Crayfish Pool and Grey Hat Falls walk

This is an about 1.9 km return walk from Red Hands Firetrail to Grey Hat Falls and Crayfish Pool on Kanuka Brook. It is a good pick if you want a small waterfall and swimming hole, but the short distance hides a rough, unmarked footpad. Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours, especially if you plan to stop at the pool.

Park at the small pull-off on Red Hands Firetrail and cross the firetrail to an unmarked bush opening. The path starts fairly level, then drops through steep, rocky gullies. A turn about 280 m in is easy to miss, so download a route before you set off. The footpad is not signed, and its formal maintenance status is unclear.

At the bottom, follow Kanuka Brook to Grey Hat Falls, which spills over layered sandstone ledges into Crayfish Pool. Some visitors also call the falls Kanuka Falls. The pool has a sandy, bouldery edge and a deeper middle; wet rock can be slick. After rain the falls may have more flow, while the water can feel cold in winter. From the pool edge, keep a little water in the foreground to frame the falls and ledges.

The return retraces the same path, climbing out over loose soil, leaf litter and rock. There is a short rocky chute to negotiate, so this is a better fit for confident walkers than anyone looking for an easy, signed track. There is no drinking water, toilet or food outlet by the pool; bring what you need and use facilities near the Glenbrook entrance before driving in. Pets are not permitted in the park, except certified assistance animals.