Hiking in the Mid Mountains doesn't receive as much attention by visitors as the Upper Mountains. There are some fantastic tracks and beautiful waterfalls in and around this area between Linden and Bullaburra, so they're not to be forgotten about!
This list will grow as we continue to get out and explore.
There are hundreds of great trails located in the Blue Mountains, making it a true paradise for passionate hikers and casual bushwalkers Not only is the scenery breathtaking but there's so much diversity in the trails. From temperate rainforests and lush dells to groves of scribbly gums, wind-sculpted rock formations, jaw-dropping cliffs, gorges and cascading waterfalls.
The Blue Mountains has rough terrain. However, there's some gradual ongoing reconstruction and trail management to help facilitate pleasant walks and hikes. There will be ups and downs, and that's to be expected given the geography of this region.
It's difficult to choose which trails are the best as every hike is unique in its geography, flora and scenery. Your fitness levels don't need to be super-high with any of them, providing you take your time and don't exert yourself. Having said that, a little fitness and stamina wouldn't go astray.
Being out in the Aussie bush without a map isn't wise, especially in the Blue Mountains. People getting lost happens way too often. When it comes to maps, we use a couple of nifty phone apps. Maps.me is our default go-to. It's free, it's very accurate (much more than Google), it's user-friendly and it doesn't use data. Another good one, which uses the same OpenStreetMap interface as maps.me, is AllTrails. Download them!
1. Empire Pass Track & North Lawson Trail - Lawson
Distance: 5.7 km loop Difficulty: Easy, with some steep steps Time Suggested: 2 hrs
Starting From: St Bernards Drive carpark
Four stunning waterfalls, temperate rainforest and some rugged bushland make this mid-mountains loop very special. Starting from the carpark in North Lawson, it isn't long before you're taking a very short trail diversion to see Fairy Falls. It's a very popular spot with local families and kids.
Get back on the trail and head down a fairly steep section to Dantes Glen. It's cool, damp, secluded and stunning. Anyone that loves being in rainforests would be in their element, and this is only the beginning. Further along, the trail past the dell is a short diversion to St. Michael's Falls (above pic). Mossy boulders and ferns line the bubbling cascades, and then you catch sight of the falls.
Back onto the trail, it's an easy walk through the stunning rainforest along Empire Pass Track. Walk straight past the right-hand turnoff back to Lawson and keep on going, descending to the creek and crossing it a couple of times. The vegetation changes from rainforest to rugged bush as the trail curves to the east, changing again from rainforest to bush.
Frederica Falls greets you on the ascent and then it's a relatively easy walk along the North Lawson Trail. The final part isn't the most interesting, due to being a fire trail, but the bush and hanging swamps along the way are beautiful.
Tip: If you'd like to see some glow worms, then return to Dantes Glen and St. Michael's Falls after dark! Avoid using lights anywhere near them otherwise they simply won't illuminate.
2. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit - Lawson
Distance: 2.7 km loop Difficulty: Easy Time Suggested: 1.5 hrs
Starting From: North Honour Avenue carpark, by Livingstone Street
It's common knowledge that if you're a waterfall enthusiast you head for the Upper Mountains to see the big guns. Drop a little in altitude to the Mid Mountains and you're in for waterfalls that are still beautiful, just without the enormous plunge.
The waterfall circuit in South Lawson is an easy one. Yes, there are stairs along the way, but they won't kill you. The bush trail is lined with ferns and towering eucalypts, and the promise of five beautiful waterfalls awaits. Visiting the waterfalls after some decent rainfall is highly recommended, as they can reduce to light trickles during a dry spell.
3. Terrace Falls Reserve - Hazelbrook
Distance: 4.5 km loop Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Time Suggested: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Starting From: Terrace Falls fire trail, by Herron Road
Sharing the same terrain as the South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is this, another circuit that takes in four waterfalls, numerous cascades and a bunch of beautiful waterholes.
The circuit begins on the Terrace Falls fire trail, with the official trail branching off it after 300 m, or so. The narrow descent into the dense rainforest is almost immediate, with striking enormous boulders and rock overhangs dotting the landscape. A short diversion to The Pyramids - due to the shape of an overhang - and then a further descent to Bedford Creek.
The rest of the trail is a gradual ascent back to the fire trail, through glorious rainforest, ferns, mossy boulders, Little Terrace Falls, Terrace Falls, Victor Falls and many cascades.
4. Burgess Falls Track - Hazelbrook
Distance: 2.7 km Difficulty: Easy Time Suggested: 1.5 hrs
Starting From: Oaklands Road
For an easy walk that delivers in the waterfall department, this is one to consider; though try to visit after decent rain as the falls will be at their prime.
This easy loop features ancient blue gum forest, beautiful fern groves, imposing sandstone ledges and a giant termite mound. Horseshoe Falls - also known as Lyrebird Falls - is the first you get to, then as you follow the creek you see Lena Falls, Oakland Falls and then finally Burgess Falls. Some backtracking is required in the middle of the hike.
5. Lawson Swamp Circuit - Lawson
Distance: 3.9 km Difficulty: Easy Time Suggested: 1.5 hrs
Starting From: Queens Road
This is a track where you're bound to complete the circuit without seeing another person. Start off at the end of Queens Road, following unsealed Binnowee Drive to its end then the 300 m track up to Blue Mountain. At 727 m it's not the highest mountain you'll summit, but now you can say you've reached the top of Blue Mountain in the Blue Mountains.
Backtrack to the junction and follow North Lawson Fire Trail down the ridge and try not to miss taking the left onto Lawson Swamp Track. Here's where you're bushwalking skills come into effect as the trail virtually vanishes and you follow your sharp eyes and the map app in your hand. It gets a little boggy due to being in swamp territory, but nothing to worry too much about.
The boggy ground gives way to bushy scrub, still overgrown but the track reappears as you near Lawson Swamp's eastern perimeter. The landscape is raw and untouched and you feel like you've been the only person to have ever been here. Once the past the swamp you're back in bushland gradually winding your way up a ridge to rocky outcrops and open areas of former lava flows.
Note: Long sleeves and pants are advisable as the overgrown track areas, and the shrubs along, them can leave their mark on bare skin.
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