The Fortress Ridge Trail is a relatively quiet walking track that leads to a vantage point with panoramic views of the Grose Valley.
This moderately challenging 7.5-kilometre return hike begins at Mount Hay Road in the Leura area of the Blue Mountains.
You can extend the walk by taking a 1.5-kilometre side trail to Fortress Rock, a magnificent and isolated lookout point.
| Fortress Ridge Trail | |
|---|---|
| Distance: | 7.5 km (return) (9 km including Fortress Rock side trail) |
| Time: | 3 hours |
| Grade: | Moderate |
| Dogs: | Not allowed |
| Maps: |  PDF map |
 Interactive map |
|
Getting There
The Fortress Ridge Trail has a dedicated parking area located about 9 kilometres along Mount Hay Road (see location on map).
You can access Mount Hay Road from the Great Western Highway near the Leura Mall exit. The first 3 kilometres of the road are sealed, but the remaining 6 kilometres are unsealed.
Although a 4WD or an SUV with higher ground clearance is recommended, the road can still be navigated with a 2WD vehicle. However, it’s best to avoid driving there after rainfall, as potholes can form.
Map
Below is a map of the walk with the car park and the two lookouts marked:
- Car Park
- Fortress Ridge Lookout
- Fortress Rock Lookout
Track Notes
We consider the Fortress Ridge Trail a moderately challenging walk. While the track is mostly flat, there are a few steep sections, particularly near the start of the trail.
The return hike to the lookout at the end of the trail is approximately 7.5 kilometres. If you choose to include the side trail to Fortress Rock, the total distance increases to about 9 kilometres.
Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a few snacks for an energy boost along the way.
The Trail
From the car park, make your way past the gate where the Fortress Ridge Trail officially starts.
The first section follows a fire trail that ascends slightly before reaching an unmarked junction with another fire trail after a few hundred metres.
The trail to the left at this junction leads to Fortress Rock, which we recommend visiting after exploring the main attraction: the Fortress Ridge Lookout.
In our view, the lookout at the end of the Fortress Ridge Trail offers better scenery than Fortress Rock, so save Fortress Rock for later if you still have the energy.
Continue straight at the junction, staying on the fire trail as it transitions into a narrow, undulating path with district views on both sides.
The trail features a few short, gentle climbs over hills where the vegetation becomes dense, offering a pleasant contrast to the flat, open sections.
You’ll encounter several forks along the way, but it doesn’t matter which path you choose, as they all reconnect eventually.
Once you reach the top of the last hill, you can see the path leading to the tip of the headland, which is a magnificent and rewarding view.
Before reaching the end of the trail, you’ll come across another fork. The path to the right leads to the Fortress Creek infinity pool, a well-known social media hot spot.
You may have seen this spot on social media, but we don’t recommend going there, as the descent into the canyon is extremely challenging and can be dangerous. Unless you’re an experienced bushwalker, it’s best to skip this side trip.
Once you’ve reached the end of the trail, there’s a short final stretch to the lookout platform, which provides the best views.
Fortress Ridge Lookout
To reach the viewpoint, look for a faint track branching off to the right. This leads around the rocky outcrop and onto an open rocky viewing platform.
The view from here is truly stunning. The towering cliff wall in front, the Grose River winding through the valley, and the distant cliff walls and mountain tops create a breathtaking panorama.
On a clear day, you can spot various landmarks in the distance, including Lockleys Pylon, Mount Hay, Mount Banks, and Govetts Leap.
Once you’ve finished taking in the views, retrace your steps back to the car park, or to the junction with Fortress Rock Lookout if you’re keen to explore that as well.
Optional: Fortress Rock Lookout
To visit this second lookout, turn right at the junction (on your way back from Fortress Ridge) and follow the somewhat uninspiring fire trail.
After about 600 metres, the fire trail transitions into a narrow and slightly overgrown bushwalking track.
The path then descends steeply to the lookout point, which is little more than a small, rocky cliff edge.
But as small as it is, the views of the Grose Valley are spectacular, with two towering cliff walls framing Govetts Creek below. If you look closely, you might spot a waterfall to the southwest of the lookout.
Keen to do another hike? Continue driving on Mount Hay Road until the end and you’ll arrive at the trailhead for the walking track to Butterbox Point. This isolated walk offers stunning valley and mountain views, with often no one else around!
