mountains can be done throughout all seasons: summer, autumn, winter, and spring. In summer, it’s recommended to go a bit earlier in the day to avoid the heat.
1. Lapstone Zig Zag Walk
The historic Lapstone Zig Zag Walk in Glenbrook is a fascinating bush walking track that follows an abandoned railway line to the Knapsack Bridge.
The Knapsack Bridge is a large sandstone arch viaduct built in the second half of the 19th century to carry the Zig Zag Railway line over the Knapsack Gully.
The best location to start this fantastic walk is at the end of Knapsack Street in Glenbrook. From there, follow the trail into the bush until you see the first glimpses of the viaduct.
Another option (if the Knapsack Street access point is closed) is to walk to the Knapsack Bridge via the Knapsack Viaduct Trail starting from Mitchells Pass (see map location).
More information: Lapstone Zig Zag Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
2. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk
The pleasant and unpretentious 2.5 km long South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk takes in four small but beautiful waterfalls, quietly tucked away in a pocket of scenic bushland, not too far away from the Lawson town centre.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, the track is easy to follow but can get a bit muddy. The best time to do this walking trail is after a period of rainfall when the waterfalls really come alive.
The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk is one of the very few dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains, so feel free to bring your best mate along.
More information: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
3. Wentworth Falls Track
The Wentworth Falls Track is a short, family-friendly walking trail from the Wentworth Falls picnic area to the top of the Wentworth Falls waterfall.
This walking track includes several big lookout points before arriving at the waterfall, such as the Jamison Lookout, the Wentworth Falls Lookout, and the Fletchers Lookout.
Once you’ve reached the top of the waterfall, it’s highly recommended to go into the valley via the Grand Stairway so you can get close-up views of the waterfall from a lower level. This stairway is steep and narrow, but it’s a unique adventure that is well worth the extra effort.
More information: Wentworth Falls Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
4. Valley of the Waters Walking Track
A relatively short but steep walking track, starting from the Conservation Hut in Wentworth Falls, brings visitors up close and personal with several scenic waterfalls.
The first section of the walk towards the Queen Victoria Lookout and the Empress Lookout is an easy path heading down via several sets of stairs.
From the Empress Lookout, the track descends further via a series of metal stairs, before arriving at beautiful Empress Falls.
Beyond Empress Falls, the trail continues deeper into the Valley of the Waters to a few more waterfalls: Sylvia Falls, Lodore Falls, and Flat Rock Falls.
More information: Valley of the Waters Walking Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
5. Overcliff Undercliff Track
One of the best walks in the Wentworth Falls area is the Overcliff Undercliff Track, a 4 km circuit walk that can be started from the picnic area and from the Conservation Hut.
This hike doesn’t reach the valley floor and stays higher up on the cliffs, making it a less challenging adventure than the Wentworth Pass but just as enjoyable.
Various lookout points along the track offer scenic views over the valley and the waterfall, which makes this walk all the more engaging.
More information: Overcliff Undercliff Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
6. Bridal Veil Falls Circuit
The Bridal Veil Falls Circuit is a stunning walking track in the Leura area of the Blue Mountains, navigating through a rainforest landscape with waterfalls, creeks, and large cliff walls.
This fantastic 4 km loop walking track includes the Amphitheatre Walking Track and the Fern Bower Track, with the base of Bridal Veil Falls as the biggest highlight.
Bridal Veil Falls, also called Leura Falls, is a beautiful cascade waterfall on Leura Falls Creek, flowing into Jamison Valley. This waterfall looks quite similar to Wentworth Falls, but is smaller and perhaps more intimate.
More information: Bridal Veil Falls Circuit.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
7. Lockleys Pylon Walking Track
The walking trail to Lockleys Pylon is quite a unique bushwalk in the Blue Mountains, offering scenic 360-degree views of the Grose Valley, Govetts Gorge, and the sandstone cliffs of Mount Banks and Mount Hay.
This part of the Blue Mountains is still relatively quiet and undiscovered, which makes the track to the peak even more enjoyable. Even though it’s quite a short walk, you’ll be treated to various landscapes and habitats.
The last stretch to the summit of Lockleys Pylon is quite steep, but the views from the top are breathtaking.
