Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit is an 8km, grade 4 hike located in Waterfall Gully, South Australia. The hike should take around 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.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 713 m
Min elevation: 237 m
Total climbing: 506 m
Total descent: -30 m
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.
Trail location
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Gallery
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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 “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/