12 Best Dog-Friendly Walks in the Blue Mountains

Discover the best dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains with this guide, featuring everything from short, easy trails to more challenging bushwalking tracks.

As a general rule, dogs are not allowed in National Parks. However, since the Blue Mountains region includes areas beyond the National Park boundaries, there are plenty of walking trails, parks, and other spots where dogs are warmly welcomed.

We’ve compiled our top 12 dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains in geographical order to help you plan your visit with ease. Each walk includes a link to the trailhead’s map location and other practical details.

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1. Knapsack Viaduct

Knapsack Bridge in Glenbrook
Knapsack Bridge in Glenbrook

The Knapsack Bridge in Glenbrook is a grand sandstone arch viaduct built in the 19th century to carry the Zig Zag Railway across Knapsack Gully.

Open to the public, the bridge can be accessed via two walking trails. The first option is the Lapstone Zig Zag Walk, which begins at Knapsack Street. The second option is the Knapsack Viaduct Trail, starting from Mitchells Pass.

At the top of the bridge, you’ll have the option to descend into the gully via a steep trail, where you can take in stunning views from beneath the viaduct.

Knapsack Viaduct
Distance: 3 km (return)
Grade: Easy / moderate
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

2. Lennox Bridge Loop

Lennox Bridge in Glenbrook
Lennox Bridge in Glenbrook

The Lennox Bridge in Glenbrook is a heritage-listed road bridge that carries Mitchells Pass over Lapstone Creek.

Once the main road into the Blue Mountains, long before the Great Western Highway was built, this stone arch bridge, constructed in the early 19th century, remains open to cars today.

For a nice walk, head to Olivet Street in Glenbrook and take the 1.5 km loop walk along Lapstone Creek. This scenic walk is also an off-leash area for dogs, making it a great option for furry companions.

Lennox Bridge Loop
Distance: 1.5 km (loop)
Grade: Easy
Dogs: Off-leash
Trailhead: Location on map

3. Birdwood Gully Round Walk

Cliff overhang in Birdwood Gully
Cliff overhang in Birdwood Gully

The Birdwood Gully Walk is a scenic 2.6 km loop in Springwood that remains a hidden gem. While the path is generally easy to follow, it can be a little rough and steep in sections.

There are two entry points to the Birdwood Gully Round Walk, both located on Bednal Road. For convenience and safety, it’s best to park your car at the intersection of Bednal Road and Lucinda Avenue.

The walk features beautiful rainforest scenery, with highlights including caves, creek crossings, and cliff overhangs to discover along the way.

Although this is a relatively easy walk, the descent into the gully and the climb back out may prove a bit too challenging for smaller dogs.

Birdwood Gully Round Walk
Distance: 2.6 km (circuit)
Grade: Easy / moderate (steep sections)
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

4. Horseshoe Falls Walking Track

Horseshoe Falls in Hazelbrook
Horseshoe Falls in Hazelbrook

The Horseshoe Falls Walking Track is an exciting bush trail in Hazelbrook that showcases four small but beautiful waterfalls.

While there are several entry points to this track, the most convenient is on Oaklands Road. From here, the walk is approximately 3.5 km (return) to the furthest waterfall, Burgess Falls.

If your dog isn’t up for the full walk, you can tailor the adventure to suit their energy levels. There is no need to go all the way to Burgess Falls.

This is a lovely trail, but be aware that the path can become quite muddy, even after light rain, due to the gully environment.

Horseshoe Falls Walking Track
Distance: 3.5 km (return)
Grade: Easy / moderate
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

5. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk

Federal Falls in South Lawson
Federal Falls in South Lawson

The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk is a well-loved trail that features four beautiful waterfalls along an easy-to-follow bush path.

Dogs often enjoy this walk because there’s so much to explore, but it’s a proper bushwalk, so it may not be suitable for all dogs.

An added bonus is that the track passes the former Lawson golf course, which has been transformed into a large dog park, complete with an off-leash area.

South Lawson Waterfall Circuit Walk
Distance: 2.5 km (circuit)
Grade: Easy / moderate (steep sections)
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

6. Dantes Glen Walking Track

Start of the Dantes Glen Walking Track
Start of the Dantes Glen Walking Track

The Dantes Glen Walking Track in North Lawson is a fantastic, family-friendly trail that takes you past three small waterfalls while winding through stunning bushland scenery.

This dog-friendly trail is part of the longer Empire Pass waterfall circuit, but only the Dantes Glen section lies within Council land boundaries.

The walk begins at North Lawson Park, located at the end of St Bernards Drive. Simply look for the large signpost to start your hike to Dantes Glen, Fairy Falls, and St Michael’s Falls.

