The New England High Country is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from casual town strolls to rugged backcountry loops for walkers and cyclists.
Below is a curated list of existing walking and cycling trails across the Armidale, Glen Innes, and Tenterfield regions, as of April 2026
1. Armidale Regional Council
Armidale is known for its high-altitude training environments and proximity to the “Waterfall Way.” This road links Coffs Habour on the coast to Armidale up in the New England.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Armidale State Forest (Piney): A massive network of dedicated MTB single track maintained by NEMTB. Highlights include fast-flowing descents and technical climbs. https://www.nemtb.com.au/where-to-ride/armidale-pine-forest
- University of New England (UNE) Trails: Located around Mt. Duval and the UNE campus, offering varied terrain for MTB and gravel riding. https://www.nemtb.com.au/where-to-ride/sportune-mtb-track
- Kookaburra Crest: A mountain bike park located within the city limits, perfect for quick sessions.
- Armidale City Cycleway: A paved, family-friendly path that meanders through the city’s parks and follows Dumaresq Creek.
Walking & Hiking
- Oxley Wild Rivers National Park:
- Threlfall Walking Track: An easy hike at Gara Gorge following the historic hydro-electric scheme.
- Wollomombi Falls Tracks: Various lookouts over one of Australia’s highest waterfalls.
- Dangars Gorge: Offers multiple tracks ranging from easy rim walks to the more strenuous McDirty’s Lookout.
- Threlfall Walking Track: An easy hike at Gara Gorge following the historic hydro-electric scheme.
- Cathedral Rock National Park: The hike to the summit of Cathedral Rock involves some rock scrambling but offers 360° views.
- Mount Duval: A challenging hike starting from the UNE campus to the summit.
2. Glen Innes Severn Council
This region is famous for its Celtic heritage and World Heritage-listed rainforests.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Glen Innes Town Cycleway: Paved paths through King Edward Park and along the town’s heritage precincts.
- The New England Rail Trail (Proposed): While the 67km section to Armidale is in the planning/study phase for 2026, existing local dirt roads are popular with gravel cyclists.
Walking & Hiking
- Gibraltar Range & Washpool National Parks:
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk: A multi-day 45km loop for serious hikers.
- Dandahra Crags (7km): Leads to spectacular granite tors.
- Washpool Walking Track (8.5km): A loop through ancient Gondwana rainforest.
- Coombadjha Nature Stroll: A short, easy 1.4km walk with a swimming hole.
- Gibraltar-Washpool World Heritage Walk: A multi-day 45km loop for serious hikers.
- Australian Standing Stones: A casual walk around the national Celtic monument on the edge of town.
- Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve: The Lagoon Circuit is an easy walk around a high-altitude wetland, excellent for birdwatching.
3. Tenterfield Shire Council
Tenterfield offers some of the most dramatic “Granite Belt” scenery and is rapidly becoming a major cycling hub.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Tenterfield Shared Cycleway: A scenic, family-friendly path running north-to-south through the heart of town.
- Bikepacking & Gravel Loops:
- Tenterfield Northern Loop (17km): A short, paved/unpaved mix through rural landscapes.
- The Falls Circuit (15km): A scenic unpaved route near local waterfalls.
- Lindrook Loop (20km): An easy unpaved circuit for those new to gravel.
- Tenterfield Northern Loop (17km): A short, paved/unpaved mix through rural landscapes.
- Angry Bull Trails: While a massive 150km+ network is currently under construction (Stage 1 opening Winter 2026), some early access points and surrounding fire trails are used by local riders.
Walking & Hiking
- Bald Rock National Park:
- Bald Rock Summit: A walk up the largest exposed granite monolith in Australia (available via a steep face or a gradual “Bungoona” walk).
- Boonoo Boonoo National Park
- Boonoo Boonoo Falls Lookout: A short walk to a stunning drop and the “Rock Pools” swimming area.
- Bald Rock Summit: A walk up the largest exposed granite monolith in Australia (available via a steep face or a gradual “Bungoona” walk).
- Mount Mackenzie Nature Reserve: A drive-up lookout with short walking tracks offering views over the shire.
- Curry’s Gap State Conservation Area: Features rugged walking tracks through dry sclerophyll forest.
New England Network
22-apr-2026
