Summit walking track
Mount Hyland Nature Reserve
Overview
A loop through World Heritage rainforest, Summit walking track offers spectacular scenic views, birdwatching and picnic opportunities in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve, near Dorrigo.
- Where
- Mount Hyland Nature Reserve in North Coast
- Distance
- 3km loop
- Time suggested
- 1 - 2hrs
- Grade
- Grade 4
- Trip Intention Form
-
It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- The weather in the area can be extreme and unpredictable, so please ensure you’re well-prepared for your visit.
- There is limited mobile reception in this reserve
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Discover the delights of a cool climate rainforest walk that’s bound to revive your senses. Remote and tranquil, Summit walking track in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve is where the mountains meet the sky. This moderate loop track with short steep climbs is a great leg-stretcher on a 4WD tour of this World Heritage-listed wilderness region near Dorrigo.
Following the loop track through a forest of sassafras and mountain walnut, look for the vibrant coloured fungi. You’ll see huge banksia trees emerge above the rainforest canopy and hear the mimicking cry of the lyrebird echoing through the forest. In summer, the call of the endangered pouched frog can be heard along the walk.
Upon reaching the summit at a height of 1,434m, soak up the views before making your way back. Descending to Vista Point picnic area, enjoy a well-earned lunch.
Map
Map legend
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/summit-walking-track/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve in the North Coast region
Mount Hyland Nature Reserve is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Summit walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
3km loop
Time
1 - 2hrs
Quality of markings
Limited signage
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Short steep hills
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Rough track, many obstacles
Getting there and parking
Summit walking track starts at Mount Hyland picnic area within Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. To get there:
Via Dundurrabin
- Turn off Armidale/Grafton Road at Dundurrabin
- Proceed along Sheepstation Road for 6.3km
- Turn left onto Chaelundi Road and proceed for 11.3km
- Turn left onto Hardens Road and proceed for 5km
- Turn left at the sign for Mount Hyland picnic area and proceed for 1km
Via Hernani
- Turn off Armidale/Grafton Road at Hernani onto Marengo Road
- Proceed along Marengo Road for 11.4km
- Turn right onto Hardens Road and proceed for 7km
- Turn right at the sign for Mount Hyland picnic area and drive for 1km
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out as the road to Summit walking track can become boggy when it rains.
Parking
Parking is available at Mount Hyland picnic area, which is at the start of Summit walking track.
Best times to visit
There are lots of great things waiting for you in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. Here are some of the highlights.
Autumn
Walk to the top of the summit for spectacular views across world-class wilderness.
Spring
Take the binoculars for some excellent birdwatching as spring heralds the nesting season.
Summer
Escape the summer heat with a refreshing walk through temperate rainforest.
Winter
The crisp mornings are a great time for taking in the majestic views across the mountain ranges from the lookouts.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
13.8°C and 24°C
Highest recorded
35°C
Winter temperature
Average
4.4°C and 16°C
Lowest recorded
-8.9°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
January
Driest month
August
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
254.8mm
Facilities
You’re encouraged to bring gas or fuel stoves, especially in summer during the fire season.
Maps and downloads
Prohibited
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.
Learn more
Summit walking track is in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve. Here are just some of the reasons why this park is special:
Famous wildlife residents
One of the more famous animals that are protected within this isolated reserve is the Hastings River mouse. Once thought to be extinct in NSW, it was rediscovered in the early 1980s. Other threated animals found in the area include the long-nosed potoroo and spotted-tailed quoll. Another of the fascinating animals protected within this rainforest remnant is the threatened pouched frog. Only 2cm in length, the male frog has two pouches on either side, which are used to carry the baby tadpoles after they've hatched.
- Summit walking track A loop through World Heritage rainforest, Summit walking track offers spectacular scenic views, birdwatching and picnic opportunities in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve, near Dorrigo.
- Vista Point picnic area For scenic views across spectacular wilderness, Vista Point picnic area offers birdwatching and World Heritage rainforest in Mount Hyland Nature Reserve, near Dorrigo.
Gumbaynggirr country
Mount Hyland Nature Reserve is located within the Traditional Lands of the Gumbaynggirr People. Aboriginal people in the area have a strong connection to their traditional lands and maintain connection through conservation and resource management. Sites of high cultural significance are located along the traditional walking routes between Boyd River and high country around the village of Ebor.
Hyland history
Mount Hyland was named after an early settler to the area who established a cattle station to the south of the mountain range. Hyland lived a basic existence in a slab shelter built from nearby stringybark trees. Although life was tough and he moved on, his name remains.
World Heritage rainforest
This unique patch of high altitude rainforest forms part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. These cool temperate forests are only found at altitudes over 1,000m. Interestingly, Antarctic beech trees are absent from this patch of rainforest, possibly due to fire or drought.