Ridge Circuit is a 2.4km, grade 3 hike located in Mount George Conservation Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 2 hours to complete.
Hike overview
Behind the high electric fence and seemingly locked gate - it's locked to vehicles, not people - is a dense hidden forest. This 2.4km loop trail packs a punch: the trail follows fire tracks and walking trails to meander to the summit of Mount George and a nearby rocky outcrop with a magnificent lookout with views over Bridgewater to Mount Lofty.
The trail is marked with pine posts and blue arrows, but it's not clearly marked at the start, so follow the map closely to get started. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. You can't really get too lost anyway as side tracks lead to the 2-metre high electric fence with its 2-metre high locked gates - the only entrance and exit from the trail is at the shed near the main picnic area.
The open Stringybark forest was once typical of the hills here, and is a secluded preservation of native vegetation within an otherwise urbanised and cultivated area.
Any numbers on the captions of the below photos match the numbers used on the map.
Extend the hike by walking along the Heysen Trail:
The main carpark can be accessed by car from the Bridgewater exit on the freeway. The hike can also be accessed by Adelaide Metro public transport bus, route 864, to bus stop 46 on Mount Barker Road, and walking along the Heysen Trail from Bridgewater via the Fairy Garden.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 499 m
Min elevation: 365 m
Total climbing: 185 m
Total descent: -185 m
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Trail location
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Gallery
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About the region
This park was traditionally the land of the Peramangk Peoples. During the 1840s much of the surrounding area was cleared by European settlers for farming and market gardens. Today, due to the conservation efforts of the local community and the region's cool winter conditions, Mount George Conservation Park features a great variety of vegetation and spring flowers.
There are many walking trails to explore in the park, ranging in duration from 15 minutes to 2 hours. A section of the Heysen Trail also passes through the park. The park is divided into two zones. You can walk your dog in the recreation zone, between Mount George Road and Cox Creek, providing you keep it on a lead and under your control at all times.
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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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
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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.
3 Reviews on “Ridge Circuit Walk (2.4km)”
There is nothing more peaceful than the Great Outdoors, ya?