[2] The trail is 54 km (34 mi) long and runs from Belair railway station (at Belair National Park) in the south to the River Torrens at Ambers Gully in the north.

Mostly traversing the hills face, it also passes through Cleland National Park and the upper section of Horsnell Gully Conservation Park,[3] as well as Giles,[3] Morialta, and Black Hill conservation parks, and scales the summit of Mount Lofty.

Much of the trail consists of old footpads, fire tracks, road reserves, and roads rebadged, with the trail marked along them, linking to form a coherent trail from north to south along with newly-created sections.

Panoramic views of the city and Adelaide Plains are to be had from every section.

[1] The trail is divided into one full-day and four half-day sections:[1]