If there’s one question we are asked on a regular basis it’s “which walks in the Blue Mountains are dog friendly?”. As dogs are not allowed into national parks, you’d be forgiven for thinking that all the best trails are off limits.
Luckily, that isn’t the case, and we’ve spent the last few months working our way around all the amazing walks in the mountains that are on council land, so you can bring your pup along on the adventure!
We’re going to take you far from run of the mill dog parks, to epic waterfalls, rainforests, and even one of our favourite slot canyons! There are no paved walkways - it’s proper hiking trails all the way!
Here are the best dog friendly walks in the Blue Mountains.
A warning about 1080
We’ve received a few comments mentioning the danger of 1080 bait balls potentially spreading outside the national park into surrounding areas. They are used to try to control invasive species, but can prove deadly to dogs. Please see the comment at the bottom of this post for more details.
Dog friendly walks in the Blue Mountains
1. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, Lawson
Distance: 2.8km loop (although our watch read 3.8km after every side trail)
Elevation: 160m
Difficulty: Easy
The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit is one of the best short walks in the Blue Mountains. You’ll visit five glorious waterfalls which are absolutely stunning after rain (in dry periods they can reduce to a mere trickle).
The forest is also beautiful, and as well as the waterfalls, you’ll also pass many cascades. There is even a picnic bench under an overhang right beside one of the falls for a mid walk lunch break!
The terrain is generally easy going. It does get a little muddy after rain but nothing major, and it’s definitely worth it for the extra power in the waterfalls.
There are some rocky sections and a few hills, so small dogs might need the odd helping hand - although dogs always surprise us with how amazing they are on the trails, so they may find it a breeze!
All the details on the track and lots more photos to give you a better idea of trail conditions are in this post.
2. Porters Pass and Colliers Causeway Circuit, Blackheath
Distance: 5.2km
Elevation: 281m
Difficulty: Moderate
This is one of the most adventurous trails on this list. It also happens to be our pick of the bunch.
However, this won’t be suitable for all dogs because there are narrow paths and rough terrain for much of the way, as well as several steep climbs.
If you’re reading this thinking “my dog will love that”, then you are going to be in for a treat! This walk really does have it all, glorious views, gorgeous rainforest, a waterfall you can walk behind, and even one that flows straight into a fabulous slot canyon!
The canyon might be small but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in sheer beauty. It really is a fantastic walk and one of the very best in all the mountains.
You can read more about the trail and whether you think it will be right for your dog in this detailed post.
3. Terrace Falls Circuit, Hazelbrook
Distance: 4.7km
Elevation: 220m
Difficulty: Moderate
We’d been walking in the Blue Mountains for many years before we finally did this track and all we could think when we did was, what took us so long! It’s a real gem.
It’s another one that you ideally want to do after rain because not only do the two main waterfalls look even more spectacular, but new waterfalls leap over the cliffs, and cascades rush through the creeks.
The forest is full of giants ferns, hanging vines and lots and lots of lush greenery. Not only is the walk a stunner but there are also a few places to take a dip along the way if you’re walking in warmer weather.
The track is rough in places and there are a few steep sections but nothing overly difficult.
You can read more in our guide to the Terrace Falls Circuit.
4. Minnehaha Falls, Katoomba
Distance: 2.5km return
Elevation: 94m
Difficulty: Easy but with a couple of steep staircases
Ah Minnehaha, one of the most fabulous waterfalls in all the Blue Mountains and one of the most majestic places to take a dip.
We’ve seen it in full force and we’ve seen it reduced to a slender ribbon and it never loses its beauty. The waterfall cascades down huge sandstone cliffs and the setting is incredibly dramatic.
The majority of the trail is easy, well maintained, and fairly flat. You don’t need to tackle any difficult terrain to get to a great view of the falls, but if you want to get down to the base of the waterfall, you will need to negotiate several steep staircases.
For humans it’s fine because there are handrails, but dogs will need to be carried up and down this section.
If that’s feasible, it’s well worth it, but if not, even just going to the top of the staircases where you’ll get spectacular views is great.
You can read more about the trail here.
5. Bushrangers Cave from Mount Piddington, Mount Victoria
Distance: 4.9km (returning via road) - 6.8km (both ways through the bush)
Elevation: 266m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
There is a quicker way to reach Bushrangers Cave, but it’s only 1km long and misses some great views and other cool spots along the way.
Our route takes in a fantastic overhang which is an occasional overnight shelter complete with ancient looking pots and pans and a campfire, as well as another cave, and some truly outstanding views of the Kanimbla Valley.
The jewel in the crown is Bushrangers Cave which has an unusual shaped opening, which creates a perfect frame for the view beyond. When it comes to dogs, the trail is pretty easy going for the most part but to get into the cave requires a scramble down a few rocks and then a scramble up several large rocks.
You might need to take it in turns to explore the cave and leave your dog outside, but it’s such a tiny portion of the walk, so that hopefully isn’t a problem.
You can read more details on the walk here.
