Starting from Frith Road, Acton, this walk takes you up to the summit of Black Mountain and back via the Black Mountain Summit Walk, doing a cute little forest loop near the top. You’ll be dazzled when you see how tall the Telstra Tower really is when you make it to the top. Don’t count out the little loop beforehand as it is also dazzling in its own way. Some hot air balloons may come into your view and add to the panoramic view from the top. Keep in mind that you can also drive to the summit, so plan accordingly. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn sharp left onto Frith Road and drive for another 870 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started Starting just before the pavement ends on Frith Road, Acton, head towards the open metal gate along the concrete path. Pass through the gate and keep moving in the same direction. As the concrete ends and the dirt begins, follow the road as it veers slightly right. After about 150 metres, turn right and follow the Black Mountain Summit Walking Trail into the woodland as it veers left. Pass through the gap next to the signposted metal gate and follow the fire trail up to the green signpost with some steps next to it. Head up the steps and follow the concrete track to continue along Black Mountain from Frith Rd, Acton Walk.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Frith Road.
After 25 m head through/around the gate.
After another 140 m (at the intersection of Black Mountain Summit Walk & Frith Road) turn right, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk (a walking track).
After another 90 m head through/around the gate.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of up and over & Black Mountain Summit Walk) continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk (a footpath).
After another 130 m head through the bicycle barrier.
After another 570 m head through the bicycle barrier.
Continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 75 m head through the bicycle barrier.
At the intersection of Forest Track (scenic) & Black Mountain Summit Walk continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 195 m continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 90 m continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 45 m continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A recommended side trip taking you to the tower and a lookout, with 360-degree panoramic views over Canberra. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 65 m turn sharp right.
After another 10 m pass the water tap (115 m on your left).
Then pass a seat (40 m on your left).
Then head down the concrete steps (about 5 m long)
After another 25 m come to the "Black Mountain Lookout" (on your right).
After another 20 m turn right.
After another 35 m pass the "Black Mountain" (on your right).
After another 60 m veer left, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 195 m (at the intersection of Black Mountain Summit Walk & Forest Track (scenic)) continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 70 m continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 680 m (at the intersection of Black Mountain Summit Walk & up and over) continue straight, to head along Black Mountain Summit Walk (a walking track).
After another 120 m (at the intersection of Frith Road & Black Mountain Summit Walk) turn left, to head along Frith Road (a vehicle track).
After another 7 m (at the intersection of Frith Road & Black Mountain Summit Walk) continue straight, to head along Frith Road.
After another 155 m come to the end.
A recommended side trip taking you to the tower and a lookout, with 360-degree panoramic views over Canberra.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Black Mountain Summit Walk.
After another 4 m turn left.
After another 25 m turn right.
After another 20 m turn left.
After another 20 m come to a seat.
The end.
A sign.
About 50 m past the end is a water tap.
About 125 m past the end is "Black Mountain Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 70 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Black Mountain from Frith Rd, Acton
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
2.8 km
Time
1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Some facilities on route
Seat: There are 2 on route, on average they are 1000 m apart with the largest gap of 1.5 km.