The Black Hill Summit Circuit is a challenging 4.5km hike in Black Hill Conservation Park, South Australia, and takes around 2 hours to complete. This grade 4 hike leads to the summit of Black Hill, which stands at 467 meters, offering spectacular views over Adelaide. The trail is steep in sections and follows the creek line, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. As you traverse the path, you'll have the opportunity to wander through a wildflower garden on Addison Avenue at the end of the walk. It is advisable to wear sturdy boots and bring water. The trail consists mostly of narrow walking tracks with some sections of fire tracks at the top, providing excellent views over the Adelaide Plains.
If you are looking for a shorter summit option, you can continue over the summit and descend back to the trailhead instead of backtracking to complete the circuit. This version is 4 km in length (see route below).
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 4501 m
Max elevation: 474 m
Min elevation: 209 m
Total climbing: 350 m
Total descent: -347 m
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Alternate 4km option
Total distance: 4075 m
Max elevation: 474 m
Min elevation: 209 m
Total climbing: 335 m
Total descent: -332 m
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Car parking is available at the end of Addison Avenue. The trailhead for the Black Hill Summit hike is easily accessible by public transport, with Adelaide Metro bus route 178 stopping at bus stop 38 on Coulls Road, Athelstone. Black Hill Conservation Park can also be accessed via Maryvale, Gorge Road, Montacute Road, and Addison Avenue. Public transport from Adelaide city centre provides convenient access to the park.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Black Hill Conservation Park, formerly known as Black Hill National Park, is a protected area in South Australia, located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Adelaide. This conservation park is set in a rugged bush environment with a prominent peak, bounded by steep ridges on the southern slopes.
Visitors can enjoy the undulating hills, rugged ridges, and diverse native scenery along the park's extensive network of walking trails. In spring, the park showcases a stunning array of native flowers, including many delicate and colorful orchid species. A must-see feature is the landscaped Wildflower Garden, which dates back to the late 1940s.
Covering an area of 684 hectares, Black Hill Conservation Park is named after the low sheoaks, whose foliage gradually matures to a dark rusty, almost black color as summer progresses. From the Adelaide Plains, these hills appear black, giving the park its distinctive name.
While Black Hill can be visited year-round, it is best appreciated from March to November. The summer months from December to February can be very hot, so walkers should be prepared for high temperatures.
The area is part of the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, who used it for hunting, gathering, and obtaining wood for fire and shelter during their seasonal relocation from the coast. Fire was one of their most important tools, particularly in fire management practices that encouraged vegetation regrowth. The seasonal use of Black Hill allowed game populations to recover, maintaining a relatively steady food supply.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
