Fortress ridge falls
Blue Mountains NP
PARK HERE
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2WD Access
Risk Level: Moderate-High
Difficulty: Moderate
Navigation: Moderate (It is recommended to use the trail map link above)
Distance & Time: 9.2km return, 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 336m
We pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land. We acknowledge their enduring connection to the land, waters, and culture, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
STARTING POINT
The walk begins from the Fortress Ridge trailhead on Mount Hay Road in the Blue Mountains.
Drive along Mount Hay Road from Leura. The first few kilometres are sealed, but the final section becomes a gravel road.
Continue for roughly 8–9km along Mount Hay Road until you reach the small Fortress Ridge car park.
Park near the locked gate at the start of the Fortress Ridge Fire Trail.
Walk through the gate and begin following the wide fire trail heading along the ridge.
The track starts as a rocky fire trail that is easy to follow and gradually transitions into a narrower bush track as you continue along the ridge.
The hike to Fortress Ridge Falls and the infinity pools begins along this fire trail before branching onto smaller bush tracks further along the ridge.
DIRECTIONS
From the Fortress Ridge trailhead gate, follow the wide fire trail as it heads out along the ridge through open bushland.
Continue along this fire trail for roughly 1.5km as it gently climbs and descends along the ridge.
Watch for a narrow bush track leaving the fire trail on the left. This smaller track continues along Fortress Ridge and leads toward Fortress Creek.
Follow the bush track as it winds through heath and low forest along the ridge, with occasional views across the Grose Valley.
Continue along the ridge track until the path begins to descend more steeply toward Fortress Creek.
As the track drops toward the creek, follow the worn path downhill through rocky terrain and tree roots.
At the bottom of the descent you will reach Fortress Creek. Turn right and follow the creek upstream for a short distance.
The infinity pools and Fortress Ridge Falls are located a short walk upstream along the creek, where the water flows over smooth rock ledges into a series of natural pools overlooking the valley.
TRAIL NOTES
The final descent to the creek is steep and uneven, with loose rocks and tree roots. Take care when descending and climbing back up the ridge.
The infinity pools sit directly above a large waterfall with a sheer drop into the Grose Valley. Stay well back from the edge and avoid the area when rocks are wet.
There are no signs directing hikers to the pools, and the side track leaving the ridge is unofficial and easy to miss.
The walk along the ridge is exposed in sections and can become very hot during summer, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
The return walk includes a steady climb back up the ridge, which can feel more difficult on the way out.
Mobile reception can be limited along the ridge and near the creek.
The pools and waterfall area can be dangerous after heavy rain when water levels are higher and the rocks become extremely slippery.
POST HIKE ACTIVITY
Govetts Leap & Sublime Point Lookout
After your hike, take a short drive into Blackheath to visit two of the most iconic lookouts in the Blue Mountains. Both Govetts Leap and Sublime Point offer incredible views across the vast Grose Valley and are perfect spots to slow down, take photos and enjoy the scenery after a big day on the trails.
Govetts Leap Lookout
Govetts Leap is one of the most famous viewpoints in the Blue Mountains and provides a breathtaking view over the Grose Valley.
A short paved path leads from the car park to the main viewing platform.
From the lookout you can see the dramatic sandstone cliffs of the Grose Valley stretching into the distance.
On the opposite cliff face, the slender Bridal Veil Falls drops over 180 metres into the valley below.
Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EzJ6KsxoxDZQJ6H38
Sublime Point Lookout
Sublime Point Lookout is another incredible viewpoint nearby and offers a slightly different angle over the Grose Valley.
The lookout is reached via a short walk from the parking area along Sublime Point Road.
From the platform you get wide views across the deep valley, rugged cliffs and endless bushland.
It’s a peaceful place to pause and take in the scale of the Blue Mountains wilderness before heading back toward town.
Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mXygXQBtb3JsgBoB9
As you embark on your adventure, remember to respect and protect the environment. Follow the Leave No Trace Principles: Plan and prepare, hike on durable surfaces, properly dispose of waste, leave nature as you find it, minimize campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors and traditional landowners. Your mindful actions help preserve the beauty of Australian National Parks for future generations to enjoy.
RESOURCES
View our hike safety page for information on pre-hike check-lists, hiking equipment, potential hazards & more
Always check Park Alerts for trail closures, road closures or other alerts.