From there, you can either make your way back to the car park or continue the walk to Du Faur Head and the Blue Gum Forest.
More information: Lockleys Pylon Walking Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
8. Fortress Ridge Trail
The Fortress Ridge Trail is a 7.5 km return hike that is not so well-known as the nearby Lockleys Pylon walking track, but the views might even be better.
The vantage point at the very end of the walk offers incredible views of the Grose Valley and the cliff walls.
If you’re up for it, there is a second walk starting from the same car park that leads to another beautiful lookout point with scenic valley views from a different angle.
This 2.5 km walk to the Fortress Rock Lookout is significantly shorter than the trail to Fortress Ridge and is worth the extra effort.
More information: Fortress Ridge Trail.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
9. Three Sisters Walk
The scenic walking trail to the Three Sisters from Echo Point in Katoomba may be short, but there are many highlights along the way.
There are a couple of excellent lookout points to explore before arriving at the Honeymoon Bridge, which connects to the first of the Three Sisters.
The walk starts at the stone archway next to the Information Centre at Echo Point. It’s an easy and well-maintained path, although there is a challenging bit at the end where you have to do a small section of the Giant Stairway.
Going there a bit earlier in the day is recommended because it tends to get crowded in that particular part of the Blue Mountains.
More information: Three Sisters Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1 km (return) |
| Duration: | 45 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
10. Katoomba Falls Round Walk
Often overlooked by tourists, the circuit walking track to Katoomba Falls brings visitors up close and personal with one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Blue Mountains.
This short and relatively easy walking trail is for all ages and fitness levels, but it does include a few sections that are a bit steep.
The track starts at Scenic World and guides hikers through a pretty rainforest landscape to Katoomba Falls, with panoramic views of Jamison Valley. The waterfall forms part of the Kedumba River and falls 150 meters into the valley.
The best way to get to the start of the Katoomba Falls Round Walk is by parking your car in the big car park at Scenic World, located on Violet Street off Cliff Drive.
More information: Katoomba Falls Round Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
11. Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop
The Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop in the Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains is an incredible walking track that includes two iconic staircases.
This moderately challenging hike is one of the best in the Blue Mountains, with panoramic Jamison Valley views, beautiful forests, unique rock formations, and much more.
The Giant Stairway is located next to the Three Sisters, and the Furber Steps is located close to Scenic World. One half of the walk follows the cliff edge, and the other half meanders through the valley.
More information: Giant Stairway to Furber Steps Loop.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
12. Prince Henry Cliff Walk
The Prince Henry Cliff Walk is an adventurous 7 km walking trail between Scenic World in Katoomba and Gordon Falls Lookout in Leura.
It follows the cliff edge overlooking Jamison Valley, with many beautiful lookout points along the way to enjoy some of the best views in the Blue Mountains.
Named in honour of the third son of King George V and Queen Mary, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk was completed in 1936 to help boost local tourism and to serve a public need after years of economic depression in the early 1930s.
Some highlights along this famous walking track are Katoomba Cascades, Three Sisters, Echo Point, Leura Cascades, and Elysian Rock Lookout Point.
If this walk is too long, you can do one or more shorter sections. One of the better sections of the Prince Henry Cliff Walk is the stretch between Katoomba Cascades and Echo Point. This section is approximately 1.5 km long and offers terrific valley views.
More information: Prince Henry Cliff Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (one way) |
| Duration: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
13. Porters Pass Circuit
The Porters Pass circuit is an exciting bushwalk in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains, involving waterfalls, valley views, creek crossings, rainforest gullies, and slot canyons.
This challenging hike combines four different walking trails and is among the best in the Greater Blue Mountains region. Interestingly, the Porters Pass Circuit is much quieter than, for example, the Grand Canyon Walk.
One of the highlights along this walk is the Centennial Grove Grotto Canyon, a slot canyon with a small waterfall and a natural swimming pool.
More information: Porters Pass.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.5 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
14. Cliff Top Walking Track
The Cliff Top walking track connects two of the most impressive lookout points in the Blue Mountains: the Govetts Leap lookout and the Evans lookout.
Located near Blackheath, this beautiful track follows the valley’s cliff edge, offering breathtaking views over the huge Grose Valley below. At Evans Lookout, this walking track connects with the Grand Canyon Walk.
