Distance: 5.5 kilometres with two steep sections
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
You can start with the Monument Hill walk from Trial Bay Gaol car park to Overshot Dam or start at Overshot Dam.
Starting on the left side of Overshot Dam, the Little Bay Walking Track leads up the steep ridge of Little Smoky Mountain. This is the steepest part of the walk to the lighthouse, but worthwhile with good views and interesting vegetation.
After 500 metres, just below the summit, the path leads to the inland side of the mountain with marked changes in vegetation. From here, the 1.5-kilometre downhill track takes you to the unsealed Gap Rd. At a fork, you can go left on the North Gap Beach Track and include Gap Beach or keep right and continue to a T-section.
Watch out for cars, turn left and follow the road uphill. You reach a large levelled area. This provides car parking if walking in shorter sections, especially around Gap Beach.
Heading for the lighthouse, keep walking south to the boom gate where the track continues as Green Island Firetrail. After an uphill section of about 400 metres, you reach the intersection of Firetrail and Smoky Cape Tracks.
Here you get the first view of Smoky Cape Lighthouse. Follow the signs to the lighthouse. The track winds along for about two kilometres with minor ups and downs, past several gullies with running water over the track after rain.
Below the lighthouse is the picnic area at Captain Cook Lookout with toilets and a car park. Only a little more effort is required for the steep ascent to the lighthouse to be rewarded with sweeping views.
Credit: Macleay Walking Trails by Christa Schwoebel and John Cruickshanks.