Distance: 10km

Ascent: 50m

Difficulty: 1/10

Drive Time from Coffs Harbour: 0 minutes

Highlight: A relaxing, easy run in nature in the heart of Coffs Harbour

Starting from the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty, this route follows the Coffs Creek Walkway in an anti-clockwise loop. It features a mix of gravel paths, boardwalks, and concrete paths winding through mangroves and native vegetation.

For a longer run, take a 2km detour through the Coffs Harbour Botanic Gardens, where you might spot the resident koalas!

Cool off with a swim at the Jetty or enjoy a relaxing coffee at The Hub.

Coffs Harbour Running Festival is held on this route, a favourite of Steve Moneghetti who has raced here 10 times! 

Distance: 15 km

Ascent: 750 m

Difficulty: 7/10

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 30 minutes

Highlight: Lush rainforest, abundant birdlife, and potential koala sightings

Start at the end of Dairyville Road, just past a shallow creek crossing (2WD accessible). There’s parking, an info board, and clear signage.

Begin with a 4.5 km ascent up Pine Road—a wide, steep, and well-maintained forest road. Keep your eyes peeled for koalas in the trees!

At the top, enjoy undulating forest roads surrounded by dense rainforest. Trails are runnable and hold up well even after rain.

Follow signs to Bangalore Falls Picnic Area (toilets available). From there, a 1 km singletrack leads you to the stunning Bangalore Falls—a perfect spot to pause and soak in the scenery.

Return the same way down Pine Road or via Jersey Bull Road which crosses the crystal clear Urumbilum River twice.

An alternative to this route is to drive up Eastern Dorrigo Way and start at the Ulong Cafe in the Valley. From the cafe you can follow Corfes Road that leads out to Bangalore Falls and follows more runnable terrain.

Rumble in the Jungle is held on this route.

Distance: 15 km

Ascent: 160 m

Difficulty: 4/10

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Highlight: Gentle forest trails, peaceful singletrack, and possible koala sightings

Start from Lyons Road to avoid the main picnic area (which opens at 7:00 am) and has amenities like toilets, signposts, and picnic tables.

This route explores the northern section of Bongil Bongil National Park, near Sawtell. It’s perfect for an easy-paced trail run with a mix of:

Two out-and-back sections on leafy management trails

One singletrack along Bonville Creek—muddy at times, but the scenic highlight of the route 

Distance: 10km

Ascent: 550m

Difficulty: 8/10. Leeches are common after rain.

Highlight: Sealy Lookout, beautiful rainforest trails, close to town

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Start at Sealy Lookout (Niigi Niigi), an award-winning viewpoint with panoramic views over Coffs Harbour. Facilities include a café and toilets, making it a convenient starting point.

This route features a mix of steep climbs and technical rainforest singletracks. Begin with a descent over End Peak to Swans Road, enjoying a long, scenic drop through lush rainforest to Swans Crossing Picnic Area.

The trail passes a massive ‘grandfather’ tree and continues along challenging singletrack terrain. Finish with a climb up Midway Trail, looping back to Sealy Lookout. Expect a rewarding workout with stunning forest scenery and varied terrain.

Distance: 17km

Ascent: 450m

Difficulty: 6/10

Highlight: Infinity Pool at halfway, swim at Scout Falls after

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 40 minutes

Start from Scout Falls carpark and follow a rocky, steep trail up Sherwood Road. After the initial climb, the trail becomes pleasantly undulating, making for enjoyable running.

Around 7 km in, take an unmarked right turn onto Falls Road, which leads to the escarpment edge. Here you’ll find the Infinity Pool, a hidden gem perched on the cliffside with breathtaking views over the hinterland and sandstone cliffs.

After soaking in the scenery and a refreshing dip, return the same way. Finish with a swim at Scout Falls to cool down and relax.

 Distance: 10km

Ascent: 250m

Difficulty: 7/10

Highlight: Many plunge pools, mossy old bridge, Fig Tree Falls.

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 20 minutes

Start from Dingo Creek Waterhole and follow the main forest road for 2 km before turning right onto Carmadys Road. Cross a creek to reach a small waterfall with a plunge pool, one of many known collectively as ‘Magic Pools’.

At the 4 km mark, take the left-hand trail to find an old moss-covered wooden bridge. After crossing the creek beneath the bridge, turn right to cross another creek. When you hear Fig Tree Falls, look for a small track on the right to reach the base.

Return the same way.

Important Notes:

Do not drive beyond Dingo Creek Waterhole due to damaged tracks.

Load the route on your watch or phone, there are no signs.

The area is very muddy after rain and attracts leeches.

