Pines Circuit Walk

The Pines Circuit Walk is a 1.7 km loop in Olney State Forest, up in the Watagans near Martinsville and south-west of Dora Creek. It is state forest rather than national park, so dogs are allowed, and a creek-side rock pool gives them somewhere to cool off.

Lead rules

Forestry Corporation of NSW manages the forest. Keep your dog on lead and under control at all times.

Don't stray onto the neighbouring Abbotts Falls track with a dog, as parts of it cross into national park where dogs are banned.

The walk

Expect uneven dirt track and fire trail, with steady climbs, some steps and tree roots. The loop follows a section of Dora Creek past a small waterfall and a dammed pool.

Tall slash pines, moist eucalypt forest and pockets of rainforest keep most of it shaded.

Getting started

Park at The Pines Picnic Area, which is the trailhead. There are no taps or dog bowls and few bins, so bring drinking water and carry your bags out.

Pepsi: The shallow rock pool on Dora Creek is the spot for a mid-walk paddle. Pack fresh drinking water as well.

Pair it with

Back near the lake, Dora Creek Dog Exercise Area has off-lead hours, and Biv's Coffeehouse in Morisset does the coffee.

It suits fit dogs that are comfortable on roots and steps. On a warm day the shade and the creek do most of the work.