The Corn Trail is a 12.5km walking or horse-riding track from the top of the Clyde Mountain, through Wilderness forest, to the head of the Bolero Valley.

It was first used in 1830s, pioneered by the settlers of the Bolero Valley to trade produce with their neighbours on the Southern Tablelands.

The mojor crop was corn, grown in the fertile valley and transported by pack-horse usually led by the womenfolk of the pioneer families.

A shed was built at the top ot the mountain from which carts would transport porduce to the towns of Braidwood and Araluen.

The track was also used to bring cattle from the Tablelands for coastal agistment. Also by gold prospectors hopeful of striking it rich along the Buckenbowra river and at Araluen.

The Corn Trail provided the first link from the coast for travellers.

In 1854 another route was opened over the Clyde Mountain roughly following the present Kings Highway which led to a gradual decline in the usage of the Corn Trail. By the 1920s, the trail had become completely overgrown and very difficult to find.

During World War II, the Army reconnoitered the trail, researching alternative routes over the mountain in case of enemy invasion.

In 1987 a grant from the Bicentennial Authority enabled a local group of historians to plot, reconstruct and research the trail.

The Corn Trail is now safely accessible for walking and horse-riding,It winds through forestry land which has never neen harvested. Known as the Optimist Section due to the fact that everyone who thought to put a road through it was an optimist, this gives future generations a chance to experience the wonders of our environment and appreciation of a bygone era.

Father and daughter "From Victoria" on the trail.

Estimated length of walking time to cover the 12.5km is between 4.50 and 7 hours. An amount of food is recommended to be carried as no drinking water can be found on the top half of the track and a resonnable degree of fitness is required. Perhaps something warm and water-proof also.

The top of the escarpment (800 metres A.S.L.) can often be covered in mist while the lower slopes are bathed in sunshine. The track is marked by stone along edges and cairns at strategic points.

Misty Mountain access road, to the bottom carpark is 24km of dirt road and to be approached with caution during wet weather.

Remember-use fire with maximum care and keep the forest clear of litter.

Inspecting Birds Nest Ferns.

Original South Coast Trail Riders enjoying the Corn Trail