Extend the run by continuing the climb past Fig Tree Falls to Legge Lookout for a fantastic viewpoint.

Distance: 11km

Ascent: 200m

Difficulty: 3/10

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 45 minutes

Highlight: Gentle loop through lush scenery with a refreshing swim in the Never Never River.

Start from Arthur Keough Park, just after the bridge over the Never Never River. This is a popular summer spot, and the main carpark often fills up early.

Follow Promised Land Road in a well-marked loop. The route is mostly gravel road with light undulations, surrounded by beautiful forest and farmland. Road or trail shoes are both suitable.

This is a relaxed and scenic outing, ideal for a warm day. Take a break at one of the river access points for a swim.

Distance: 11km

Ascent: 550m

Difficulty: 7/10. Unmarked singletracks and lots of leeches after rain.

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Highlight: Singletrack to Wedds Road, lots of options to extend route

Start from a small side trail off Wedds Road and follow the narrow, handcrafted singletrack as it climbs steeply toward the communications tower. From there, join the undulating Peak Trail – a wider management road that traces the ridgeline visible from Bellingen.

There are no signs along the route, so be sure to preload the track on your watch or phone.

Many runners turn around at the 5 km mark or at Bonville Peak trig station to enjoy a flowing descent back to Wedds Road. For a longer challenge, continue along Peak Trail to its end for a full 25 km out-and-back. This includes tackling the infamous “That Steep Bit” (rated 10/10 difficulty) before reaching Legge Lookout (#17 on the list) for panoramic views.

Distance: 12km

Ascent: 200m

Difficulty: 5/10

Highlight: Great coastal running with minimal beach

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 0 minutes

Start from the Coffs Harbour Jetty (or alternatively from Macauleys Headland carpark) and follow the lighthouse markers of the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk north toward Korora Beach. This section of the 60 km coastal route features formed paths and trails, offering a mix of ocean views, headlands, and forested sections with very little beach running.

At Korora Beach, you can turn around to complete the 12 km return. For those wanting to go further, the trail continues toward Moonee Beach, though it becomes more beach-heavy and includes a creek crossing.

Distance: 10km

Ascent: 480m

Difficulty: 7/10

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Highlight: Simple route up an iconic mountain providing great views

This out-and-back route follows Mt Coramba Forest Road to the summit of Mt Coramba – one of Coffs Harbour’s most recognisable peaks. The climb is long and consistent, leading to an unofficial lookout near a phone tower with panoramic views over the region.

The trail is non-technical and easy to follow, making it ideal for runners looking to build elevation without navigation challenges.

For a more adventurous or steeper ascent, consider alternative routes such as Cyclone Trail, Morbid Trail, Commando Trail, Rocky Trail, or other rugged 4WD tracks – all rated 10/10 for difficulty.

Distance: 16km

Ascent: 400m

Difficulty: 4/10

Highlight: Quiet rainforest forest roads with Battery Falls at halfway

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 45 minutes

Begin at the historic Old Hydro Mill site, where Timmsvale Road turns to gravel west of Ulong. This route follows quiet, undulating forest roads through lush rainforest, making it ideal for a relaxed long run.

At the 6 km mark, take a signposted right turn onto Battery Road. After another 2 km, look for a small, unmarked track on the left that leads to Battery Falls – a serene spot perfect for a mid-run break.

To extend the route, continue along Battery Road and loop back via Timmsvale Road, or take a short detour to visit the Arthur McQuilty Memorial Tree.

Distance: 6km

Ascent: 150m

Difficulty: 3/10

Highlights: Crystal Shower Falls, Tristania Falls, Dorrigo Skywalk, rainforest

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 1 hour

The Wonga Walk is a well-known loop starting from the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, offering a short but stunning run through World Heritage-listed rainforest. With toilets, water, and interpretive signage at the trailhead, it’s a great option for a scenic and accessible outing.

The route passes two beautiful waterfalls – Crystal Shower Falls and Tristania Falls – and finishes at the Dorrigo Skywalk, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the rainforest canopy.

Distance: 9km

Ascent: 450m

Difficulty: 7/10

Highlight: Steep forest roads

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Description: This scenic but challenging route follows the Rover Trail along the Korora Escarpment, a well-known 4WD track that offers a solid workout with sustained climbs and steep descents.

At the base of Polyosma Road, you’ll find a peaceful pocket of rainforest—a great spot to catch your breath and take in the surroundings.

 Distance: 20km

Ascent: 800m

Difficulty: 7/10. Lots of leeches after rain.

