Blue Mountain Loop

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

Blue Mountain Loop in the central Adirondacks is a straightforward summit trail with an option to extend to Blue Mountain Lake — the summit at 3,759 feet punches above its weight for views given the moderate effort involved.

What to Expect

The main trail starts from the trailhead off Route 28/30 near Blue Mountain Lake village and climbs 1,257 feet over 2.7 miles to the summit. The trail is steady but not brutal. The summit has a decommissioned fire tower (closed) and an observer’s cabin, but even from ground level the views are solid — Blue Mountain Lake below, Raquette Lake, and the surrounding Adirondack ridges. The loop option extends the return via different terrain back to the trailhead, making for a 5.46-mile circuit.

The Adirondack Museum (now Adirondack Experience) is at the base of the mountain and makes a reasonable pairing for a half-day trip.

Difficulty

Moderate. The 1,257-foot gain is consistent but the 2.7-mile distance makes for a reasonable pace. 2 hours is achievable for the ascent alone, 3-3.5 for the full loop.

Best Time to Go

Late September through mid-October — the view over Blue Mountain Lake with full fall color is one of the better lake-and-mountain compositions in the Adirondacks. Summer is good and the village below has canoe rentals and food.

Before You Go

Free parking at the trailhead. Blue Mountain Lake village has restaurants and a general store. About 5 hours from DC — central Adirondacks require a commitment.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →