Name: Lerderderg Extra Scenic Rim, Extra difficult: Headstone Hill & Long Finger Spur.
Start: 2024-09-29T08:30:00+10:00
End: 2024-09-29T16:30:00+10:00

Not gonna sugarcoat it, this will be difficult... A spectacular but difficult extra few kilometres of off-track bush-bashing, spur-descents and river rock-hopping on top of the already tough 17km standard Scenic Rim hike. I've never heard of anyone else hiking in these areas and seeing the mining ruins, cool rock formations and unnamed spur that we will experience. Of all of the Lerde hikes I've done, this is my favourite!

This walk will be about 20kms but will feel like over 30kms, bring your good set of lungs. There are steeeeeeeep prolonged ascents, pushing through dense and sometimes prickly undergrowth and, and a lengthy section criss-crossing the Lerderderg River (wet feet/legs likely). If you are uncomfortable with any this or if you are not a quick hiker please don't sign up for this hike, as you will jeopardise us safely finishing this hike during daylight.

We will meet at Mackenzie's Flat at 8:30 and leave at 8:35, following the river before heading off-track to an area I recently explored. We will see two separate gold mines from the 1800s and walk along a hilltop I've nicknamed Headstone Hill as it is covered in protruding rocks that remind me of gravestones.

Along a ridgeline to a vehicle track and then dropping down a section that looks impossibly steep but has a long, narrow spur (I call this Long Finger Spur) with steep drops either side. It somehow gradually winds its way down to the river without turning into a cliff-face, and is another area that is not named and that I haven't heard of anyone else doing.

When we reach the bottom, we'll follow the Lerderderg River for a couple of k's making multiple crossings of the river and pushing through dense grass. Upon reaching the startling Diversion dam we'll make the classic (and looong and steeeeep) ascent up Long Point, which has amazing rock scrambling sections and spectacular views of the surrounding gorge and river.

Another 4WD track, then a panoramic descent back to the river, and a short walk back to the comfort of our cars.

**What to bring:**

-Long pants and/or gaiters and a long sleeved top
-2-3 litres of water
-Waterproof jacket
-Lunch & snacks
-Hiking shoes
-Torch

Visit our [Green Trails Australia shop](http://clicks.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=XbaZ37larFA-2FuV5MohrYpQkDKrTtxyVl-2FWndzbvEt4YGC9VYod-2FMGU-2FoNJ6JosBGtN44_F15zWStMCp2m3UcSi18sQnvWMMo5YwI4nTzofJeh5xTzjPieczFehKxtLlI-2FnnM7dbWtnCWXZYIDEPYGpoj6BkK-2Fsx7HFLoxSInnQzR-2Frz7jEYvQ7hJGxrBMR-2BpYreDx-2FzPs1FeIa80cN8S7ssDOzR1ntJVEvOSqhBJj3D-2BhQrBmD2dPHrDmuUmcWGUCW9z9dt3xQLHA5o1Y5yLu8y-2BRAYxPFmatDKQP-2Bjdz-2BC1OjIwApEFXaUhBAhDeerKWH2yuSNU-2FWE-2BZ6uGJfUe3CLvx0GM2zrQxwbnpmvm5clzbAiu6LGZ6-2FY2h2xJvKGRvrNQpuxOEjwURNawTGAuJTgrP8Ev030OOVh6AsP-2FthrxP3kFBDcttV8zNycyLd7deE6cg-2BEFw0dY0lV9bCtLxH4ktj9KU2dV9l5C4n5gTmZ4FU-2BW2mZ0NfAYsbP0MOU2hPrG8eoJCqTN-2Fk61kNTd9ZGLjGcfDKa1yT71n9zoCc3cPVyfZBBlnxeila8BCLd5hnACjI0by5rnk5T4jMurhMeWTa8RPBvec-2FJIExA0OkEl7fs29RTm7Qdt1RiVGaDSvPvyeXXwShPcuIdcM3JHDcLm6-2BjpxqnFJyEjGn8n0Il1XKLiVrfdHTNM2TUgSal2hROY4cLlLKDVM9aeSQkXbNoWNDQ-3D-3D) for a large range of quality hiking gear.

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Have you read the hike description and are you comfortable with off-track walking, getting your feet wet and navigating heavy undergrowth?? And are you fit enough to complete a 30km walk, taking minimal breaks during steep ascents?

Lerderderg Extra Scenic Rim, Extra difficult: Headstone Hill & Long Finger Spur.

Lerderderg Extra Scenic Rim, Extra difficult: Headstone Hill & Long Finger Spur.

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