I wanted a Blue Mountains trail run that felt like the Blue Mountains: sandstone cliffs, valley views, waterfalls, bush, stairs, and enough runnable trail to make it feel like a run instead of just a hike with a watch on. I also didn’t want to be out all day.
Blackheath to Cliff Top Track ended up being one of my favorite runs in the Blue Mountains because it was scenic, easy to access, and still had enough climbing to make the distance feel much longer than it looked on paper. Although I was surprised I completed it as a hike-run in around 2 hours. The official Cliff Top walking track runs between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout in the Blackheath area of Blue Mountains National Park, and NSW National Parks lists it as a 6 km return, Grade 3 walk with short steep hills and many steps. Most of the climbing you do isn’t gradually, it’s walking up steps.
Starting from Blackheath makes the route better as a trail run. You get a warmup from town, connect toward Popes Glen and Govetts Leap, then run the Cliff Top Track toward Evans Lookout. Starting at Govetts Leap is easier if you only want the official walk, but starting from Blackheath made it feel like a full route.
Blackheath to Cliff Top Track FAQ
How long is the Cliff Top walking track?
The official Cliff Top walking track is 6 km return between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout. Starting from Blackheath adds distance, so most run versions will be longer. My route was between 13-14k.
Can you run the Cliff Top Track in the Blue Mountains?
Yes, you can run parts of the Cliff Top Track, but expect stairs, uneven footing, and hiking breaks. It is better as a scenic trail run than a fast workout.
Where does Cliff Top Track start?
The official Cliff Top walking track can be started from Govetts Leap Lookout or Evans Lookout in Blackheath. Many runners can also start from Blackheath and connect toward Govetts Leap before joining the trail.
Is Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout scenic?
Yes. The route has Grose Valley views, waterfall views, heathland, lookouts, and classic Blue Mountains scenery. NSW National Parks describes the track as offering some of the most scenic views in the Blue Mountains.
Do you need trail shoes for Cliff Top Track?
I would wear trail shoes, especially if the track is damp. There are stairs, rocks, dirt, and uneven sections.
Is Cliff Top Track one of the best walks in Blue Mountains?
Yes. Cliff Top Track is one of the best walks in Blue Mountains if you want strong views, moderate distance, and easy access from Blackheath.
Is Blackheath to Cliff Top Track hard?
It is moderate as a hike and harder as a run. The distance is manageable, but the stairs and terrain slow everything down.
Can you start Cliff Top Track from Blackheath?
Yes. The official track starts at Govetts Leap or Evans Lookout, but starting from Blackheath makes it a longer trail run by connecting through town and toward Govetts Leap.
Blackheath to Cliff Top Track Quick Facts
- Location: Blackheath, Blue Mountains, New South Wales
- Official trail name: Cliff Top walking track
- Route: Blackheath to Govetts Leap, then Cliff Top Track toward Evans Lookout
- Official Cliff Top walking track distance: 6 km return
- Distance from Blackheath: usually closer to 9-10 km depending on your route
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Runability: Runnable in sections, hike the stairs
- Best for: Trail running, hiking, Blue Mountains views, Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, Grose Valley, and waterfall views
- Facilities: Parking, toilets, and picnic facilities are available at Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout.
Where Is the Cliff Top Walking Track?
The Cliff Top walking track is in Blackheath, in the Blue Mountains National Park. The official route goes from Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout and follows the clifftop above the Grose Valley. It is one of those Blue Mountains walks where you get the big views without needing to plan a huge backcountry day. You can park there if you’d like.
Govetts Leap is also one of the most famous lookouts in the Blue Mountains, with views across the Grose Valley and Bridal Veil Falls dropping from the cliffs. Visit NSW lists Bridal Veil Falls at 180 m, which is one of the reasons this area is such a strong scenic stop.
Getting to Blackheath and Govetts Leap
Blackheath is one of the easier Blue Mountains towns to use as a base for trail running because you can start from town, take the train, or drive closer to the trailhead. If you drive, Govetts Leap has a car park, although NSW National Parks notes it can get busy on weekends. Blue Mountains Heritage Centre is about 500 m from Govetts Leap and can also be used for parking.
I liked starting from Blackheath because the run built better. You get through town, ease into the trail, and then the scenery opens up around Govetts Leap. Starting at the lookout would still be good, but it would feel more like a scenic walk than a Blue Mountains trail run. About 5 miles of the 8 miles are runnable and the rest of more hiking since you’re taking in the views and walking up 1500 feet worth of steps.
Running from Blackheath to Govetts Leap
The Blackheath start gives the route a better rhythm. It is not instantly cliffs and stairs. You get a little warmup, some bush, and then the first bigger views near Govetts Leap.
