Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest walking track

Pierces Pass to Blue Gum Forest is a 16 km return out-and-back through the northern Grose Valley. It drops from an open spur to Fairy Grotto, winds through rainforest to the Grose River, then reaches the tall blue gums before climbing back the same way. Allow 6 to 8 hours; this is a Grade 4 walk for experienced bushwalkers, not a quick picnic stroll. Blue Gum Forest is the turnaround; Acacia Flat is a separate overnight extension and is not part of this distance.

The walk begins with broad views over the valley, then descends a very steep spur with many steps and rough, obstacle-filled tread. The first descent loses a lot of height, and the same slope becomes a sustained climb on the way back. Fairy Grotto is a lush, shaded pocket; beyond it, the route threads coachwood and sassafras rainforest, then skirts cliffs through open forest. Keep an eye on the line at the gully: the track is signed, but visitors have reported confusion where scrub obscures the tread. Keep your mapped route handy.

At the Grose River, the path reaches its low valley section before continuing to Blue Gum Forest. The canopy thickens as the tall blue gums close overhead, making the forest a natural place for a break and the walk's main payoff. Return the way you came. Acacia Flat lies farther on for an overnight trip, but adding it changes the distance and plan.

Treat the river as untreated water. If you collect from it, boil the water for at least 3 minutes before drinking. Take enough food and drinking water for a remote, full-day walk; the river is not ready-to-drink water.

The descent sets up a long climb back. Every steep step down has to be climbed up again, and rough tread adds effort after hours on foot. Allow time for a meal beneath the gums and the return climb within the 6 to 8 hour window. This is a demanding 16 km day, especially after the river, rather than a short nature walk.

Blue Gum Forest is more than a pretty turnaround. In the 1930s, bushwalkers pooled their resources and bought the stand to prevent it being felled. That effort preserved a historic closed forest in the Grose Valley. Pause under the canopy and look up: the tall blue gums form a dense roof, a striking contrast with the open ridge above.

The descent moves through several distinct habitats: open forest, Fairy Grotto, damp coachwood and sassafras rainforest, then river-side forest. Epiphytes and orchids grow in the rainforest. Crimson rosellas and wedge-tailed eagles are possible sightings, but neither is guaranteed. The return walk lets you see the same transition in reverse, with the valley views opening again as you regain the pass.

Pets are prohibited, except for certified assistance animals. Parking is at Pierces Pass at the end of Pierces Pass Road.