Dantes Glen Walking Track
Distance: 1.8 km (circuit)
Grade: Easy
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

7. Wentworth Falls Lake

Wentworth Falls Lake
Wentworth Falls Lake

Wentworth Falls Lake is a picturesque park and water reservoir created by damming Jamison Creek, which flows into the Jamison Valley via the Wentworth Falls waterfall.

You can walk around the entire lake, but for a shorter option, follow the paved walking path along the southern side of the lake. The full loop is approximately 3.5 km and includes some walking along suburban streets.

Wentworth Falls Lake is also one of the best picnic spots in the Blue Mountains, offering excellent facilities like BBQs, shelters, tables, a playground, toilets, and ample parking.

Wentworth Falls Lake
Distance: 3.5 km (circuit)
Grade: Easy
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

8. Darwins Walk

Darwins Walk
Darwins Walk

The Darwins Walk (formerly known as the Charles Darwin Walk) is a family-friendly trail in Wentworth Falls, connecting Wilson Park to the popular waterfall hiking area.

This trail is enjoyable for both humans and dogs, featuring several bridges and boardwalks that wind through beautiful bushland scenery. With various entry and exit points, you don’t need to complete the entire trail to enjoy it.

It’s worth noting that Darwins Walk includes a couple of metal footbridges, which might be a bit tricky for some dogs.

Darwins Walk
Distance: 4 km (return)
Grade: Easy
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

9. Minnehaha Falls Walking Track

Views of Minnehaha Falls
Views of Minnehaha Falls

Minnehaha Falls is a stunning waterfall on Yosemite Creek, located in the North Katoomba area of the Blue Mountains.

The waterfall itself is a beautiful sight and a popular spot for a refreshing swim in summer. The 3 km return bushwalking trail leading to it is equally enjoyable.

The trail follows Yosemite Creek, passing a smaller cascade and offering several lookout points along the way. The final stretch to the waterfall includes a steep metal staircase, so be prepared for a bit of a climb.

Parking is available at Minnehaha Falls Reserve, located at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road, which is also the starting point of the walking track to the waterfall.

Minnehaha Falls Walking Track
Distance: 3 km (return)
Grade: Easy / moderate
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

10. Mermaids Cave Walk

Mermaids Cave waterfall
Mermaids Cave waterfall

The Mermaids Cave in Blackheath is a large sandstone rock overhang nestled in a serene forest setting, complete with a small yet picturesque waterfall.

Although the walking trail is short (less than 1 km return), it offers an exciting little adventure for both humans and their furry companions. The cave and waterfall are beautiful, but the impressive staircase leading down is a highlight in itself.

Keep in mind that the staircase is quite steep and can be slippery, so your dog will need to be comfortable tackling this challenge.

The walk begins on Megalong Road, where a well-sized parking area is available on the opposite side of the road.

Mermaids Cave Walk
Distance: 600 m (return)
Grade: Easy (but steep)
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

11. Coachwood Glen Nature Trail

Pulpit Hill Creek on the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail
Pulpit Hill Creek on the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail

If the walk to Mermaids Cave feels a bit too short, drive just 2 km further along Megalong Road to explore the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail.

This scenic trail winds through the stunning Coachwood and Mountain Ash Forests, with a few crossings of Pulpit Hill Creek adding to the charm.

The trail is divided into two sections: the Mountain Ash Track (east of the creek) and the Pulpit Hill Creek Track (west of the creek).

Both sections are easy to navigate and provide a peaceful walk through beautiful forest surroundings.

Coachwood Glen Nature Trail
Distance: 800 m (return)
Grade: Easy
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map

12. Porters Pass Circuit

Fort Rock along the Porters Pass Circuit
Fort Rock along the Porters Pass Circuit

Did we save the best for last? Well, it sure is the most challenging walk on this list of dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains.

The Porters Pass Circuit is an adventurous 5.5 km loop that combines four different walking trails with various highlights to take in, such as the Colliers Causeway, the Centennial Grove Grotto Canyon, and Fort Rock.

This exciting walking track has multiple entry points, but a good spot to start this adventure is at the end of Burton Road in Blackheath.

And since there are multiple entry and exit points, you can choose to do parts of the walk rather than the entire loop. It’s quite a challenging hike, with various obstacles, and not every dog will be ready for that.

Porters Pass Circuit
Distance: 5.5 km (circuit)
Grade: Moderate / hard
Dogs: On a lead
Trailhead: Location on map
Read our lists with dog-friendly walks in Sydney and off-leash dog parks in Sydney for more ideas for adventures with your best mate!
 

12 Dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains

 

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Author:

AJ Mens

AJ Mens is a digital publisher based in Sydney, Australia, and the editor-in-chief of Sydney Uncovered and Blue Mountains Uncovered.

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