Lightning Tree Castle Hill Craigieburn Forest Park

Lightning Tree via Castle Hill Village (Hogs Back Track)

The Lightning Tree close to Castle Hill is the remains of a dead tree that I suppose was struck by lightning. It is located in the Southern side of Craigieburn Forest Park.

Trailheads to Lightning Tree (Hogs Back Track)

The Lightning Tree can be reached via both the southern end and northern end trailheads of  Hogs Back Track. The southern end trailhead at the road end car park of Castle Hill Dr in Castle Hill Village is the shortest way to reach the Lightning Tree. The northern end trailhead at Texas Flat Car Park sets you up for a longer route but it goes through some pretty scenic spots.

Hogs Back Track via Castle Hill Village (southern end)

Hogs Back Track via Castle Hill Village trailhead to Lightning Tree

6.35pm: Trailhead entrance to Hogs Back Track at the road end of Castle Hill Village.

Hogs Back Track Castle Hill Village

The first section of the track goes uphill through beech forest.

Hogs Back Track via Castle Hill Village to Lightning Tree

(+18)6.53pm: Then, the track leaves the forest onto Long Spur open flats.

Lightning Tree Castle Hill Craigieburn Forest Park

(+15)7.08pm: Arrived at the Lightning Tree.

The Lightning Tree

Lightning Tree Castle Hill Craigieburn Forest Park

The Lightning Tree has almost a perfect 90 degree angle collapsing from its broken truck.

Lightning Tree Craigieburn Forest Park

A closer look.

Lightning Tree Craigieburn Forest Park
Lightning Tree Castle Hill

Some different angles.

Lightning Tree Castle Hill Craigieburn Forest Park

This shot looks like a monster from a fantasy video game.

Hogs Back Track via Texas Flat Car Park (northern end)

Hogs Back Track via Texas Flat Car Park

5.58pm: For this track I went on a different day, I’ve only hiked up to the Picnic Rock Lookout, but it can be used to reach the Lightning Tree (about triple the distance to Picnic Rock). Here is the Texas Flat Car Park with the signboard to Hogs Back Track.

Hogs Back Track via Texas Flat Car Park trailhead

(+3)6.01pm: Walk a few minutes along the gravel road until you see the trailhead zigzagging up the hill to your left.

Hogs Back Track Craigieburn Forest Park

(+10)6.11pm: After heading up the hill, the track goes through some forest sections. You could also take a trail to your left to hike up and over Hogs Back Ridge.

Hogs Back Track Craigieburn Forest Park

(+9)6.20pm: Then, some open-sky tracks.

Hogs Back Track Picnic Rock Lookout Craigieburn Forest Park
Hogs Back Track Picnic Rock Lookout Craigieburn Forest Park

(+12)6.32pm: Arrived at Picnic Rock Lookout.

Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!

*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*

Affiliate Links to support this site:

Agoda | Klook | Shopee | Lazada | AirAsia | Amazon | PTT Outdoor: use coupon code “MEOW” for RM10 off first time purchase (min. RM100)

Yay for transparency!: The links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a booking/purchase after clicking the links. I recommend only products and companies I use. Your support helps me keep the site going 🙂

Want to do the same affiliate marketing with your site? Use this AccessTrade platform link to receive RM5 reward.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All rights reserved

Follow by Email
Facebook
Instagram
en_USEnglish