The best walks and hikes around The Blue Mountains
4.6
(52)
527
hikers
31
hikes
Hiking trails around The Blue Mountains are characterized by dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and extensive eucalyptus forests. The region features numerous waterfalls and rock formations, carved over millions of years. This diverse landscape offers a variety of terrain for hikers, from valley floors to escarpment edges. The area's distinctive blue haze is a result of the oil released from its vast eucalyptus forests.
Best hiking trails around The Blue Mountains
- The most popular hiking route is Margaret Paull Side…
Last updated: July 21, 2026
4.0
(3)
22
hikers
4.20km
01:09
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
13.9km
03:46
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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10
hikers
2.96km
00:55
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
5.81km
01:33
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
3.31km
01:13
210m
210m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around The Blue Mountains
Tips from the Community
This spot is a great vantage point overlooking Blue Mountain Resort and the sparkling waters of Georgian Bay and beyond. From the edge of the escarpment, the panorama stretches over the forested slopes, the resort village, and the wide expanse of the bay and is one of the best views along this section of the Bruce Trail.
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This trailhead provides access to both the Blue Mountains and Beaver Valley sections of the Bruce Trail. From here, you can take a short hike to one of the many escarpment lookouts or enjoy a longer adventure along one of Canada’s most iconic footpaths. There is a small off-street parking area here for a few cars, making it a convenient starting point for exploring this beautiful stretch of the Niagara Escarpment.
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The Blue Mountains section of the Bruce Trail follows the Niagara Escarpment through mature forest with rocky outcrops and fantastic cliff-top lookouts overlooking Georgian Bay. This stretch combines peaceful woodland with some of the most expansive views on the Bruce Trail as it winds along the escarpment above Blue Mountain Resort. It’s a beautiful segment every season, especially outside the winter months when the ski lifts are inactive.
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On exceptionally clear days, this elevated viewpoint offers distant views toward Lake Huron beyond Georgian Bay. The expansive panorama stretches across the Beaver Valley and the Niagara Escarpment, where you can see layer upon layer of rolling hills and forest. It’s a beautiful spot that’s a great example of southern Ontario’s vast landscape.
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This spot offers great views of the forested slopes of the Niagara Escarpment and the blue waters of Georgian Bay. The mix of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and the distant shoreline is one of the best features of the Beaver Valley area, and it's a nice place to take a break and appreciate the scale of the surrounding landscape.
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The Beaver Valley section of the Bruce Trail is fantastic, offering some of the Niagara Escarpment’s most spectacular scenery, winding through hardwood forests, open meadows, and dramatic clifftops. The trail follows the escarpment’s rugged edge, with plenty of spots to enjoy sweeping views across Beaver Valley and, on clear days, toward Georgian Bay. It’s a beautiful stretch, and a great way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of one of Ontario’s most iconic long-distance trails.
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The Blue Mountains Section of the Bruce Trail spans 67.6 kilometres and is one of Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpaths. This section traverses the highest terrain of the Niagara Escarpment. Scenery includes steep bluffs, limestone crevasses, dense hardwood forests and valleys. The main trail is marked with a white blaze and the side trails are marked with a blue blaze.
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Drive slowly down Pretty River Road, as this dirt pullout has no big signage and is easy to pass. There's room for a few cars here, and trailhead access that is a bit quieter than the main parking area at the Pretty River Snowmobile Parking Lot just 400 meters north of here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in The Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains offer a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 140km of tracks and trails. Our komoot guide features 27 routes, catering to different skill levels, from easy strolls to more challenging treks.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on hikes in The Blue Mountains?
Hikers in The Blue Mountains will encounter dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys like the Jamison and Grose, and extensive eucalyptus forests responsible for the region's distinctive blue haze. You'll also discover numerous spectacular waterfalls, lush rainforest gullies, and iconic rock formations such as the Three Sisters.
Are there any easy, family-friendly walks in The Blue Mountains?
Yes, The Blue Mountains offer several easy walks suitable for families. While specific routes from our guide like the Margaret Paull Side Trail loop are easy, the region generally provides options for all ages and fitness levels, including shorter, well-maintained paths around popular lookouts.
Which trails feature waterfalls in The Blue Mountains?
Many trails in The Blue Mountains lead to or pass by impressive waterfalls. Notable areas include Wentworth Falls, which cascades 100 meters into the Jamison Valley, and the enchanting Lawson Waterfall Circuit. The Grand Canyon Track also features waterfalls and fern-lined creeks.
What are some of the best viewpoints in The Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains are renowned for their panoramic lookouts. Echo Point offers stunning views of the Three Sisters, while Govetts Leap provides spectacular vistas over the vast Grose Valley. Other popular viewpoints include Wentworth Falls Lookout, Lincoln's Rock, and Narrow Neck Lookout.
Are there any circular hiking routes in The Blue Mountains?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, the Margaret Paull Side Trail loop is an easy circular option. The Grand Canyon Track is also a popular 6.3-kilometer loop that descends into a lush rainforest canyon.
What do other hikers say about the trails in The Blue Mountains?
The trails in The Blue Mountains are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 39 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, stunning natural beauty, and the variety of options available for different skill levels.
What are some interesting landmarks or attractions to see near the hiking trails?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can find several points of interest. The Blue Mountain Lookout offers great views. For a break, consider visiting the Summit Social House - Coffee & Bikes. The Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve is also a notable natural monument in the area.
Are there challenging hikes for experienced trekkers in The Blue Mountains?
Absolutely. While there are 7 easy and 17 moderate routes, The Blue Mountains also feature 3 difficult trails for experienced hikers. The National Pass Trail near Wentworth Falls, with its 600 rock steps, is known for being challenging. The region's deep canyons and rugged terrain provide ample opportunities for more strenuous adventures.
Can I access hiking trails in The Blue Mountains using public transport?
The Blue Mountains region is well-serviced by public transport, particularly trains from Sydney to towns like Katoomba and Wentworth Falls. Many popular trailheads and lookouts are accessible via local bus services or are within walking distance from train stations, making it convenient for hikers without a car.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in The Blue Mountains?
The Blue Mountains are beautiful year-round, but autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for hiking. Summer can be hot, while winter can be cool and crisp, sometimes with misty conditions that add to the atmosphere.
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