The Barren Grounds Nature Reserve features an interesting and educational system of walks through this classic example of a hanging swamp plateau. The walks range from an easy 1 hour stroll to a full day 19 kilometre hike. Several of the shorter walks can be done in a day.

Flying Fox Pass

Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 5km
Grade: Easy
Track: Mostly flat, some large water pools after rain.

Leaving the Barren Grounds car park take the west track through open heath country. Continue past the left hand turn to Cooks Nose. After a kilometre or so of walking along the old logging road you will arrive at a dead end. Here you will discover the remnants of the old flying fox that was built just after World War II. The flying fox transported timber from the valley below to supply a sawmill near the entrance of the reserve. Return to your vehicle via the same route.

Kangaroo Ridge

Time: 7-8 hours
Distance: 19km
Grade: Medium with some hills
Track: Undulating, muddy after rain.

Leaving the carpark head east along the Griffith Loop Track. After several kilometres you will veer to the right and soon a left hand T intersection will come into view. Turn left here. Prior to this intersection several detours are available for exploration, such as the Illawarra Lookout and various rocky outcrops. Continue along the grassy open track over undulating heath country. This section can be very wet and muddy after rain. Keep a look out for ground parrots, peregrine falcons and goshawks. This walk eventually ends with a magnificent view of the Berry district. Return to your vehicle via the same route.

Illawarra Lookout

Time: 1 hour
Distance: 2km
Grade: Easy
Track: Flat

Follow the directions for the Kangaroo Ridge walk and simply exit the main track at the Illawarra Lookout turnoff.

Loop Walk (Griffiths Trail & Natural Stone Bridge)

Time: 3-5 hours
Distance: 9km
Grade: Medium with steep parts.
Track: Generally flat with some rough sections.

As this is a loop walk it can be done in either direction but to save confusion these directions will focus on the route that is described on the information board at the carpark.

Follow the directions for the Kangaroo Ridge walk but instead of turning left at the T intersection, continue straight ahead. After passing through a variety of vegetation types you will reach the Stone Bridge. This is a natural bridge where the creek runs underneath the rock and is a great place to stop for lunch. Continue onwards until you reach another intersection. You will recognise this intersection if you have already done the Cooks Nose or Flying Fox walks. Turn right here to go back to the carpark or left to continue on to the aforementioned two walks.

Cooks Nose

Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 7km
Grade: Easy to medium
Track: Generally good with some rough and steep sections.

Follow the directions for the Flying Fox Pass walk. Turn left at the sign marked "Cooks Nose". From here the track varies in quality and the terrain and scenery are mixed. Families of black cockatoos will sometimes fly up from low bushes next to the track if startled by a bushwalker. This can be an unforgettable experience for a bushwalker fortunate enough to witness it at close range. Eagles can also be seen riding the thermal air currents. The final section of the walk is narrow and you will need to negotiate your way over a few logs to the left in order to gain access to the lookout. Return to your vehicle via the same route.