Trail Running in Mount Lofty and the Adelaide Hills
Mount Lofty rises 727m above Adelaide on Peramangk and Kaurna Country, providing the city with a stunning natural backdrop and an extensive trail network in the Adelaide Hills. The Heysen Trail, one of Australia's longest long-distance trails, passes through the region, offering well-marked routes through eucalypt forest, vineyard country, and creek gullies. Cleland National Park, straddling the summit ridge, contains the densest network of trail running routes, many shaded and runnable year-round. The hills are cooler than the Adelaide plain by 5-10 degrees, making them a summer lifeline for Adelaide trail runners.
Region
Adelaide Hills, SA
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Seasons
Autumn, Winter, Spring
Trails
3 featured
Terrain
Eucalypt forest singletrack, creek-side gravel trails, open grassy firebreaks, and some rocky ridge sections near the summit. Surfaces are mostly manageable with moderate technical challenge.
Best Trails
Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit
ModerateThe most popular Adelaide trail run, finishing at the summit lookout with panoramic city views.
Rocky singletrack and stairs
Cleland National Park Big Loop
ModerateLinks the main Cleland trails in a satisfying long run through the best of the park.
Forest singletrack and fire trail
Heysen Trail Day Section (Mylor to Bridgewater)
ModerateRuns through the heart of the Adelaide Hills wine region with creek crossings and rural scenery.
Vineyard country singletrack and farm trails
Gear Recommendations
Carry at least 1 litre of water as sources within Cleland are limited
Trail shoes with moderate grip are sufficient for most conditions
The summit ridge can be windswept and cold even in spring, bring a layer
Waterfall Gully car park fills very early on weekends, consider arriving before 7 AM
Safety Tips
Total Fire Ban days in summer close the park, always check SAPOL and National Parks SA before heading out
The summit area can be foggy and cold in winter, bring a layer even if it is warm below
Waterfall Gully trail can be extremely busy on weekends and may require waiting at narrow sections
Download offline maps for the larger Cleland loops as signage can be ambiguous
Getting There
Waterfall Gully car park on Waterfall Gully Road is the main access point (20 min from Adelaide CBD). Cleland Wildlife Park on Summit Road is the main entry point for the broader Cleland trail network.
Post-Run Refuel
The Summit Cafe at Mount Lofty has excellent views and is popular for post-run coffee. In Stirling, the Stirling Hotel does excellent food and has a welcoming post-run vibe.
Local Trail Events
Trail Series SA
10K and 20KA bi-annual trail race series in the Adelaide Hills with events in Cleland National Park, popular with the local trail community.
April and OctoberTurn Your Trail Runs Into Territory
Done with the trails? Take the competition back to the streets. Motera turns every run into a territory capture game. Claim parks, streets, and entire suburbs by running loops. Compete on leaderboards, earn XP, and explore through Fog of War. Perfect for runners who want more purpose in every run.
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MoteraFrequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit run?
It is a moderate run of 7.5 km return with 390m of elevation. Steep sections near the summit require effort but it is achievable for most fit runners. Allow 60-90 minutes.
Is Mount Lofty runnable in summer?
Yes, but check Total Fire Ban conditions before heading out as the park may close. The hills are significantly cooler than Adelaide city, making morning runs manageable most of the time.
What is the Heysen Trail?
The Heysen Trail is a 1200 km long-distance walking trail from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. Sections through the Adelaide Hills are popular with trail runners.
Is parking difficult at Waterfall Gully?
Yes. The car park is small and fills very quickly on weekends. Arrive before 7 AM or consider running from Crafers township to avoid parking issues.
Are there koalas in Cleland National Park?
Yes. Cleland Wildlife Park at the summit has a koala population and you may encounter them in the surrounding national park trails as well.
