Trail Fast Facts
Mount Pleasant Summit Circuit is an 12km, grade 3 hike in Mount Crawford Forest Reserve, South Australia. This hike typically takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Mount Pleasant Summit Circuit offers a scenic exploration of Mount Crawford Forest Reserve, encompassing roughly 12 kilometres and classified as a moderate (grade 3) hike. This looped trail typically takes between 3 and 4 hours to complete.
You can choose from three individual circuits or combine them into this longer hike. The starting point for all options is the Glen Devon Road Trailhead. The circuits weave through the diverse landscapes of Mount Crawford Forest, with a mix of pine plantations and pockets of native scrub. A particularly beautiful section of native vegetation lies between markers MP04 and MP05. The highlight of the first section is reaching the summit of Mount Pleasant, rewarding you with panoramic views across the forest towards Mount Crawford and Little Mount Crawford.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 544 m
Min elevation: 435 m
Total climbing: 238 m
Total descent: -238 m
Getting there
For those planning a visit, Mount Crawford Forest Reserve is easily accessible by car. Situated in the northern Mount Lofty Ranges, it's a comfortable one-hour drive from Adelaide and just seven kilometres from the town of Williamstown. Travellers from Adelaide can take the North East Road towards Gumeracha, followed by a turnoff to Williamstown which will lead you directly to the forest.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
About the region
Spanning 12,367 hectares across Kaurna and Peramangk Country, Mount Crawford Forest offers a unique blend of sustainable forestry, conservation areas, and recreational activities. Situated just an hour's drive from Adelaide, it's a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Established in 1909, the forest has a rich history of sustainable wood production. Plantations were first established in 1914 and expanded until the 1960s, with some areas being selectively harvested and replanted to ensure the forest's longevity.
Beyond the planted areas, Mount Crawford Forest protects 4,440 hectares of native vegetation within eight gazetted Native Forest Reserves. These conservation zones boast a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants, providing vital habitat for native birds, reptiles, and mammals.
The forest caters to a range of recreational pursuits. Visitors can camp under the stars, enjoy the comfort of rustic cabins, explore the trails on foot or horseback, or participate in organised community events. Mountain bike enthusiasts can tackle the challenging tracks at Fox Creek Bike Park, South Australia's premier biking destination.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Mount Crawford Forest Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Weather
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.