It promised to be a warmer day, so we decided an early start was in order to tackle the Grand Canyon track near Blackheath.
A sign clearly pointed the way to the Grand Canyon track. We have found the Blue Mountains to be a popular place, so we wanted to make sure we were on the trails before the crowds.
The descent into the canyon is fairly steep in parts, and we were glad for the sturdy handrails in some sections.
The track wound down, deeper into the lush ferns. The air was instantly cooler, a welcome change. We could see that the ferns and moss thrive in the canyon’s damp environment. The trail is well maintained, though we’d recommend decent walking shoes. It’s definitely not a thong-wearing kind of walk, unless you enjoy a challenge (and possibly a twisted ankle).
Crossing the creek was one of the many highlights.
A series of stepping stones provides a dry-ish passage, but careful footing is advised. It's quite a pretty spot, and the sound of the water adds to the tranquility. The scale of the rock formations is impressive, towering above the dense vegetation.
Looking up, we could only imagine what it would have been like to carve this track into the mountain.
We found ourselves walking under a dramatic overhang of rock.
This section offered a brief respite from the sun, and the change in light was striking. It's easy to see how the canyon got its name. Further along, the track meanders beside a small, rocky waterfall.
It's not Niagara, but it's a lovely feature, and we paused to admire the water cascading over the mossy rocks.
The effort required to construct and maintain a path like this is evident, especially where steps have been carved into the side of the canyon.
We found the path very well maintained. The variety of ferns, mosses, and other plant life makes this walk a botanical feast.
In this section, it felt like we were walking through a miniature Jurassic Park. The Grand Canyon walk near Blackheath is a stunning example of the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains, and we highly recommend it. Just remember to bring water, wear good shoes, and allow plenty of time to soak it all in.
