Upper Little Para Trail

The Upper Little Para Trail follows the Little Para River through the foothills of Salisbury Heights on Adelaide's northern edge, with more than five kilometres of undulating path through native vegetation and river red gums. It is an on-leash walk year round, quieter than the coastal trails and as good for birdwatching as it is for dog walking.

The walk

The track runs along the river through the hills, rising and falling with the valley rather than staying flat, and connects several landscaped reserves with playgrounds and picnic spots along the way. Because it works as a linked network of linear park sections rather than one fixed circuit, you can shape a two-kilometre out-and-back or push past five depending on where you start and turn around.

Surfaces vary between sealed, paved and gravel sections, and the red gum shade makes summer mornings workable. The elevation suits most fitness levels, and the eastern foothill end gives you more climb before dropping to the flatter riverside path.

Leash status

Dogs stay on-leash for the entire trail and adjoining council reserves. Keep to the marked path, both for the rules and to protect the birdlife the corridor is known for. Where the linear park meets SA Water's fenced reservoir reserves, dogs are prohibited outright, assistance animals excepted, so respect the fences and signage at the catchment boundaries.

Water and hazards

The river runs shallow through most sections and is fine for a dog paddle in normal conditions, but treat it with caution after winter rain when low sections flood or turn to mud. There is no reliable on-trail water supply, so carry your own for both ends of the lead. Cyclists share parts of the path, so keep left and clip the lead on at bridges and gates.

Pepsi: start early and walk upstream from the flats. The red gum sections hold the shade and the birdlife, and the dog gets a paddle before the heat arrives.

When to go

Early morning is the pick in summer, with late afternoon a close second. Weekend mornings are the busiest window, though crowds here are modest by Adelaide standards. After heavy rain, expect soft ground and puddled sections for a day or two.

Getting there and parking

Entry points sit along the Salisbury Heights reserve network, with street parking at the park entrances and toilets and water fountains at the bigger reserves. The trail is a few minutes off Main North Road.

More walks nearby

If your dog finishes the walk with energy to spare, Canterbury Drive Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the local off-leash option, and General Store at The Heart covers the coffee with the dog still on lead.

More routes are in the South Australia dog friendly trails guide, and the suburb's other entries are on the Salisbury Heights destination page.