Summit walking track is a 3km, grade 4 hike located in the Mount Hyland Nature Reserve, New South Wales. The hike should take around 1.25 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
Discover the delights of a cool climate rainforest walk that's bound to revive your senses. Remote and tranquil, Summit walking track in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve is where the mountains meet the sky. This moderate loop track with short steep climbs is a great leg-stretcher on a 4WD tour of this World Heritage-listed wilderness region near Dorrigo.
Following the loop track through a forest of sassafras and mountain walnut, look for the vibrant coloured fungi. You'll see huge banksia trees emerge above the rainforest canopy and hear the mimicking cry of the lyrebird echoing through the forest. In summer, the call of the endangered pouched frog can be heard along the walk.
Upon reaching the summit at a height of 1,434m, soak up the views before making your way back. Descending to Vista Point picnic area, enjoy a well-earned lunch.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you're well-prepared for your visit.
There is limited mobile reception in this reserve
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Trail location
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Getting there
Summit walking track starts at Mount Hyland picnic area within Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. To get there:Via DundurrabinTurn off Armidale/Grafton Road at DundurrabinProceed along Sheepstation Road for 6.3kmTurn left onto Chaelundi Road and proceed for 11.3kmTurn left onto Hardens Road and proceed for 5kmTurn left at the sign for Mount Hyland picnic area and proceed for 1kmVia HernaniTurn off Armidale/Grafton Road at Hernani onto Marengo RoadProceed along Marengo Road for 11.4kmTurn right onto Hardens Road and proceed for 7kmTurn right at the sign for Mount Hyland picnic area and drive for 1km Road quality Check the weather before you set out as the road to Summit walking track can become boggy when it rains. Parking Parking is available at Mount Hyland picnic area, which is at the start of Summit walking track.
Gallery
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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
Mount Hyland Nature Reserve is a perfect pit stop on a 4WD driving tour, around Dorrigo and the New England tablelands. Check out the superb views and walking tracks through World Heritage gondwana rainforest. Answer the call of the wild with a World Heritage rainforest experience in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. The distinctive three peaks of Mount Hyland are the highest point on the New England tablelands and offer breathtaking scenic views across the Dorrigo plateau. It’s a popular destination on a 4WD driving tour, offering superb walking, picnic and birdwatching opportunities.
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Gear to consider

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Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
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.