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
- 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.
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.
Total distance: 3923 m
Max elevation: 713 m
Min elevation: 237 m
Total climbing: 506 m
Total descent: -30 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
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Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Waterfall Gully? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Suggest an edit
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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.
6 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/