This section is more runnable than the Cliff Top Track itself, depending on the route you take. Popes Glen is a common connector toward Govetts Leap, and it adds enough distance that the run feels more complete without turning it into a massive day. I would still download a map before heading out because Blue Mountains tracks can close or change after weather, maintenance, or fire danger.
Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout on the Cliff Top Track
The Cliff Top Track is the scenic section. It runs between Govetts Leap and Evans Lookout, passing heathland, lookouts, Govetts Leap Brook, and views back toward the waterfall. Visit NSW describes the track as moving through windswept heathland with she-oaks, banksias, mallee scrub, birdlife, wildflowers in spring, and views back toward Govetts Leap from Barrow Lookout.
This is also where the run starts to feel more like a run-hike. There are stairs, short climbs, uneven footing, and lookout areas where walking makes more sense than trying to force a pace. It is still runnable, but it is not smooth.
Come here for a scenic trail run where you’ll walk some, run some, and hike some.
Is the Cliff Top Track Runnable?
Yes, Cliff Top Track is runnable, but only if you are fine with hiking parts of it.
There are runnable stretches, especially when the track flattens or moves through the bush. A lot of the flatter sections have a lot of technical sections that even if you’re running, it isn’t very fast. There are also enough steps and rocky sections that your pace will mean very little. I hiked the steeper sections and ran the parts that were actually runnable.
This is a good trail run for someone who runs trails regularly or a road runner who does not mind uneven footing. I would wear trail shoes. I opted for the On Cloudboom Max. Road shoes would be fine only if the track was dry and you are already comfortable on dirt, stairs, and rock.
How Hard Is Blackheath to Cliff Top Track?
For hiking, it is moderate. For running, it feels harder because the stairs interrupt your rhythm. The official Grade 3 rating is accurate: the track is formed and signed, but there are short steep hills and many steps.
The distance is not the hard part, it’s more the stairs and climbing. Six miles in the Blue Mountains does not feel like six flat road miles.
Why This Is One of the Best Walks in the Blue Mountains
Blackheath to Cliff Top Track belongs in the best walks in Blue Mountains conversation because it has the views people travel there for, but it does not require an all-day hike. You get Govetts Leap, Evans Lookout, Grose Valley views, waterfall views, bushland, and stairs.
It also works well as a Blue Mountains trail run because you can adjust it. Start at Govetts Leap for the shorter official Cliff Top walking track. Start from Blackheath for a longer run. Continue toward Evans Lookout if you want the full route, or turn around earlier if weather, time, or legs are not cooperating.
What I Liked
I liked that this route felt specific to the Blue Mountains. This one had cliffs, waterfalls, eucalyptus, stairs, and valley views almost immediately once the route reached Govetts Leap.
I also liked that it was easy to make the route fit the day. It could be a shorter scenic walk, a moderate trail run, or part of a longer Blackheath route. That makes it easier to recommend because not everyone wants the same version of the Blue Mountains. I did it the same week as I was running the Gold Coast Half Marathon, so I did not want a 4000+ foot climbing route.
What I Did Not Love
The stairs are not great for running rhythm. They are fine for hiking, but they break up the run. I expected that, so it was not a huge issue.
The lookout areas can also get busy. Govetts Leap is popular for a reason, and people are going to stop, take photos, and stand in the middle of the path. Go earlier if you want fewer people.
What to Bring
- Trail shoes (as mentioned I chose the On Cloudboom Max)
- Water and snacks
- A light layer: It did rain a bit while we were there
Would I Run Blackheath to Cliff Top Track Again?
Yes. Blackheath to Cliff Top Track was one of the best Blue Mountains trail runs I did. It had enough runnable sections although I did not care about pace.
If someone asked me for one of the best hikes in Blue Mountains that also works as a trail run, I would include this route. It is scenic, accessible, and very Blue Mountains.
Conclusion
Blackheath to Cliff Top Track is one of the best trail runs in the Blue Mountains if you want a route that is scenic, accessible, and runnable in sections. The official Cliff Top walking track from Govetts Leap to Evans Lookout gives you Grose Valley views, waterfall views, stairs, and plenty of classic Blue Mountains scenery in a manageable distance.
For runners, starting in Blackheath makes the route better. It turns the Cliff Top walking track into a fuller trail run and gives you more distance before the biggest views. It is not fast, but it is memorable, and that is usually what I want from a travel run.
You can see more hikes and trail runs here.
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here. Love running? You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter or read more about running shoes in my ebook.
Questions for you:
Have you been to Australia?
What is your favorite run-hike route?