The Rata Ridge Track offers a moderately challenging loop circuit well-known for its tranquil setting.
Spanning 13.5 kilometers, the Rata Ridge Track is a loop walk of moderate difficulty, typically requiring around 4 hours and 15 minutes to navigate. Renowned for its serene environment, it offers a peaceful walking experience with limited interactions with others. Dogs are welcome on this trail, though they must be leashed. The route winds through dense forest, leading you to the Francis Bell Reserve via Rata Ridge and up to the 373-meter high summit of Mount Lowry. Beyond a bridge, the trail merges with a mountain biking path, introducing a lively element to the latter half of your walk.
Starting from the park entrance, ascend the steep, aged ridgeline firebreak with caution as it might be slippery. Around the 1-kilometer mark, disregard the rightward Zigzag track. Once amidst the bush, you’ll soon encounter a stile and a junction leading to the Fern Gully track. Descend along this runnable gravel pathway until it emerges at Gardiner Grove. Take consecutive left, right, and left turns onto Lees Grove, eventually spotting the Lees Grove track reentering the bush.
Prepare for a challenging yet picturesque 200-meter ascent back to the Rata Ridge track. Upon reaching the summit, veer right and follow the trail for roughly 500 meters until you encounter the trig point (easy to miss). Continue to the lookout point, furnished with a bench if you require a rest or wish to refuel. From here, it’s approximately a 3-kilometer descent along the Rata Ridge track, leading directly back to the starting point.
