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Blue Mountain Reservation Summit Loop (Dickey Brook Trail, Boundary Trail, Blue Mountain Summit Trail, Sitting Duck Trail.)
Hiking Trail
Moderate
5.31 mi
989 ft
A relaxing hike connecting moss-covered ponds to two defined summits.
Blue Mountain Reservation is home to a massive network of trails, both for hiking and mountain biking. Roughly an hour north of NYC, it's easy to forget how close you are to such a massive metropolitan area.
This loop connects the main parking lot at the pond to two large, defined peaks: Mount Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. Either peak is accessible as an out-and-back hike, but this loop is one of the best options to connect both in one day while avoiding the most frequented mountain biking trails.
Complete this hike in either direction. The northern portion of the loop follows the Dickey Brook Trail. Enjoy its calming waters and picturesque flora and fauna in this corner of the park. Wildlife also abounds in the area—keep an eye out for the often camouflaged deer that graze there.
A moderately challenging hiking-only trail leads to the summit of Blue Mountain in one of the most tranquil parts of the park. Though there are no defined views, pack a lunch and enjoy it atop the calming summit.
Spitzenberg Mountain is accessible by an out-and-back on the Sitting Duck Trail. A short spur leads to a rocky outcropping, awarding some partial views to the Hudson River Below.
Know that Blue Mountain Reservation is home to countless trails and it is easy to become disoriented or confused at times. Though a free park map is available, many of the intersections—and even some additional trails—are unmarked. Follow this route closely to avoid ending up on the wrong trails.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Blue Mountain Reservation is home to a massive network of trails, both for hiking and mountain biking. Roughly an hour north of NYC, it's easy to forget how close you are to such a massive metropolitan area.
This loop connects the main parking lot at the pond to two large, defined peaks: Mount Spitzenberg and Blue Mountain. Either peak is accessible as an out-and-back hike, but this loop is one of the best options to connect both in one day while avoiding the most frequented mountain biking trails.
Complete this hike in either direction. The northern portion of the loop follows the Dickey Brook Trail. Enjoy its calming waters and picturesque flora and fauna in this corner of the park. Wildlife also abounds in the area—keep an eye out for the often camouflaged deer that graze there.
A moderately challenging hiking-only trail leads to the summit of Blue Mountain in one of the most tranquil parts of the park. Though there are no defined views, pack a lunch and enjoy it atop the calming summit.
Spitzenberg Mountain is accessible by an out-and-back on the Sitting Duck Trail. A short spur leads to a rocky outcropping, awarding some partial views to the Hudson River Below.
Know that Blue Mountain Reservation is home to countless trails and it is easy to become disoriented or confused at times. Though a free park map is available, many of the intersections—and even some additional trails—are unmarked. Follow this route closely to avoid ending up on the wrong trails.
Sources:
Written by Brendon Voelker
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountain Reservation Climb | 0.79 mi | 210 ft | 5.0% |