You can start this scenic hike at the Govetts Leap or the Evans Lookout. To get to Govetts Leap, follow the Great Western Highway to Blackheath and turn into Govetts Leap Rd, which leads to the lookout.
Otherwise, if you wish to start at the other end, turn into Evans Lookout Rd in Blackheath and drive to the third and last parking area.
More information: Cliff Top Walking Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
15. Grand Canyon Walk
The Grand Canyon Walk is among the most impressive and most enjoyable hikes in the Blue Mountains. This track will leave a lasting impression, with incredible views and beautiful scenery to soak in from start to finish.
The track passes through a landscape of lush rainforests, with several creek crossings, small waterfalls, sandstone cliff walls, and rock overhangs.
First opened in 1907, the 6 km long Grand Canyon walking track was the first of its kind in the Blue Mountains, and has since been challenged by thousands of hiking enthusiasts every year.
While the Grand Canyon Walk has some very steep sections, this hike can be conquered by anyone with a reasonable fitness level. But do make sure you bring enough water, appropriate footwear, and also some snacks with you.
More information: Grand Canyon Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (circuit) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
16. Hat Hill to Bald Head
The 7 km return walking track from Hat Hill Road in Blackheath to Bald Head passes through beautiful bushland scenery before arriving at a panoramic lookout point.
The views from Bald Head over the Grose Valley, the surrounding cliff walls, and the nearby landmarks are very impressive.
The first part of the walk is to the summit of Hat Hill, followed by a section through an open landscape, and continues through bushland to Bald Head.
This moderately challenging hike in the Blackheath area of the Blue Mountains is not very well known and is usually pretty quiet.
More information: Hat Hill to Bald Head.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (return) |
| Duration: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
17. Hanging Rock Track
Hanging Rock, a large sandstone object pointing out from a cliff, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the greater Blue Mountains region, located near Blackheath.
It is a few moments away from the Baltzer Lookout, which offers eye-dropping views of the Grose Valley and surrounding escarpments.
Hanging Rock and the Baltzer Lookout are somewhat off the beaten track, but it’s relatively easy to get there.
The walking track to the Baltzer Lookout is a 4 km management trail that winds its way through bushland with a few smaller viewing points to explore.
More information: Hanging Rock Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 8 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
18. Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk
The walking track to Asgard Swamp, Thor Head, and Asgard Mine, commonly referred to as the Asgard Swamp Track, is an adventurous hike navigating through stunning Blue Mountains scenery.
This usually quiet, 9 km return walk on the Asgard Plateau passes several exciting sights with fantastic valley views to enjoy from multiple lookout points.
The views from Asgard Head at the end of the walking trail are particularly impressive, looking out over the Grose Valley with various Blue Mountains landmarks visible.
More information: Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 9 km (return) |
| Duration: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
19. Walls Lookout Walking Track
The walking track to the Walls Lookout is located in the Bells Line of Road area of the Blue Mountains, which is typically much quieter than the Katoomba and Wentworth Falls areas.
Walls Lookout is not a purpose-built lookout platform. Instead, it’s a large area on top of a cliff where visitors can wander around and enjoy the views.
The views from the Walls Lookout to the Grose Valley and surrounding cliffs are stunning, with lots of space to explore and wander around.
Depending on rainfall, you may even be able to spot a waterfall. This is a waterfall on the Hungerfords Gully, which flows into the Grose River in the valley below.
More information: Walls Lookout Walking Track.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
20. Mount Banks Summit Walk
Mount Banks, with its distinctive rounded peak, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the greater Blue Mountains region.
Mostly overlooked by tourists, the hike to the summit of Mt Banks offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, a part of the Blue Mountains that is still a bit undiscovered.
Hiking to the summit of Mount Banks can be done in two ways. One track roughly follows the cliff edge to the top, while the other is via Mount Banks Rd.
The first option is the shortest and most scenic walking track, but it is also quite steep. The second option is a bit longer and is not as steep, but it doesn’t offer the best views.
More information: Mount Banks Summit Walk.
| Walk stats: | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (return) |
| Duration: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Trailhead: | Map location |
More Blue Mountains resources:
The best hikes in and around Sydney.
