The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular destinations in New South Wales, and the good news is you don’t have to leave your four-legged mate at home to enjoy it.
While most of the region falls under national park land, where dogs aren’t permitted, there are still plenty of fantastic walks on council-managed land where your pup is welcome, as long as they’re on a lead.
We’ve rounded up 12 of the best dog-friendly walks in the Blue Mountains so you and your dog can get out and explore together.
1. Lapstone Zig Zag Walk to Knapsack Bridge
The Lapstone Zig Zag Walk is a scenic bushwalking trail in the Glenbrook area that follows a historic railway line built in the late 19th century.
The trail winds down to the Top Points Lookout before descending a series of steps to the Knapsack Viaduct, an impressive sandstone bridge built in the 1860s to carry the Zig Zag Railway across a gully.
From there, you can continue into the gully for some great views back up at this remarkable piece of history.
Read more: Lapstone Zig Zag Walk to Knapsack Bridge.
| Lapstone Zig Zag Walk to Knapsack Bridge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) | |
| Time: | 1.5 hours | |
| Grade: | Moderate (steep sections) | |
| Wheel-friendly: | Yes (up to Top Points Lookout) | |
| Route: | Google Maps | |
2. Birdwood Gully Round Walk
The Birdwood Gully Round Walk is a family-friendly trail tucked away in the suburb of Springwood in the Lower Blue Mountains.
This 2.6 km loop follows Springwood Creek through beautiful bushland, taking in towering trees, dramatic cliff overhangs, cave formations, and even glow worm caves.
It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and one of those walks that packs a surprising amount of variety into a relatively short distance; your dog will love it too.
Read more: Birdwood Gully Round Walk.
| Birdwood Gully Round Walk | ||
|---|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.6 km (loop) | |
| Time: | 1.5 hours | |
| Grade: | Easy | |
| Wheel-friendly: | No | |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps | |
3. Terrace Falls Circuit
The Terrace Falls Circuit is a beautiful 4.5 km loop walk in Hazelbrook’s Terrace Falls Reserve, taking in a series of cascading waterfalls and scenic bush pools.
The star of the show is Terrace Falls itself, a stunning cascade set in a gorgeous pocket of bushland, though the full circuit also passes Victor Falls and several other lesser-known drops that are well worth exploring.
The trailhead is located at the junction of Heron Place and Valley Road in Hazelbrook, with ample parking nearby. It’s a great one to do with the dog, and the varied scenery makes it feel very rewarding.
Read more: Terrace Falls Circuit.
| Terrace Falls Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 4.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
4. Horseshoe Falls Track
The Horseshoe Falls Track is a lovely 3.5 km return walk through Horseshoe Falls Reserve in Hazelbrook, following Hazelbrook Creek to a series of four waterfalls, including Horseshoe, Oaklands, and Burgess Falls.
The signposting along the way certainly isn’t the best and can be quite confusing, but that adds a bit of a sense of adventure to the walk.
The trail is best accessed from Oaklands Road, a short drive from the Great Western Highway. It’s a quieter, lesser-known option in the Lower Blue Mountains that’s well worth adding to your list.
| Horseshoe Falls Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3.5 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
5. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is a stunning bushwalk that winds along Lawson and Cataract creeks, taking in four named waterfalls.
However, keen-eyed walkers will spot closer to seven if you count the unnamed cascades and double drops along the way.
The easiest place to start is at the corner of Honour Avenue and Livingstone Street, just a kilometre south of Lawson train station.
As a bonus, the trail passes the former Lawson golf course, which has since been transformed into a large off-leash dog park, a great spot to let your pup run free before or after the walk.
Read more: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit.
| South Lawson Waterfall Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
6. Dantes Glen Walking Track
The Dantes Glen Walking Track is a short but rewarding 1.8 km trail in North Lawson, winding through beautiful bushland to three picturesque waterfalls: Dantes Glen, Fairy Falls, and St Michael’s Falls.
The walk starts at North Lawson Park at the end of St Bernards Drive, where a large signpost marks the trailhead.
It’s worth noting that while this section sits within council-managed land and is dog-friendly, the adjoining Empire Pass circuit crosses into national park territory, so stick to the Dantes Glen section if you’re bringing your pup.
