Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout

An adventurous person on the end of Hanging Rock, overlooking the Grose Valley

Hanging Rock is a outstanding feature near Baltzer Lookout, at the end of Ridgewell Road, Blackheath. A huge, overhanging block of sandstone over 100m high, jutting out into the Grose Valley, has become detached from the main cliff. It has featured in many calendars and climbing photos, and was also the site of the main climbing scene in "The Edge" movie.

Heading west along the Great Western Highway, turn right on to Ridgewell Rd, 800m after the main traffic lights in Blackheath. Follow the dirt road for 2.4km until you reach a locked gate. Park here.

As the walk to Baltzer Lookout is almost entirely on fire trail, this could easily be ridden with mountain bikes.

Reaching the lookout is quite straightforward as it just involves following the fire trail. There are a few small uphills and downhills, but it's mostly relatively flat. At the end of the road, there is a small fence, and the lookout is through the gate at the top of the hill.

From the lookout there are superb views up and down the Grose Valley. If you look down to your left, you can see Hanging Rock

Follow a steep track down to the left which leads to even better views of Hanging Rock. For those who are fearless, you can even jump across the gap on to the Rock itself. However, you do so at your own risk - a slip could prove fatal.

After a break, return the way you came to your car.

Victoria Falls

Time: 2 hrs; Distance: 4km; Fitness: E; Skill: E; Ascent: 360m

A short but steep walk to a series of pretty cascades on Victoria Creek.

Grand Canyon Loop

Time: 4 hrs; Distance: 7km; Fitness: E; Skill: EM; Ascent: 240m

An excellent walk showcasing a variety of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains.

Rigby Hill

Time: 1 hr; Distance: 2km; Fitness: E; Skill: E; Ascent: 60m

An easy and short walk to a fantastic lookout over the Grose Valley.

Blue Gum Forest via Evans Lookout and Perrys Lookdown

Time: 2 days; Distance: 20km; Fitness: M; Skill: EM; Ascent: 750m

The classic walk into the Blue Gum Forest, with camping on grassy flats under the magnificent blue gums

Faulconbridge Ridge to the Grose River

Time: 5 hrs; Distance: 17km; Fitness: M; Skill: EM; Ascent: 410m

A longish day walk to visit a great lookout and a beautiful swimming hole

Mt Banks

Time: 5 hrs; Distance: 15km; Fitness: EM; Skill: E; Ascent: 200m

A climb of one of the prominent peaks of the Blue Mountains, with excellent views of the Grose Valley from its slopes.

Lockley Pylon

Time: 2 hrs; Distance: 7km; Fitness: E; Skill: E; Ascent: 40m

An easy walk to impressive views over the Grose Valley and Govetts Gorge.

Govetts Leap and the Horse Track

Time: 7 hrs; Distance: 13km; Fitness: M; Skill: EM; Ascent: 630m

Visit some of the most spectacular parts of the Grose Valley on this challenging but rewarding walk.

Blue Gum Forest via Du Faur Head

Time: 6 hrs; Distance: 12km; Fitness: M; Skill: EM; Ascent: 650m

A challenging and scenic route in to the Blue Gum Forest

Blackheath For Beginnings - Allan Wells

Good description of a number of walks in the Blackheath region

Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout - Wild Walks

Track notes for Hanging Rock and Baltzer Lookout walk