This is a remarkable hike in a truly unique area!
Getting 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 Ridge Trailhead parking on the right.
Hiking
Blue Ledges extends 2.1 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.
Snowshoeing
This is an easy, well-marked trail and recommended for snowshoeing! It is a wonderful snowshoe destination, mainly because it freezes up the wet early stages of the trail as you pass by Huntley Pond. You won’t have to worry about any major icy conditions on this one, as the trail never gets too steep. The ice formations on the cliffs and in the Hudson River are quite interesting. Be sure to bring your camera along for the ride. As a reminder: snowshoeing is a beloved winter pasttime; it can provide access to areas not seen by most in the summer. 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.
Fishing
At this location the Hudson River will require an easy to moderate hike of 2.5 miles each way to reach it. 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.
