4 Peaceful Hikes in the Adelaide Hills (That Aren’t Swarming With People)

We’re lucky to be surrounded by trails in the Adelaide Hills, but when the car park at Waterfall Gully is full before 8am, it’s time to find a quieter path.

If you’ve been craving some fresh air, forest time, and maybe a bit of time to think (or not think at all), I’ve rounded up four of my favourite hikes that you can do in a couple of hours, without the hustle and bustle of the usual suspects.

These are the tracks I return to when I want to be in nature, without a heap of other walkers at the same time. They’re a little lesser-known, just as beautiful, and you’ll still be home in time for a late brekkie.

1. Mount George Walk

Tucked just off the freeway past Bridgewater, this trail is a great one to explore with kids. The loop takes you through stringybark forest, along boardwalks, into open grassy plains.

The best bit? There’s a hidden lookout along the way that gives you that “world feels big, I feel calm” kind of moment. Ideal for a mid-morning wander followed by a coffee at FRED’s in Aldgate on the way home.

Distance: 6.4km loop
Location: Mount George Conservation Park
🔗 View on AllTrails

2. Wine Shanty, Gunbower & Bartril Spur Track Loop

Yes, the name’s a mouthful, but this is a great loop.

Starting at the less-travelled end of Cleland, this one takes you into the quieter guts of the conservation park, winding through fern gullies, dry creek beds, and ridgeline views. The forest feels lush and wild, and you’ll often have it all to yourself; just you, the birds, and the occasional echidna snuffling past.

Enjoy the stillness. It’s magic.

Distance: 6.3km loop
Location: Cleland Conservation Park
🔗 View on AllTrails

3. Magic Gully Track

If the word magic didn’t already draw you in, let me seal the deal. This loop is peaceful, shaded, and full of that dense, green-gully feeling we all secretly crave.

You’ll weave your way past old stone ruins, under tree canopies, and through sections that genuinely feel like they’ve been forgotten by time. It’s a favourite of mine when I want to escape the world for a bit, solo or with a hiking friend.

Distance: 5.6km loop
Location: Horsnell Gully / Giles Conservation Park
🔗 View on AllTrails

4. Norton Summit via Morialta Conservation Park

Everyone heads to Morialta for the waterfalls, and for good reason, but this route starts from Norton Summit and dips into the conservation park from the quieter northern side.

It’s one of those tracks that feels like a secret. You still get the towering gums, the rustle of koalas, and a few epic views, but way fewer people. Plus, it’s a good excuse to treat yourself to lunch at The Scenic Hotel afterwards. Win-win.

Distance: 6.9km return
Location: Norton Summit / Morialta Conservation Park
🔗 View on AllTrails

Before You Head Off

These four hikes are perfect when you’ve got a couple of hours up your sleeve and need a dose of fresh air, forest, and freedom. They’re close, easy to get to, and still feel a little off the radar.

A few quick things to keep in mind so these peaceful spots stay that way:

  • Let someone know where you're off to if you're hiking solo

  • Bring water and download the map in case reception disappears (which it probably will)

  • And the golden rule? Leave no trace 😁 

Hit the trail early if you can. There’s nothing quite like having it all to yourself.