Adams Falls is a large waterfall flowing on Adams River that cascades into Lake Gordon at Adams Bay. Access is by either kayak or from Clear Hill Road which is Forestry Tasmania Road and is unsigned. A boom gate at the start of the track may be locked and may require a key for a refundable deposit though Mt Field National Park visitor centre. Adams Falls is little known and rarely visited making it a hidden gem.
There are two ways to view the falls. The shortest and most obvious route starts beside the bridge over the Adams River on the right side (looking downstream) and takes you to a precarious clifftop overlook above the falls after about a 100 metre walk, which provides a slightly obstructed view of the falls and the river winding its way into Lake Gordon below.
A far better view can be obtained by getting to the base of the falls, although this involves a longer and more difficult hike. Drive a couple hundred metres up the road from the bridge, until you come to a quarry on the left. Park here, and begin hiking up the track to the left side, continuing onto an old 4WD track once you reach the top of the quarry. Follow this track for a little while, then head to the right and begin descending through the forest to the lake. Most of the hike down is relatively easy by the standards of off track hiking, with the slope being fairly shallow and the scrub not too thick.
Once you reach the lake shore head around into the inlet containing the falls, negotiating a number of obstacles, mostly slippery fallen trees. The final part of the hike is probably the hardest section, as you have to climb the large, slippery boulders around the western edge of the river, which depending on the water level may involve some wading through the powerful river itself. The effort is well worth it though, and Adams Falls makes for a spectacular sight, crashing 40 metres over a single drop before continuing over some bouldery cascades towards Lake Gordon.
This hike summary has been provided by Waterfalls of Tasmania and as such, not all information has been provided on this site. For more information on this waterfall hike, please visit Waterfalls of Tasmania.
There are many waterfalls throughout Tasmania that are worth exploring! One of the best ways to discover some of the best scenery in Tasmania is simply hiking to a waterfall. Waterfalls of Tasmania has the most informative and thorough documentation about Tasmania's most popular waterfalls.
There are many scientific reasons why visiting a waterfall is good for our mental and physical health. I won't go into them here but I will say that exploring waterfalls on your hikes is a great way to break up the journey as their beauty alone is good for the soul. Search for more hikes with waterfalls here.
Photography by Craig Doumouras
- Waterfalls
- Scenic Viewpoints
Total distance: 2114 m
Max elevation: 441 m
Min elevation: 306 m
Total climbing: 170 m
Total descent: -170 m
Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!
Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.
Closest towns to this walk: Glenora, Maydena, National Park, Tyenna, Westerway
Getting to the trailhead in Adamsfield Conservation Area.
Adamsfield is a locality in Tasmania Australia where osmiridium was discovered in 1925. Alluvial mining resulted in one of the world's largest sources of osmium and iridium metal. Florentine Post Office opened on 1 November 1925. It was renamed Adamsfield next month and closed in 1960.
Looking for hikes and trails in Adamsfield Conservation Area or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.
Favourite
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Favourite
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Favourite
Mount Field National Park
Favourite
Mount Field National Park
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
