Starts at 19 Carol Lee Place, Albany Heights
Explore this beautiful bush reserve in all its glory. The entire loop is approx 1.5km long, but has plenty of climbing and descending (approx 80m elevation). There are many generous timber steps to get you there.
You can start this loop either at the top of the reserve at the car park at Carol Lee Place, or at the bottom off Gills Road, and near the Hooton Reserve Path.
From the car park at the end of the Carol Lee Place, head into the bush for a short climb and turn right at the junction. Follow the boardwalks and steps down the steep hillside and keep to the marked track. You will come across some beautiful bush, featuring kauri on the steep slopes and large nikau groves lower down. Please stay on the track to protect the kauri.
After about 800m you will come to the junction that leads to Gills Road. This connection allows you to head right to Albany Village, past the Lucas Creek Falls, or left towards Hooton Reserve.
To continue the loop, stay on the main track and work your way up the hill back to the start. There are some long sections of steps in this part of the walk so take your time. At the top past the old trig station, turn right to return to the start.
