The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is a short but enjoyable bushwalking trail in the Megalong Valley area of the Blue Mountains.
The trail meanders through the beautiful landscape of the Coachwood and Mountain Ash forests and includes a few crossings of the Pulpit Hill Creek.
While this trail isn’t spectacular by any means, it’s a lovely walk to combine with other walks and sights nearby, such as the Mermaids Cave Walk and Mount Blackheath.
| Coachwood Glen Nature Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 800 m return |
| Duration: | 40 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Dogs: | On a lead |
How to Get There
Access to the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is on Megalong Road, which feeds into the Megalong Valley. The trail, however, is still within the boundaries of the suburb of Blackheath.
There are two car parks from where you can start the walking trail:
- Roadside car park (map location)
- Archway car park (map location)
The Coachwood Glen roadside car park is the first one you will see when driving down Megalong Road, but it only has space for a handful of cars.
The Coachwood Glen archway car park, 200 metres further down the road, is a bit bigger and can fit around six or seven cars.
It doesn’t matter so much where you park your car; just go for the one where there is enough space to park safely.
Track Notes
The Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is less than 1 km long and well-signposted, but there are a few intersections where things may get a bit confusing.
It’s a relatively easy walk, suitable for kids, but the creek crossings can be a bit slippery. We recommend wearing decent hiking shoes, especially after rainfall.
To do the whole loop, you have to include the Mountain Ash Track, which involves two creek crossings.
Here is a map of the trail with the two car parks marked as P1 and P2:
About the Walk
Once you’ve parked your car at either car park, it’s worth having a look at the information boards before you start the walk.
There, you will find more information about the trail and the landscape, and you will also see a more detailed map of the walking track.
The trail was constructed in the 1960s by Keith Duncan, who was an active member of the Rotary Club in Blackheath for over 50 years.
The track is now under the management of the Blue Mountains City Council, and the Rotary Club still assists with the maintenance of it.
As you make your way through the forest dominated by Coachwood and Sassafras trees, keep an eye out for the various colourful fungi species you may spot along the way.
The trail essentially consists of two sections: the Pulpit Hill Creek Track (west of the creek) and the Mountain Ash Track (east of the creek).
Starting from either car park, the first part of the walk is a gradual descent towards Pulpit Hill Creek. Once there, you will see signs for the Mountain Ash Track.
Mountain Ash Track
Follow those signs to cross the Pulpit Hill Creek and then continue the trail through the Mountain Ash Forest.
This section is about 200-300 metres long, and while the path may be a bit overgrown, the scenery is lovely.
You will then cross the creek a second time to get back to the other side.
It’s worth doing the Mountain Ash Track because the two creek crossings are quite exciting, even more so when there is a good amount of water flowing.
Once you’ve reached the car park at the other end of the walking trail, you can either return via the road (shortest and quickest) or return via the bush trail but without the Mountain Ash Track section.
If you decide to return via the road, please be careful with cars driving past. Returning through the forest is the safer option, especially if you have children with you.
Hungry after this walk?
Check out the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms on Megalong Road, further south in the Megalong Valley. They serve breakfast and lunch with lots of outdoor seating in beautiful natural surroundings.
Last updated: June 7, 2024