Highlight: Amazing rainforest singletrack, route options, many waterfalls

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 1 hour 15 minutes

Description: This rewarding and immersive route showcases some of the finest rainforest singletracks on the North Coast, winding through lush terrain and past cascading waterfalls.

Begin at the Never Never Picnic Area in Dorrigo National Park, where you’ll find a toilet and an information board. The route starts with the short Rosewood Creek Track, passing Coachwood Falls, then extends via a steep out-and-back to Red Cedar Falls – one of the park’s most impressive drops.

From there, you can either loop back to the car or continue down to Casuarina Falls, following the Blackbutt Track past Callicoma Falls, and return via Dome Road. The trail offers a mix of technical terrain, sustained climbs, and serene rainforest pockets – ideal for experienced hikers or trail runners seeking a challenge.

Distance: 6.5km

Ascent: 100m

Difficulty: 3/10

Highlight: Coastal singletrack, Woolgoolga Headland views, finish with a swim.

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 20 minutes

Description: Woolgoolga offers beautiful coastal running with a mix of headlands, coastal vistas, and bush. Start at Woolgoolga Beach Reserve and follow the singletracks of Woolgoolga Lake to Safety Beach.

Extend the route by running to Lakeside Caravan Park and along the trail to the pedestrian footbridge, or continue north along the golf course path to connect to Mullaway (#19 on this list).

At low tide, cross the lake where it meets the sea and run back on the beach, or return the same way. Finish by running up to Woolgoolga Headland for great views north and south

Distance: 13.5km

Ascent: 1,000m

Difficulty: 9/10. Snakes common when hot and leeches common when wet

Highlight: Steep rainforest singletrack, views from Lanes Lookout

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 40 minutes

Description: Experience one of the longest continuous climbs in NSW through World Heritage-listed rainforest singletrack. Starting at the end of Adams Lane, the Syndicate Track crosses farmland before plunging into Dorrigo National Park.

The Syndicate Track is very steep, with some sections averaging over a 20% gradient. At the top, Lanes Lookout provides great views over the valley. Extend the run by following the undulating trail along Killungoondie Plain.

Distance: 16km

Ascent: 850m

Difficulty: 10/10

Highlight: Steep terrain, amazing views

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 30 minutes

Description: Prepare your climbing legs for this mountainous adventure up one of the roughest tracks in the region, leading to an expansive lookout over the Bellinger Valley.

Start at a stunning waterhole for a post-run swim, then head out on forest roads to Magic Pools and Fig Tree Falls (#6 on this list) before climbing. At the top, Legge Lookout offers arguably the best views in the region.

The first half descent is extremely challenging with wet rocks and gnarly terrain—bring poles. Once back on Peak Trail, enjoy a gentler descent down Frontage Creek Rd.

Distance: 24km

Ascent: 850m

Difficulty: 7/10

Highlight: A classic ‘Sea to Summit’ route with great varied terrain. 

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 50 minutes

Description: Starting on the beach at Grassy Head, this long run route takes you on forest roads to The Pines Picnic Area where there is a toilet. A shortened version of the run could turn around at The Pines Picnic Area for 10km total. 

After The Pines Picnic Area, it is a long sustained climb up the forest road to Mt Yarrahapinni. There are great views over to South West Rocks at the lookout.

Climbing slightly higher will take you to the trig point and phone towers at the summit.

This route descends via the eastern ridge to make it a loop and enjoy a well earnt swim at the beautiful Grassy Head Beach.

Distance: 7km

Ascent: 50m

Difficulty: 3/10

Highlight: Mix of coastal trails, beach and headlands. Great for an easy run.

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 30 minutes

Description: Starting at Mullaway Beach, head out up the firetrail before crossing Arrawarra Headland Rd to enter Garby Nature Reserve.

Western Boundary Trail in Garby Nature Reserve passes through low lying then tall vegetation with lots of yellow-tail black cockatoos.

This route loops back via Darkum Road, Cabins Beach and around Mullaway Headland. Enjoy a lovely swim at the quiet Mullaway Beach.

Extend this run when at Darkum Road by continuing straight along the bike path to connect to Woolgoolga (#15 on this list)

Distance: 13km

Ascent: 250m

Difficulty: 4/10

Highlight: Simple undulating forest road

Drive from Coffs Harbour: 15 minutes

Description: Settles Road off Bucca Road in Orara East State Forest is an easily accessible and easy to follow route along an undulating forest road. 

The out and back nature of the route makes it ideal for beginners and the hills are runnable.

Off Bucca Road, there are also a number of easy to follow undulating forest roads that are great for an easy run. These are generally well signposted.

These include Sherwood Road, Boyds Road, Eastern Boundary Road, Store Road, Cottage Road and McRaes Road.