Jatbula Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Adam Greer on Unsplash

Jatbula Trail

~4 days · 37.3 mi · moderate · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance37.3 mi
Days out4
Elevation gain1,594 ft
Gain / mile43 ft
High point1,020 ft
Difficulty index11/100

What the Jatbula Trail is known for

A one-way walk across the Arnhem Land escarpment in Jawoyn country, from Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls), camping each night beside waterfalls and monsoon-forest pools.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Jatbula Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 397 ft to 1,017 ft over 37.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 2.5 mi · 7%
  • Downhill 1.9 mi · 5%
  • Flat 32.9 mi · 88%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the Jatbula Trail?

11 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Jatbula Trail scores 11/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Jatbula Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Jatbula Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 37.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Jatbula Trail?

The Jatbula Trail climbs roughly 1,594 ft total — about 43 ft per mile, topping out near 1,020 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

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