The Pines & Abbotts Falls Walking Trail

Details

Distance: 5km
Location: Olney State Forest, Watagan Mountains
Drive time from Sydney CBD: 120 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
On-off lead: Mostly off lead
Pippa’s rating: 4.5 stars

Google Maps link to trailhead

Description

Take this hike if you’re looking for a dog friendly trail through probably the most diverse and varied environments you can get.

‘The Pines’ in Olney State Forest is known for its giant pine trees that seem to transport you to North America or the Nordics. Standing in the Pines Picnic Area you would swear you were in Washington State, or Big Bear Lake CA. But you’re really in the middle of the Watagan Mountains surrounded by gum trees and semi temperate rainforests.

If camping, pick a quiet time to visit and you’re better off sticking to the camping sites at the picnic area, as The Pines Campground is busier and dustier with the gravel road looping through. The whole area has plenty of (drop) toilets but no water available – so bring your own.

Start the trail at the picnic area and head along the creek, you’ll enter a lush area near the creek where your four-legged mate can splash around before joining Howes Rd. The hike really starts when you begin the Abbotts Falls Walking trail. The trail heads downward through drier bushland. When you hit Abbotts Rd turn left and follow it to the top. Descend rapidly (through sometimes overgrown and somewhat unmaintained trail sections) deeper and deeper into a total rainforest wonderland. If you thought the trail was varied before, now you’re basically in the jungles of Guatemala. You’ll eventually hear the sounds of Abbotts Falls. Unfortunately you emerge at the top and there is no way down to the bottom of the falls. You can merely glimpse them from the edge of the cliff (keep pups secured and stay safe when attempting).