Cora Lynn Cascades Walk

Cora Lynn Cascades Walk is a 4.2-kilometre out-and-back from Blanket Leaf Picnic Area, down a shaded forest track to a stepped creek waterfall. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours; it is a moderate walk, and the return climbs steadily. You come for tree ferns, creek bridges and the cascades rather than a big lookout. Some route information gives a 5.5-kilometre loop, but its alignment could not be confirmed; this description follows the mapped short return route to the falls.

The track leaves from the back of the picnic ground and descends gradually along a slope under tall eucalypts and peppermints. A small bridge crosses Parkinson Creek. Beyond it, the canopy changes to tree ferns, then a second bridge takes you over Cora Lynn Creek. Vegetation screens much of the falls until the steps drop to a natural rock platform beside the water.

Cora Lynn Creek rises from a spring higher on the mountain, then spills over exposed shale ledges framed by ferns and moss. The cascades are small, but the layered rock and close forest setting make a good payoff for the walk. Flow is often stronger after rain. The shale and creek rocks are slippery, and hidden branches make swimming unsafe.

The walk back is uphill for much of the way. Mud can build up on the creek-side section after rain and in wetter months, so grippy footwear helps; take it slowly if you’re unsteady. This is a shaded route, but its short distance doesn’t remove the climb on the way back.

Park at Blanket Leaf Picnic Area on Erskine Falls Road. The signed walk begins behind the picnic ground. Toilets, a small shelter, an information board, picnic tables and wood-fired barbecues are at the picnic area; bring your own firewood. Dogs are not allowed on this route.

The picnic area is named for the blanket leaf bush, whose dark-green leaves have soft white hairs underneath. Along the track, look for Balm Mint-bush, Snowy Daisy-bush, Hazel Pomaderris and Prickly Currant-bush among the tree ferns. Longer routes continue toward Allenvale and Phantom Falls; that is a separate, much more demanding outing with many creek crossings.