Read more: Dantes Glen Walking Track.
| Dantes Glen Walking Track | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.8 km (loop) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
7. Darwins Walk
Darwins Walk is a popular, family-friendly trail in Wentworth Falls that follows Jamison Creek from Wilson Park near the train station through to the top of Wentworth Falls.
The track features several bridges and boardwalks, including a couple of metal footbridges that some dogs may find a little tricky, but it is otherwise a comfortable walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
It’s a great option for those coming by train, as it connects the town centre directly to the waterfall area. With multiple entry and exit points along the way, you can also tailor the walk to suit however far you and your dog feel like going.
Read more: Darwins Walk.
| Darwins Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 2.4 km (one way) |
| Time: | 1 hour |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Route: | Google Maps |
8. Minnehaha Falls Walk
Minnehaha Falls is a stunning waterfall on Yosemite Creek in the North Katoomba area, and a popular swimming spot in the warmer months.
The 3 km return trail follows the creek through beautiful bushland, passing a smaller cascade and several vantage points along the way before finishing with a steep metal staircase down to the falls.
The trailhead is at Minnehaha Reserve at the end of Minni Ha Ha Road, where there’s a good-sized car park to get you started.
Read more: Minnehaha Falls Walk.
| Minnehaha Falls Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 3 km (return) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Easy / moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
9. Mermaids Cave Walk
The Mermaids Cave Walk in Blackheath is a short trail leading to a large sandstone rock overhang tucked into a serene forest setting with a small, picturesque waterfall.
The walk itself is less than 1 km return, but the highlight is the dramatic staircase of over 100 steps that winds steeply down through beautiful natural surroundings. It’s quite a sight in itself, though worth noting it can be slippery and may not suit all dogs.
The walk begins on Megalong Road, where a well-sized car park is available on the opposite side of the road.
Read more: Mermaids Cave Walk.
| Mermaids Cave Walk | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 600 m (return) |
| Time: | 30 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy (steep) |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
10. Coachwood Glen Nature Trail
Just 2 km further along Megalong Road from Mermaids Cave, the Coachwood Glen Nature Trail is a quiet bushwalk that meanders through beautiful Coachwood and Mountain Ash forests.
The trail is split into two sections: the Mountain Ash Track east of the creek and the Pulpit Hill Creek Track to the west. Both are easy to navigate and well worth exploring.
It’s not the most spectacular walk in the Blue Mountains, but it’s a lovely option that pairs nicely with the Mermaids Cave Walk or a visit to nearby Mount Blackheath.
| Coachwood Glen Nature Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 800 m (return) |
| Time: | 40 minutes |
| Grade: | Easy |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
11. Porters Pass Circuit
The Porters Pass Circuit is a rewarding 5.5 km loop south of the Great Western Highway in Blackheath, winding through rainforest gullies, slot canyons, and valley viewpoints.
It links four different walking trails and is widely regarded as one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains, yet remains far quieter than popular nearby tracks like the Grand Canyon Walk.
The most practical starting point is at the end of Burton Road in Blackheath, though multiple entry and exit points mean you can tackle just part of the loop if needed.
It’s a fairly demanding walk with various obstacles, so it’s worth considering whether your dog is up for the challenge before heading out.
| Porters Pass Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 5.5 km (loop) |
| Time: | 2.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
12. Cox’s Cave Circuit
The 1.6 km Cox’s Cave Circuit is a moderately challenging bushwalk in the Mount Victoria area that winds through beautiful forest scenery to a large and impressive cave.
A small waterfall along the way adds to the appeal, making it a walk with more highlights than its modest length might suggest.
Access is from the end of Mount Piddington Road in Mount Victoria, just a short drive from the Great Western Highway.
Read more: Cox’s Cave Circuit.
| Cox’s Cave Circuit | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 1.6 km (loop) |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Wheel-friendly: | No |
| Trailhead: | Google Maps |
25 Best Walks in the Blue Mountains
Grab our ebook and discover 25 of the most spectacular walking tracks in the Blue Mountains, featuring detailed descriptions, maps, photos, and expert tips.
