Blue Mountain, NY, Hike - New York, United States

Story:
At 3,750 ft (1,143m) Blue Mountain, located in the Adirondack State Park, NY, is just 250 ft short of being classified as an Adirondack High Peak mountain (4,000 ft or higher).  However, the hike to its summit does compare in difficulty to at least a few of the "real" high peak mountains just to the northeast.

My two older sons and I decided it was time to move past the beginner hikes of the smaller mountains nearby Old Forge and try this intermediate hike to the summit of Blue Mountain.   From Old Forge we drove the 30 minutes northeast to the Blue Mountain trailhead on a sunny, comfortable, late August morning.  With a Hydrapack and a smaller fanny pack stocked with water, food, some small tools, and a first-aid kit, we launched on the two mile (3.2km) hike to the summit.   

The first mile of the two mile hike is a moderate climb on a root-covered, rocky trail.  Portions of the trail appear to be a stream bed that probably sees a healthy torrent of water as the snow melts in the springtime.  In one spot the trail actually travels downhill.   We made good time across this portion of the trail.

The second mile elevates the heartrate quite a bit more.   This portion of the hike is mostly characterized by long, steep sections of smooth rock, with most of that rock covered in a light sheen of moisture.  For those hikers without proper footware this second mile could be quite slippery and challenging.   Our pace slowed as we stopped twice or three times for a quick break to recapture our heart rates.

The last tenth of the trail to the summit is a much gentler slope along a tree-lined path of smooth rock, which allowed us to reach the summit breathing normally.  I couldn't do anything about the rivers of sweat running from my head, though.

The summit of Blue Mountain itself does not offer a very good view of the surrounding area, for all sides are obstructed by pine trees.  However, there is a fire tower that is accessible and the cab of this tower provides a beautiful 360 degree view of the entire mid-Adirondack region.

Tips:
Bring water, food to eat both during the ascent as well as at the top, and proper hiking footware that is able to provide traction on slippery, wet rock.

Be prepared to rest a few times during the ascent, unless you are physically very fit.  Be sure of your footing, especially during the first mile where numerous rocks and roots are waiting to claim a twisted ankle or two.

Temperature will probably be four or five degrees Farenheit lower than at the trailhead.   The trees lining the summit do reduce the amount of wind, but should you climb up into the fire tower you will feel the full effects of the wind blasting the summit.

Tags:
blue, mountain, old, Forge, inlet, Adirondacks, Adirondack

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