The best running trails in Mount Buffalo National Park

Mount Buffalo National Park offers over 20 dedicated running routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, allowing you to explore its unique alpine landscapes.

The terrain varies significantly, from gentle gravel paths around Lake Catani to challenging uphill climbs with rocky steps and granite formations. You'll encounter peppermint forests, alpine ash, snow gum woodlands, and sub-alpine grasslands, often with dramatic elevation changes.

While many routes are moderate to difficult, some sections, like parts of the Lake Catani – Mt Dunn loop, offer relatively easy running through snow gum forests. The Gorge Heritage Walk is also a short, scenic option with a gravel path, suitable for a gentle run.

For breathtaking views, consider the Pulpit Rock Lookout – Echo Point Lookout loop, which provides wide vistas of the Australian Alps. The park is also home to impressive granite tors like The Cathedral and The Hump, and numerous waterfalls such as Ladies Bath Falls and Eurobin Falls, many accessible via walking tracks.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops. Popular options include the The Monolith – Bents Lookout loop, which takes you through granite formations and alpine scenery, and the Drillhole Rocks – Macs Point loop, offering a longer, challenging experience.

The park is excellent for jogging in summer due to the cool alpine air. Spring and autumn also offer beautiful conditions with vibrant wildflowers and stunning autumnal colors, respectively. In winter, the park transforms into a snow playground, making it more suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing than traditional jogging.

For families, routes with less elevation and well-maintained paths are ideal. The trails around Lake Catani, such as the Lakeside Walk, offer relatively flat and scenic options through snow gum forests that are enjoyable for all ages.

Mount Buffalo National Park is a national park, and generally, dogs are not permitted on walking or running trails to protect native wildlife and natural environments. It's always best to check the latest regulations on the Parks Victoria website before planning your visit.

Parking is available at various key access points throughout the park. For example, you can find parking at Eurobin Picnic Area for routes like the Pulpit Rock loop, or near Mount Buffalo Chalet and Lake Catani for trails in that area. Specific parking details are often provided on individual route descriptions.

While the park itself has limited commercial facilities, you can find cafes and pubs in nearby towns such as Bright, Myrtleford, and Porepunkah. These towns serve as excellent bases for exploring Mount Buffalo National Park and offer amenities for pre or post-run refreshments.

Mount Buffalo National Park is home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. The park also protects unique flora, including plants found nowhere else on Earth, adding to the natural beauty you'll experience on your run.

Elevation gains vary significantly. Some routes, like the Pulpit Rock Lookout – Echo Point Lookout loop, involve substantial climbs with over 1100 meters of ascent, making them challenging. Other routes, such as the Lake Catani – Mt Dunn loop, have more moderate elevation changes, around 300 meters.