Hiking to Blue Ledges in the Hudson Gorge Wilderness Area will lead you to famous cliffs and a swimming hole along the Hudson River.
Key takeaways
- Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 575 feet
Hiking to Blue Ledges
Blue Ledges extends 2.4 miles from the trailhead to the rock ledges on the northern rim of the Hudson Gorge. Follow the trail around the east end of Huntley Pond. Look for the blue DEC markers. At the river there is a small sandy place for wading and viewing. At the end of the trail are cliffs known as the Blue Ledges. There are many boulders at this right angle bend which put on a fine show, depending on water levels. Be careful if you decide to swim here, and look out for whitewater rafters!
Blue Ledges in the winter
This is a well-marked trail and recommended for snowshoeing. It is a wonderful snowshoe destination, mainly because it freezes up the typically-wet early stages of the trail as you pass by Huntley Pond. The ice formations on the cliffs and in the Hudson River are quite interesting. Since the Hudson is a swift moving river, we do not recommend that you step onto the ice that forms on the river. It is a dangerous activity to cross frozen water bodies. Be prepared for all winter conditions.
Find more trails in the Adirondack Hub
Does Blue Ledges sound amazing, but a little more than you want to tackle right now? With the Adirondack Hub being at the center of so many trails, we’re sure to find the best hike for you!
Fishing
Once at the river, the fishing is quite good and you can work your way up and down the beach areas to access eddies, flat calm waters, and rapids. The shore is lined and dotted with boulders that work perfectly as platforms to fish from. This is also a great area for fly fishing. The pool at the base of the ledges is quite deep, allowing you to fish the cooler waters as well.
Fish species types: brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout
Special regulations: Always follow state fishing regulations and be sure to pick up a NYS Freshwater Fishing Guide at your local outfitters or regional NYSDEC office.
How to get there
To get here from the intersection of Route 9 and Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake, follow Hoffman Road (CR24). Continue on CR24, which eventually turns into Irishtown Road. Take a right onto O’Neill Road just over 11 miles from Route 9 and a left onto Longs Hill Road (CR24A). This will bring you to Route 28N in Minerva in roughly 2 miles. Take a right onto Route 28N for 2.5 miles to Northwoods Club Road on the left. Follow Northwoods Club Road for 6.5 miles to the Blue Ledges Trailhead parking on the right.