6. Birdwood Gully, Springwood
Distance: 2.7km
Elevation: 117m
Difficulty: Easy but rough in places
Birdwood Gully might only be a short bushwalk, but it’s a very pretty one. It does have a fairly steep descent to get into the gully and the track isn’t in the best condition, but it’s not overly slippery - you just need to watch your step.
Once you’re down you’re out of the dry forest and into a perfect little pocket of rainforest, complete with small waterfalls and several picturesque overhangs.
It’s lovely and shady and full of fern lined paths and even a few tall tree ferns. You have a steepish climb back out of the gully, and a small section on a quiet road to complete the circuit.
You can read all the details, including what it’s like to walk it at night in this guide.
7. Horseshoe Falls Walk, Hazelbrook
Distance: 3.4km total
Elevation: 120m
Difficulty: Easy
This walk visits four fab waterfalls, including one of our favourites in the mountains, Horseshoe Falls. It’s a gorgeous waterfall and there’s something about the way it flows over the rocks which is just really special.
The other waterfalls are also lovely, although again it’s best to visit after rain for maximum impact.
There is a one main descent and ascent on a roughish path, but nothing too tricky, it’s mainly that some of the stairs have degenerated. Other than that, the path is generally very good, one of the overall smoother options for much of the way.
If you want to go down to the base of the third waterfall, Burgess Falls, there is a very short scramble down a large rock, but again nothing overly challenging and it’s not necessary if you don’t like the look of it. Inbetween the waterfalls, it’s a pleasant bush track but really it’s all about those falls!
You can read more about the trail, including how to find the un-signposted fourth waterfall in this post.
8. North Lawson Waterfall Walk, Lawson
Distance: 2km
Elevation: 60m
Difficulty: Easy
For reasons unknown, the North Lawson Waterfall Circuit isn’t talked about anywhere near as much as the southern circuit, yet it’s another great walk and visits three great waterfalls.
All three waterfalls are very pretty but especially Dantes Glen which is surrounded by tall cliff walls giving it a secluded feel. The walls are covered in ferns and it’s the perfect shady spot to relax at on a warm day.
The path is in reasonable condition, but there are some fairly steep stairs, some of which might necessitate carrying pups over.
The park that the trail begins from is often quite busy, but we rarely see anyone on the trail, even on a weekend. It feels like a bit of a hidden gem.
You can read more about the circuit in this post.
9. Coxs Cave, Mount Victoria
Distance: 1.6km return (the circuit track is currently closed)
Elevation: 157m
Difficulty: Moderate
This is currently only a very short walk, so it’s best combined with the Bushrangers Cave Walk mentioned above until the circuit reopens.
It’s also worth noting that dogs are allowed on this walk, but they won’t be able to get up to the cave as it requires climbing a very steep ladder. You would have to leave them tied to the post close to the base of the ladder while you explore.
If that’s ok, this is an amazing spot, whilst the walk itself is a pleasant enough bushwalk, the cave is fantastic. Not only is the ladder fun but the views from the top are so peaceful. It feels like you’ve reached a secret hideout.
In terms of terrain on the walk it’s mainly downhill on the way, there’s quite a lot of leaf litter which makes it a bit slippery for us but is probably nothing to our four legged friends.
You can read more about the trail here.
10. Knapsack Bridge via the Lapstone Zig Zag Trail, Glenbrook
Distance: 1.8km each way (2.6km each way if you go to Elizabeth lookout)
Elevation: 100m
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
The main drawcard for this walk is definitely the fantastic old viaduct, Knapsack Bridge. The walk to take you there is a pleasant stroll through the bush, but nothing remarkable in its own right. The bridge makes the track a must do though, as it sits towering over a little patch of rainforest.
The track to get you there is flat for the majority of the way until you get within a few hundred metres of the bridge, when it starts to descend on several staircases (nothing too steep so it shouldn't be a problem even for small dogs).
You can continue the walk onto Elizabeth Lookout, which is much hillier and has slightly rougher terrain. We didn't rate the lookout, as the view is over Penrith and therefore not overly scenic, but if you don't mind a fair bit more climbing it does offer the opportunity to extend your walk.
You can read more details about the trail in our guide to Knapsack Bridge.
11. Peggys Pool, Faulconbridge
Distance: 1.06km return
Elevation: 70m
Difficulty: Easy
The Peggy's Pool Track might be the least exciting walk on this list, but there's a reason we're including it. It leads to a dog friendly swimming hole! The pool might be too small for adults to swim in, but for dogs it's just perfect. The waterhole has a small waterfall and is surrounded by tall fern covered cliff walls which keep it shady and cool, even on the hottest of days. It's basically a lush green oasis in the bush!
The path is not well maintained, but it's not hard if your dog can manage a few steep sections of downhill track and some rocky terrain.
There is one bit towards the very end where I imagine most dogs will need to be carried for a couple of seconds as it involves getting down (and then up on the way back) from a rocky platform. You can see pictures in this detailed blog post which also has instructions on finding the track (which is not signposted).
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