Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the stunning Adelaide Hills with the 8km Mt Lofty Walking Trail. This Grade 4 trail offers a moderate challenge with rewarding views, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and families alike. Start and end your journey with refreshments at conveniently located cafes, and take breaks on the trail's frequent seating spots. Remember to prepare for some steep inclines along this captivating route.

Length:

8km

Duration:

2.5 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Return

Max elevation: 713m

Min elevation: 237m

Total Ascent: 506m

Start: Waterfall Gully Carpark

End: Waterfall Gully Carpark

Waterfall Gully

South Australia

Nearby town: Cleland

From state capital: 17.6km

Latitude: -34.96956616

Longitude: 138.68067473173141

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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 views 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.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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 features

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Walk (8km)

Total distance: 3923 m
Max elevation: 713 m
Min elevation: 237 m
Total climbing: 506 m
Total descent: -30 m

Gallery

Got any photos from this hike? Your photos can help others plan. Share shots from along the trail so fellow hikers know what to expect.

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Waterfall Gully.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Aldgate, Burnside, Crafers, Glenunga, Stirling

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Waterfall Gully? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Reviews
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Walk (8km)

6 Reviews on “Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Walk (8km)”

Overall rating

Petr Pavlik

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.

24/03/2022, 05:24

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1. Sam Villis
  
  Oh that’s perfect
  
  24/03/2022, 05:24
  
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2. Joel Villis
  
  Sam Villis nice little training walk
  
  24/03/2022, 05:24
  
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3. Darren Edwards Trail Author
  
  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/
  
  24/03/2022, 05:24
  
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Acknowledgement of Country

Waterfall gully to mt lofty summit walk (8km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

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