The sign here details the history of the area, and several of the walks available from this point.
The sign reads:
Walking Tracks From Here
Perrys Lookdown - Blue Gum Forest
Grade: Hard
Time: 5 Hours return
Distance: 4 km
This route is the quickest way to reach to valley floor. It descends 500 metres and a return via the same route is an arduous days walking.
Camping is permitted at Perrys, but please bring your own water and fuel stove for cooking. Magnificent views of the forest and the distant cliff lines are a feature of this walk.
The forest of Eucalyptus deanii, the Blue Gum, is an inspiring location and well worth the effort of getting there.
At present the creeks and streams of this area maybe polluted. Carry your own or boil all drinking water. Allow 3 hours for the ascent.
From the Blue Gum you may choose to walk to Evans Lookout - 5 hours with a steep ascent. Or walk to Victoria Falls Lookout, via Burra-Korrain Flat, about 6 hours from the Blue Gum; this walk requires maps and navigation skill. The walk from the Blue Gum Forest to Pierces Pass takes about 5 hours.
Remember to arrange transport from your destination point, and advise a friend and local police of your route and arrival times.
Walks from Govetts Leap and the Heritage Centre
Braeside Walk
Grade: Easy, some steps
Time: 1½ hours return
Distance: 3 km return
The walk features stunning views of the Grose Valley and a pleasant ravers past the hanging swamps and woodlands of the cliff top. From Govetts Leap follow the cliff trail to the Bridal Veil Falls. Follow the creek upstream to the dam site (originally built to water the steam locomotives at Blackheath). The road to the right brings you to the outskirts of Blackheath, whilst the left will take you to Evans Lookout Road.
Fairfax Heritage Track
Grade: Easy, wheelchair accessible
Time: 1 hour return
Distance: 1.8 km each way, start at the Heritage Centre
The Heritage Track joins the Visitor Centre to the splendour of the Grose Valley. A specially graded walk, on which visitors can see a selection of habitats and ecosystems, the Heritage Walk was made possible by donations from the Fairfax Family Trust.
Pulpit Rock
Grade: Medium
Time: 1.5 hours one way
Distance: 2.5 km, one way
The Pulpit Rock Track leads the walker to some of the grandest views in the area. Follow the track to the left of Govetts Leap Lookout and past the hanging swamp below George Phillps Lookout. The heathlands here are remarkable, and usually something is flowering to tempt the birds. An inspiring view of Horseshoe Falls, as it drops to the 'jungle' leads on to a short climb. From here the track meanders along the cliff edge to finish at Pulpit Rock.
A stone cairn commemorates the official opening of the lookout. Return by the same route (or exit to the road and return via Hat Hill Road).
Evans Lookout
Grade: Medium
Time: 3 hours return
Distance: 2 km one way
A cliff edge walk, which takes the walker past Bridal Veil Falls and up to Evans Lookout. The diverse heath vegetation attracts many small birds, and the views of the canyons of Govetts Creek and Grose River are beautiful.
OTHER WALKS FROM NEARBY
Mt Banks
(Off Bells Line of Road)
Grade: Medium
Time: 2 hours one way
Distance: 2 km one way
Mt Banks is a basalt capped peak on the escarpment overlooking the Grose Valley. An interesting variety of ecosystems, dependent on aspect, soil types, and water availability exist here. Follow the narrow track up the ridge and enjoy the views or walk the fire trail around the base of the mount.
Grand Canyon - Evans Lookout to Neates Glen
Grade: Medium/steep
Time: 4 hours round trip
Distance: 5 km circuit, start at Evans Lookout
One of the most spectacular walks in the mountains, and the only true canyon with a walking track.
Descend into the valley from Evans Lookout and proceed upstream at the junction with Greaves Creek. (The track downstream leads to Beauchamp Falls, and on to the Blue Gum Forest). As you progress upstream the valley narrows and the towering cliffs close in to form the Grand Canyon. The constant erosion by the waters of Greaves Creek has carved this magnificent feature.
Protected within the canyon, rainforest species and ferns thrive. Ascend gradually to Neates Glen and continue to the open forest area on Evans Lookout Road. It is 1.5 kilometres along the road to Evans Lookout, or 3 kilometres to the Great Western Highway.
Visited: 1212, Monday, 20 February, 2017
[Over the decades I think I have hiked each of these tracks listed.]