The Blue Mountains is hands-down one of my favourite places to go hiking with my dog, Bowie. Dog-friendly hikes elsewhere feel like the leftovers of the hiking world: dull firetrails with no views, usually overgrown with hardly anything to get excited about. But the dog-friendly walking tracks in the Blue Mountains genuinely deliver. Think sandstone cliffs, huge waterfalls, lush fern-filled canyons, and more than a few jaw-dropping views. Honestly, I’d recommend these hikes even if you didn’t have a dog. These are my top five best dog-friendly hikes in the Blue Mountains, from hidden gems to all-out adventures. Every walk on this list is 100% dog-friendly, with the kind of terrain that makes tails wag and your heart sing.
Skip to:
- Where are Dogs Allowed in the Blue Mountains
- Best Dog-Friendly Adventure Hike: Porters Pass Circuit
- Best Dog-Friendly Hidden Gem: Radiata Plateau
- Best Dog-Friendly Cave Hike: Coxs Cave
- Best Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hike: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
- Best Dog-Friendly Sunset Hike: Hornes Point via Firetrail
Where are Dogs Allowed in the Blue Mountains
Dogs are not allowed in most NSW National Parks, which rules out a lot of the well-known tracks in Blue Mountains National Park. You won’t be getting FOMO though, there are heaps of great dog-friendly walks in the regional parks and council managed reserves. To be honest, I prefer these trails anyway as they’re usually much quieter and more relaxing for Bowie and I.
Things to Know Before You Go:
• Dogs must be on lead for all of the hikes mentioned below
• Always pick up after your pup: that means carrying out the poop bag (and not leaving it on the side of the trail)
• Be mindful of other hikers, whether they’ve got dogs or not
• Some of these trails have sheer cliff drop-offs, so it’s best to keep dogs close by
• Ticks, snakes and leeches are around year-round, so do a post-hike check
For more tips for hiking with a dog: 7 Tips for Overnight Hiking With a Dog
Best Dog-Friendly Adventure Hike: Porters Pass Circuit
Location: Centennial Glen Reserve, Blackheath
Difficulty: Advanced
Distance: 6km Loop (click here for GPX)
If I could only recommend one dog-friendly hike in the Blue Mountains, this would be it.
Porters Pass Circuit has everything: huge clifftop views, a moss-covered canyon, and a thundering waterfall you can walk right under. You can access the hike in a number of locations; I chose to start and end at Burton Road. Heading down Porters Pass, the trail turns off onto Colliers Causeway, linking up with the Centennial Pass to climb back up the escarpment, closing the loop with the Clifftop Track back to the car.
Do not miss the side trip to Centennial Glen Canyon (also known as The Grotto). Lookout nearby though, there’s an exposed rocky staircase next to Centennial Glen Creek that often gets covered in water when flows are high. Only bring adventurous dogs that are confident with heights (a dog harness with a handle really helps here if they need an extra boost).
Best Dog-Friendly Hidden Gem: Radiata Plateau
Location: Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park, Katoomba
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 5km Return (click here for GPX)
Don’t be put off if the carpark at the trailhead on Pulpit Hill Road is completely full when you arrive. When I hiked this trail, the park gate was surrounded by parked cars, yet I didn’t see a single person on the entire hike. I assumed the car owners were all hikers or climbers that had headed into the valley below, whilst this track stays high on the Radiata Plateau.
Starting as a mellow fire trail through open forest, the trail branches off to countless unmarked lookouts with views towards Peckmans Plateau. It tapers into a singletrack, continuing down to the rocky edge and trig point, where sandstone cliffs drop away into the Megalong Valley.
There is a network of trails to explore if you want to turn this out-and-back into a loop, just be sure to stay within the boundaries of the Regional Park.
Best Dog-Friendly Cave Hike: Coxs Cave Loop
Location: Mount Piddington Reserve, Mount Victoria
Difficulty: Intermediate
Distance: 4.5km Loop (click here for GPX)
Starting at the end of Mount Piddington Road, the trail immediately drops into a steep, mossy pass with some tight switchbacks. Along the way, you’ll come across a sweet little waterfall (complete with a picnic table) nestled into the rocks. The track skirts around the cliff base, under some overhangs where views open out to the valley below. Through here there was a rocky ledge where I had to lift Bowie down as it was just too high for him to jump (large dog owners beware).
The highlight, of course, is Coxs Cave itself. There’s a very steep metal ladder up to the cave entrance. Unless your dog’s part goat, you’ll need to take turns climbing up while someone waits at the base with your pooch. The climb up is slick but once inside, the size of the cave is genuinely impressive, and the view across the escarpment is worth it.
Best Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hike: South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
Location: South Lawson Park, Lawson
Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 3km Loop (click here for GPX)
Calling it the ‘Best Waterfall Walk in the Blue Mountains’ is basically asking for an argument, but if we’re going off which one my dog and I loved most, this wins hands down.
The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit visits four waterfalls: Adelina Falls, Junction Falls, Federal Falls, and Cataract Falls. It’s a lush, shady walk that’s perfect to beat the summer heat with a couple of stoney creek crossings, wooden bridges, and plenty of splash zones for dogs that like to get their paws wet.
Junction falls was easily my favourite with those terraced cascades. I’ll take layered falls over a big single drop any day. Just be warned: after rain, it can get muddy so bring a towel and maybe a cover for the backseat.
Best Dog-Friendly Sunset Hike: Hornes Point via Firetrail
Location: Mount Piddington Reserve, Mount Victoria
Difficulty: Beginner
Distance: 2km Return (click here for GPX)
This hike follows the wide Hornes Point Firetrail that gently descends to a rocky outcrop (Hornes Point) with panoramic views over the Kanimbla Valley. Since it’s so straightforward, it’s perfect for a late arvo stroll when you just want to catch golden hour and be back before dark. Better yet, pack a picnic blanket, and a camp stove for dinner with a (light) show. It’s hard to beat watching the sun disappear behind the cliffs, with a cup of noodles and a tired pup by your side.
Disclaimer: Content on Path & Pedal is for general information and inspiration only. All route guides and trip reports are based on personal experience and research at the time of writing. Conditions, access, weather, and regulations can change. Always check official sources and use your own judgment. Outdoor adventures carry risk, and Path & Pedal accepts no liability for injury, loss, or damage.
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