Trail Fast Facts

Smokers Trail is an 21km, grade 4 hike located in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. The hike should take around 8 hours to complete.

Length: 21km

Duration: 8 hrs

Grade 4 (Hard)

Style: One Way

Start: Corin Road Carpark

End: Orroral Tracking Station

Location: Namadgi National Park

State: Australian Capital Territory

Nearby town: Tharwa

From state capital: 50km

Latitude: -35.5159368822391

Longitude: 148.92245650291446

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

Photos

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Hike Overview

The Smokers Trail is a challenging 21-kilometre (grade 4) hike within Namadgi National Park, typically taking around 8 hours to complete. The trail winds through a diverse landscape, transitioning from Black Sallee flats to alpine ash forests. Be prepared for steep sections along the route. For a more downhill experience, consider starting from the north. The Smokers Trail also connects to other walking tracks in the park, offering extended exploration opportunities.

The trailhead is located at the Corin Forest Mountain Recreation Area carpark on Corin Road. It's important to note that unsealed access via Corin Road may become impassable during wet weather.

The Smokers Trail eventually leads to the Orroral Tracking Station along the Orroral River. This former Earth station played a vital role in supporting NASA's Spacecraft Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (STADAN) by tracking Earth-orbiting satellites. Established approximately 50 kilometres south of Canberra, it was one of seven such stations across Australia.

Construction began in 1963 and was completed in 1965. The station featured a prominent 26-metre antenna alongside several smaller VHF and microwave antennas. Notably, the Orroral Tracking Station participated in historic missions like the Apollo-Soyuz project in 1975 and provided communication support for Space Shuttle missions until its closure in 1985. Interestingly, the 26-metre antenna was relocated to Tasmania and now forms the core of the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory.

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.

Map and GPX file

Smokers Trail Hike (21km)

Total distance: 21025 m
Max elevation: 1413 m
Min elevation: 926 m
Total climbing: 525 m
Total descent: -812 m

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Trail Location (trailhead)

Getting there

Smokers Trail Hike (21km)

Accessing the Smokers Trail trailhead requires navigating Corin Road, which can be a challenge in wet weather. The trail begins at the carpark situated within the Corin Forest Mountain Recreation Area in Namadgi National Park. Several routes lead to Corin Road from Canberra. You can travel via either Barton Highway or Tidbinbilla Road, eventually connecting with Kings Highway. Follow Kings Highway for approximately 17 kilometres until you see the turnoff for Corin Dam Road. Take this turn and continue for roughly 13 kilometres on Corin Dam Road, which becomes Corin Road further along. The carpark for the Corin Forest Mountain Recreation Area will be on your left. Remember, this final leg of the journey may require a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially after periods of heavy rain.

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If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.

Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.

About the region

The Namadgi National Park lies on Ngunnawal Country. This land, rich in cultural significance, has been managed by the Ngunnawal people for countless generations. Their deep connection to this landscape encompasses cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic aspects.

Encompassing over 106,000 hectares, Namadgi National Park safeguards a vast area of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland. Nearly half of the Australian Capital Territory falls within its boundaries. The park is crucial for the preservation of high-altitude sphagnum bogs. These bogs provide critical habitat for endangered species and act as natural reservoirs, slowly releasing clean water that sustains the ACT.

For visitor information, maps, firewood permits, or general inquiries, head to the Namadgi Visitor Centre.

Hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore within Namadgi National Park. Before venturing out, it's important to familiarise yourself with the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Additionally, inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time. Be sure to record your trip details in the designated bushwalking registers located throughout the park. Straying from marked trails is only recommended for experienced navigators with proper map and compass skills. As weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly year-round, always pack warm and waterproof clothing.

Namadgi National Park is home to numerous significant Ngunnawal cultural sites and objects scattered across the landscape. These include the Yankee Hat Rock Art and other locations that hold stories of vital knowledge, cultural values, and wisdom. These sites are deeply important to the Ngunnawal people. Their history is not only documented in archaeological finds but also preserved in the landscape itself, passed down through generations through oral stories, dance, memory, ceremonies and the artistic depictions found in rock art sites.

The Ngunnawal people emphasise the importance of protecting these stories, sites and objects for future generations. Visitors to Namadgi are asked to treat these locations with respect, recognising them as a rich and ancient part of the park's narrative.

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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

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.

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Reviews

Smokers Trail Hike (21km)

3 Reviews on “Smokers Trail Hike (21km)”

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Stephanie Brosnan

Madelaine Brosnan

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Benny Grochowski

Dillon Hamilton Liz Grochowski

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Sarah Johnston

Justin

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Liz Widdicombe

Helen O’Sullivan

24/03/2022, 05:24

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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.