Blackheath is one of the best bases in the Blue Mountains for bushwalking, with deep valleys, panoramic lookouts, and scenic waterfalls all close to town.
The area offers a good mix of short, family-friendly trails, challenging day hikes, and classic clifftop walks with far-reaching Grose Valley views.
Below are seven of the most rewarding walking tracks in Blackheath. Keen to go sightseeing? Read our guide on the best lookouts in Blackheath.
1. Walls Cave Track
Walls Cave is an impressive natural rock shelter that sits in a quiet pocket of bushland near Blackheath. Located on Darug Country, the cave is significant to the Darug people and was used as an occupation site for women.
The walking trail leads through peaceful bushland scenery, with creek crossings, a narrow slot canyon, and a steady climb on stone steps before you reach the cave.
The trailhead for this walk is located at the end of Walls Cave Road, which is easy to reach via Evans Lookout Road from the Great Western Highway.
Read more: Walls Cave Track.
| Walls Cave Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2 km (return) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate (steep sections) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
2. Cliff Top Walking Track
The Cliff Top Walking Track between Evans Lookout and Govetts Leap is a scenic trail that follows the escarpment above the Grose Valley.
It offers superb valley and waterfall views from a series of lookouts, making it one of the most enjoyable walks in the Blue Mountains.
You can start from either end, but be aware that the section between Barrow Lookout and Govetts Leap is very steep.
Read more: Cliff Top Walking Track.
| Cliff Top Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (one way) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
3. Porters Pass Circuit
The Porters Pass Circuit is an energising bushwalk south of the Great Western Highway that passes rainforest gullies, valley viewpoints, small waterfalls, slot canyons, and several creek crossings.
This challenging hike links four different tracks and is regarded as one of the best in the Blue Mountains. It is also far quieter than more popular options nearby, such as the Grand Canyon Walk.
Because it is a loop, you can start in several places, but the most practical starting point is at the end of Burton Road in Blackheath.
| Porters Pass Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | Yes (on a lead) |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
4. Grand Canyon Walking Track
The Grand Canyon Walking Track is one of the most iconic hikes in New South Wales, with valley views, lush rainforest pockets, narrow canyon sections, and small waterfalls throughout the loop.
It is also one of the oldest established walking tracks in the Blue Mountains and has been a popular visitor attraction since the early 1900s.
Parking is available at the Grand Canyon Carpark on Evans Lookout Road, where you can start the loop in either direction.
Read more: Grand Canyon Walking Track.
| Grand Canyon Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 6 km (loop) |
| Time: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard (steep sections) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
5. Hat Hill to Bald Head
The walk from Hat Hill to Bald Head travels through a quiet area northeast of Blackheath and offers panoramic district and valley views without the crowds.
This isolated 7 km return track leads to a scenic vantage point overlooking the Grose Valley and its surrounding cliff walls.
The trailhead is located on Hat Hill Road, just before the road becomes Perrys Lookdown Road.
Read more: Hat Hill to Bald Head.
| Hat Hill to Bald Head | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7 km (return) |
| Time: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
6. Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk
The walking track to Asgard Swamp and Thor Head is a scenic bushwalk north of Blackheath that offers wide Grose Valley views and several historic points of interest.
This isolated 9 km return trail on the Asgard Plateau includes an old mine site, open valley viewpoints, and other natural features along the way.
The track begins on Victoria Falls Road in Mount Victoria and is signposted as the Asgard Swamp Track.
Read more: Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk.
| Asgard Swamp and Thor Head Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 9 km (return) |
| Time: | 3.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate / hard |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
7. Burramoko Trail to Hanging Rock
The Burramoko Fire Trail is a 10 km return walk that leads to Hanging Rock, one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Blue Mountains.
Before you reach Hanging Rock, the trail passes Baltzer Lookout, a quiet viewpoint with expansive views over the Grose Valley.
The fire trail itself is long and fairly plain, but the dramatic scenery at the end makes the effort more than worthwhile.
Read more: Burramoko Trail to Hanging Rock.
| Burramoko Trail to Hanging Rock | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 10 km (return) |
| Time: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Dog-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
Beginners Guide to the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover seven of the finest walks and seven of the most scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains, perfect for first-time visitors.
I love your suggestions and walk information, using your guide I had the Bald Head walk all to myself last Sunday and really enjoyed it. I’ve done all these 7 walks now!
My one request would be to list how recently you had reviewed each walk and add any updates about conditions on the trail.
Thanks Lee!
We walk these tracks regularly and update our guides with new photos and any changes to the trails where necessary. Even so, anyone heading out should always check the National Parks website for current alerts or closures, as conditions can change quickly.