Tas walkers rescued from overgrown trail

A Tasmanian mountain trail had become so overgrown, three hikers believed themselves lost and stopped walking, prompting a large search and rescue effort.

Police were called about 5pm (AEST) on Sunday after the walkers failed to return from a day trip to Collins Bonnet in the Myrtle Forest area.

After several unsuccessful hours of searching by police and local volunteers in poor weather and below-freezing temperatures, more resources, including SES search and rescue crews, were deployed.

The walkers, a man and two women, were found about 2am on Monday and walked out of the forest.

Sergeant Damien Bidgood said the trail they were on was so overgrown they became disoriented and decided to stop and make a fire until they were found.

"They were right on the trail," Sgt Bidgood told AAP.

"It was so overgrown they didn't recognise it."