Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 1070m
Min elevation: 804m
Total Ascent: 968m
Hike overview
The Grand Canyon Cliff Top and Pope's Glen Track is a 16.8-kilometre circuit in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park, starting from Blackheath Railway Station. Graded as a level 4 walk, it typically takes around 7.5 hours to complete, offering a full-day immersion in one of New South Wales' most breathtaking landscapes. What sets this walk apart is the variety it offers—from rainforest gullies and rugged canyons to open cliff tops and dramatic valley views—all within a single route.
The only major descent and climb is through the Grand Canyon section, and it’s here that the walk truly begins to shine. This is not a canyon in the American sense, but a deeply carved sandstone gorge filled with ferns, mosses and the cool trickle of Greaves Creek. For those who haven't experienced a canyon environment before, this section feels especially enchanting—narrow passages, dripping rock overhangs, and dappled light create an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the town just a few kilometres behind you.
As you climb out of the canyon, the track transitions into more open terrain, tracing the cliff tops above the Grose Valley. The shift in vegetation is striking—pockets of wet forest give way to drier, hardier scrub, with open views appearing between stands of eucalypt. The Grose Valley unfolds to the north, its sheer cliffs and deep green slopes forming a vast, untamed amphitheatre that’s hard to look away from.
Neates Glen, near the beginning of the Grand Canyon Track, is a shaded, fern-filled gully where a creek threads through the landscape, setting the tone for the forested adventure to come. Further along, The Rotunda is a natural rock overhang beside Greaves Creek, where sand underfoot and filtered light make it a popular spot to pause, cool off, and listen to the water as it runs gently by.
Beyond the canyon, Evans Lookout delivers sweeping views across the Grose Valley. It’s a popular spot, with a rock shelter and toilet facilities, and it marks a transition point before continuing along the Cliff Top Walk. This section connects several quieter locations worth lingering at. Hayward Gully, named after the first European to descend into Govetts Gorge in 1847, is a peaceful nook where a bench offers the chance to stop and take in filtered views through the trees. Barrow Lookout is another worthwhile detour, offering a direct view of Govetts Leap Falls and the wider valley beyond.
Govetts Leap itself is one of the Blue Mountains' best-known lookouts. The waterfall, fed by Govetts Leap Brook, plunges over the cliff into the valley below. The name ‘leap’ comes from an old Scottish word for waterfall, and the lookout—named for surveyor William Govett who first recorded the spot in 1831—remains a dramatic place to take in the grandeur of this landscape. Facilities here include toilets, picnic shelters, and easy access from the car park, making it a good place for a rest.
Further along the trail, Horseshoe Falls Lookout offers a view of the falls as Popes Glen Creek slips off the edge of the plateau into the valley. The falls are modest in volume but beautiful in form, named for the curved shape of the gully into which they drop. Nearby, a short detour leads to Boyd Beach—a serene patch of sand on the edge of Popes Glen Creek, ringed by ferns and sheltered by tall trees. It’s a quiet spot and a great place to rest your legs before completing the final stretch of the track.
This walk weaves together some of the most varied and impressive terrain in the Blue Mountains. It’s not just the views that make it special, but the contrasts—the deep green of the canyon, the bright sandstone of the cliffs, and the shifting sounds of water, wind and birdsong that follow you throughout the day. For hikers with a good level of fitness and a desire to explore the richness of this World Heritage-listed region, it’s a truly rewarding experience.
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Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1070 m
Min elevation: 804 m
Total climbing: 968 m
Total descent: -968 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Blue Mountains National Park.
To reach the trailhead for the Grand Canyon Cliff Top and Pope’s Glen Track, take a train to Blackheath Railway Station on the Blue Mountains Line. The station has two platforms in an island configuration, with access available from both the Great Western Highway and Station Street. From the station, it’s just a short walk to the start of the hike.
Closest towns to this walk: Blackheath, Bullaburra, Hazelbrook, Katoomba, Lawson, Leura, Lithgow, Mount Victoria, Springwood, Wentworth Falls, Woodford
About the region
Blackheath, perched on the edge of the Grose Valley in Blue Mountains National Park, offers a stunning mix of lookouts, walking trails, and quiet bushland escapes. It’s a favourite for walkers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with sweeping valley views, towering cliffs, and a strong sense of wilderness just minutes from town. Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout are two of the most popular vantage points, each offering expansive views across the sandstone cliffs and deep gorges of the Grose. From Govetts Leap, Bridal Veil Falls drops 180 metres in a single, elegant plunge—an impressive sight in full flow.
For those keen to stretch their legs, the Cliff Top walking track links the two lookouts, winding through eucalypt forest and heath with near-constant views. A little further afield, Pulpit Rock offers one of the area’s most dramatic viewpoints, perched high above the valley. Walkers looking for more of a challenge can follow the steep descent from Govetts Leap into the valley below, passing waterfalls and hanging swamps on the way to the Blue Gum Forest, where ancient eucalypts tower overhead in a place deeply rooted in conservation history.
The area is well equipped for longer visits too. Perrys Lookdown campground is a great base for exploring deeper into the Grose Wilderness, especially for those heading to the remote Acacia Flat campground. For a gentler option, the Fairfax Heritage Track near the Blue Mountains Heritage Centre offers an accessible walk with vibrant wildflowers in spring. Mountain bikers can hit the Burramoko Ridge Trail, and the Grand Canyon Walk offers a lush, fern-filled experience through a deep sandstone gorge—no technical gear required.
Whether you’re here for a picnic with a view, a full-day hike, or an overnight wilderness adventure, Blackheath delivers a memorable experience shaped by rugged beauty and a real sense of scale.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Blue Mountains National 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
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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.