For the better part of the last century, Blue Mountain has been one of the most frequently climbed Adirondack mountains, and for good reason! The striking view, with Blue Mountain Lake below, is very popular among locals and visitors alike. As many as 15,000 people a year might visit this mountain.

The tower on Blue Mountain was built in 1917 and was the first to be restored on the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Blue Mountain is part of the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge.

Key takeaways

• Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 1,550 feet
• Mountain elevation: 3,750 feet
• Hike includes steep rock slab

Hiking Blue Mountain

From the trailhead you will come to an old access road which allows for easy hiking, but the trail quickly starts to gain elevation and crosses a stream along the way. The climbing really kicks in at about 1.25 miles and continues to be quite steep as it passes over open rock slabs. This open rock in some areas can be very slippery, particularly on the descent. The steep terrain will leave way for a gentle hike along the ridge to the fire tower on the summit. There are smaller views from the  area around the tower, and if you poke around there are others. The best views are from the tower itself. The old observers cabin is just over the rise.

Blue Mountain in winter

This is a challenging winter climb, but highly recommended for those wanting that challenge. Popular in every season, it is likely the trail will be broken out. The upper portion of the trail can be very icy making for some slightly hazardous hiking, but with care (and microspikes) can be accomplished. This is a very cold and windy summit, especially so from the stairs on the fire tower, so be prepared for all conditions.

This trail is not recommended for cross-country skiing. Please take note: climbing the fire tower in winter can be dangerous due to heavy winds, wind chill, and icy conditions; be very careful.

Discover more trails

Does Mount Arab sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? No need to stress, with endless mountains, lakes, and waterfalls to visit in the Adirondacks, we are sure we can help you discover a trail that’s just right!

Birding

Blue Mountain has the second largest population of Bicknell’s Thrushes in the Adirondacks after Whiteface Mountain. The prevailing winds from the west create disturbances that thrushes thrive in.The lower section of the trail passes through mixed woodland habitat with wet thickets. Continuing the ascent, you’ll encounter spruce/fir boreal habitat.

A wide variety of birds will be found along the trail including: several woodpecker species, Eastern Wood-pewees, Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, Least Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireos, Boreal Chickadees, Winter Wrens, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Bicknell’s Thrushes, Swainson’s Thrushes, Hermit Thrushes, many warbler species, including Blackpoll Warblers near the summit, and White-throated Sparrows. Many of the high elevation birds can be quite secretive and may be heard, but not observed.

How to get there

From the intersection of routes 3 and 30 in Tupper Lake, follow Route 30 south toward Long Lake for 22 miles. In Long Lake, take a right onto NY-28N west/NY-30 south toward Blue Mountain Lake. Follow this road 9.2 miles to your destination on the left.