Short hiking trail in Canberra that takes you around Telstra Tower on the Black Mountain Trail
While you’re visiting the nations capital and feel like stretching your legs on an easy and short hiking trail that’s right in the middle on Canberra, head up towards Telstra Tower and before you reach the top, turn into the small car park on your right and walk around the Black Mountain Loop.
Black Mountain is right on the edge of town, visible from most places in Canberra, sitting just above Lake Burley Griffin/Molonglo River.
Less of a hike and more a stroll, the Black Mountain Loop is a short and easy bushwalking trail that’s just over 2 kms in length with little elevation, other than a few small sections that gradually go up hill and some small sets of stairs.
The entire hiking trail is in the bush where you’ll be walking through a eucalyptus forest with views out across Canberra.
As Black Mountain is very close to the centre of town and the circuit walk loops right around the small mountain, you’ll have a good chance to see lots of different parts of Canberra, whether it be the city, suburbs, lake or out to the nearby rural areas.
Trail details
Difficulty
The hike isn’t very difficult at all. You’ll mostly be walking on quite a flat trail, with some small gradual uphill sections and a few small sets of stairs. The trail isn’t wheel chair friendly. A high level of fitness is not required.
If you’re just here to see Telstra Tower, drive past the car park where the Black Mountain Loop walking trail starts and head to the top of the hill.
Length
2.1 kms. The trail is a loop, so you’ll start and finish at the same place without returning back the way you came from.
Elevation
The total elevation gained is about 60 metres.
Dog Friendly
Dogs aren’t allowed anywhere inside the Black Mountain Nature Reserve, including the entire Black Mountain Loop.
