Trail Fast Facts
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit is an 8km, grade 4 hike in Waterfall Gully, South Australia. This hike typically takes 2.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Craving a quick nature escape with stunning views and convenient refreshment options? Embark on the Mt Lofty Walking Trail, a short and sweet adventure perfect for all fitness levels. Whether you're a casual walker seeking fresh air or a seasoned hiker warming up for bigger challenges, this well-maintained path offers something for everyone.
Experience gentle inclines as you traverse the trail, rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Adelaide Hills at every turn. Regular seating allows you to rest and soak in the scenery, while cafes at both ends of the trail conveniently cater to post-hike refreshments.
This popular choice among locals and visitors alike welcomes families with its manageable terrain and stunning natural beauty. Remember, though, some sections have steeper inclines, so be prepared for a moderate workout if desired.
Ready to lace up your boots and lose yourself in nature? Explore the Mt Lofty Walking Trail and discover its captivating charm.
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.
Tips
- On a busy weekend, car parking at Waterfall Gully can be limited.
- Starting hiking from Mount Lofty instead of Waterfall Gully can be a good way to use the downhill as a warm up, to super charge your up-hill efforts.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 713 m
Min elevation: 237 m
Total climbing: 506 m
Total descent: -30 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Photo gallery
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.
Similar trails nearby
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.Â
Suggest an edit
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
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.
3 Reviews on “Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Walk (8km)”
It needs a bit more. After the trail was damaged, rangers had to change it and you walk behind the waterfall, not in front of it. It adds a few extra km and you might need 2 hours to walk one way. Return is a bit faster bit unless you run, I would not place a bet on 2 hours return time.
Oh that’s perfect
Sam Villis nice little training walk
Thanks Richard. I have made the correction to the 15km reference. There are two versions of this hike. One is 8km and the other is a bit shorter. Both can be found here
8km hike: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/waterfall-gully-to-mt-lofty-summit/
5km hike: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/waterfall-gully-to-mt-lofty-summit-2/