Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 474m
Min elevation: 209m
Total Ascent: 350m
Hike overview
The Black Hill Summit Circuit is a challenging 4.5km hike in Black Hill Conservation Park, South Australia, and takes around 2 hours to complete. This grade 4 hike leads to the summit of Black Hill, which stands at 467 meters, offering spectacular views over Adelaide. The trail is steep in sections and follows the creek line, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. As you traverse the path, you'll have the opportunity to wander through a wildflower garden on Addison Avenue at the end of the walk. It is advisable to wear sturdy boots and bring water. The trail consists mostly of narrow walking tracks with some sections of fire tracks at the top, providing excellent views over the Adelaide Plains.
If you are looking for a shorter summit option, you can continue over the summit and descend back to the trailhead instead of backtracking to complete the circuit. This version is 4 km in length (see route below).
Gallery
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.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 474 m
Min elevation: 209 m
Total climbing: 350 m
Total descent: -347 m
Alternate 4km option
Max elevation: 474 m
Min elevation: 209 m
Total climbing: 335 m
Total descent: -332 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Black Hill Conservation Park.
Car parking is available at the end of Addison Avenue. The trailhead for the Black Hill Summit hike is easily accessible by public transport, with Adelaide Metro bus route 178 stopping at bus stop 38 on Coulls Road, Athelstone. Black Hill Conservation Park can also be accessed via Maryvale, Gorge Road, Montacute Road, and Addison Avenue. Public transport from Adelaide city centre provides convenient access to the park.
Closest towns to this walk: Adelaide, Campbelltown, Dernancourt, Glynde, Golden Grove, Gumeracha, Houghton, Kensington Gardens, Newton, Norton Summit, Paradise, Tea Tree Gully
About the region
Black Hill Conservation Park, formerly known as Black Hill National Park, is a protected area in South Australia, located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Adelaide. This conservation park is set in a rugged bush environment with a prominent peak, bounded by steep ridges on the southern slopes.
Visitors can enjoy the undulating hills, rugged ridges, and diverse native scenery along the park's extensive network of walking trails. In spring, the park showcases a stunning array of native flowers, including many delicate and colorful orchid species. A must-see feature is the landscaped Wildflower Garden, which dates back to the late 1940s.
Covering an area of 684 hectares, Black Hill Conservation Park is named after the low sheoaks, whose foliage gradually matures to a dark rusty, almost black color as summer progresses. From the Adelaide Plains, these hills appear black, giving the park its distinctive name.
While Black Hill can be visited year-round, it is best appreciated from March to November. The summer months from December to February can be very hot, so walkers should be prepared for high temperatures.
The area is part of the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, who used it for hunting, gathering, and obtaining wood for fire and shelter during their seasonal relocation from the coast. Fire was one of their most important tools, particularly in fire management practices that encouraged vegetation regrowth. The seasonal use of Black Hill allowed game populations to recover, maintaining a relatively steady food supply.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Black Hill Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Explore safe
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.
Packing checklists
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.
Let someone know
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
Suggest an edit
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.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.