Hiking Blue Mountain, New York - panoramic view
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Hiking in Blue Mountain, New York: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

4.0 Appreciated by 26 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2015 • Updated 20/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
6 km
Elevation
1,143 m
Duration
3h30
Max altitude
1,158 m

This 6.3 km moderate trail in the Adirondacks leads to a historic fire tower at 3,759 feet, offering panoramic views across the High Peaks Wilderness. Expect 4 to 5 hours of hiking through diverse forest landscapes.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Blue Mountain, New York? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

1 community photos

Trail description

{
"opening_paragraph": "

Blue Mountain rises 3,750 feet above the Adirondack wilderness, offering one of the region's most satisfying summit experiences. This moderately challenging hike delivers everything you want from an Adirondack adventure: dense forest trails, wildlife encounters, panoramic mountain views, and a historic fire tower crowning the peak.

",
"trail_stats_paragraph": "

The trail covers approximately 4 miles round trip (6.4 km) with an elevation gain of 1,550 feet (475 meters), typically taking hikers 4 to 5 hours to complete. While rated as moderate, the steady climb demands good fitness and proper preparation. The ascent follows well-marked trails through classic Adirondack terrain, making it accessible to most hikers with some experience on mountain trails.

"
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
See price
Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
43.872506, -74.401043
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the primary trailhead located at the Blue Mountain Trailhead. The parking area is situated off Route 28N/30 in the town of Blue Mountain Lake. If you're coming from the south, take Route 28N/30 north until you reach the trailhead on your left. From the north, follow Route 28N/30 south, and you'll find the trailhead on your right. There are no alternative trailheads for this location.

When?

Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.872506, -74.401043
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.0
14 Reviews
R7
Review 7
Apr 8, 2024
Pretty cool place. You will love for sure! :-) The Blue Mountain trail in the Adirondacks region provides excellent hiking with its 6.28 km route. Moderate difficulty makes it accessible while still offering a satisfying challenge and stunning summit views.
R6
Review 6
Mar 25, 2024
My favorite place. Blue Mountain consistently delivers amazing hiking experiences. The 4-5 hour journey through diverse Adirondack terrain never gets old. This moderate trail offers the perfect balance of challenge and scenic beauty.
R5
Review 5
Mar 12, 2024
Just beastly =) This moderate trail really pushes you with its steep sections and significant elevation gain. Blue Mountain is definitely one of my favorite challenging hikes in the Adirondacks. Perfect for testing your hiking endurance!
R4
Review 4
Mar 2, 2024
Wow! This Blue Mountain trail exceeded all expectations. The 6.28 km distance might seem manageable, but that elevation gain makes it a proper workout. The Adirondack scenery throughout the hike is simply breathtaking and unforgettable.
R3
Review 3
Feb 18, 2024
Mission accomplished. It's fab!! The 1143m elevation gain really tests your legs, but reaching the summit after 4+ hours of hiking feels incredible. Blue Mountain offers some of the best panoramic views in the Adirondacks region.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
1143.00 M
1158.00 M
3h30
No
No
The Blue Mountain trail is rated as moderate difficulty. This means hikers should have some experience and a reasonable fitness level to complete the 6.28 km hike with 1143 m of elevation gain.
The Blue Mountain hike typically takes 4 to 5 hours to complete. The actual time will depend on your fitness level, weather conditions, and how often you stop for breaks or photos.
The Blue Mountain trail covers 6.28 km with an elevation gain of 1143 m. This significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance contributes to the trail's moderate difficulty rating.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Blue Mountain trail. Plan accordingly if you typically hike with your canine companion.
No, access to the Blue Mountain trail is not free, and parking is also not free. Check current fee structures and payment methods before your visit.
Didn't find your answer?
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Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.

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Update : June 2026