One Tree Hill ACT (8.4 km)
Urban Fringe
Nearest Town
Hall (on the northern edge of Canberra)
Starting Location
Trail Head at the corner of Hoskins and Hall Streets in Hall
The trail head
Car parking for this trail is on the roadside verge
Finish Location
Trail Head at the corner of Hoskins Street and Hall Street
Best Time to Travel
Year round. Please be advised that if there is a total fire ban then the trail is closed
One Tree Hill Trail Review
This trail is one of Canberra’s most heavily used trails, and for good reason as it provides some spectacular views. In addition it is also part of the 145 km Canberra Centenary Trail which is Canberra’s longest trail. As a byproduct of this heavy use, the trail is maintained regularly and is probably the most groomed trail in the Territory providing very good walking surfaces.
The trail head is in the back streets of the old rural town of Hall which due to city expansion is now part of the ACT. The trail ascends almost all the way from start to the summit at a slight but steady incline. There trail is mainly made of well groomed soil interspersed with a few metal mesh sections where the water was a potential issue. Being in the middle of a rural area there are a number of cattle grates on the trail designed to prevent any stock from escaping the paddocks. At the 4 km mark the trail branches off at a very obvious spur that leads up to the summit and this is the steepest section but it is not overly long.
The summit of One Tree Hill has a good seating area with interpretive signage so this is a great place for a short break or for lunch to take in the views before returning back to the trail head. This trail has it all; rural views, urban views, and bush views. One of the great things about this trail is the panoramic views even before you reach the summit. I love this part of the city as the vegetation is different to the trails on the southern side of town.
The trail is approximately 2 hours return and that includes a twenty minute rest stop at the summit. This walk can be extended to take in the Northern Camp Ground for an overnight stay if you feel like doing the 12 km distance to reach this camp site. Alternatively you can make this a one way walk at around 15 km (with some car swapping) or a 30 km walk by doing the full return walk to the suburb of Forde and back to Hall.
The One Tree Hill walk is well worth doing but if you plan on walking in the hotter part of the year check the fire warnings as the trail may be closed if there is a total fire ban.
Approximately 400 metres in you branch towards the right just past this power pole
Stile near trail start
Wattle in flower along the first section of the trail in late winter
This trail is heavily used and is one of the most groomed unsealed trails in the Territory
The majority of the track is in very good condition but there still some small muddy areas after extended periods of rain
There are sections of trail grate on the trail to keep you above the main wet areas
The trail is adjacent to private property which are working farms and off limits
There is some interesting bark on some of the trees along the trail
There are great views all along this trail
I always love this trail no matter how often I do it
Late flowering wattle still developing
New housing being built in the valley below
This trail is heavily used by runners and cyclists. Walkers have right of way but many people do not realise this. Keep to the left and be prepared to give way, sometimes its just easier
Trail example going up to the summit
Interpretive signage on the summit of One Tree Hill
Summit at One Tree Hill. There is a great seating area at the summit so bring some lunch or snacks to take in the views
Approaching the Summit
Getting There
Image from Google Maps
The trip from the centre of Canberra is approximately 20 minutes and 16 km, and is easy to access. Once you enter the main street of Hall, go past the shops and turn right into Hoskins Street just past the local school
The local park in the centre of Hall is a great place for a bathroom break or for a picnic at the end of the hike
Toilet block at the local park
Things to Know
- Phone: There is excellent phone coverage on this trail (Telstra)
- Water: You need to bring your own water
- Toilets: There are no toilets on this trail
- Trail: This trail consists of formed track
- Dogs: No dogs allowed on the main trail
- Camping: No camping allowed on this trail
- Other:
- This walk is an out and walk back experience
- This trail may be closed during designated total fire bans
- This trail is really popular with mountain bikers and walkers so an early start to the day will usually avoid any heavy traffic
Disclaimer
This walk was undertaken by the team from Australian Hiker