Castle Rock

Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓

Distance~3 miRound trip
Summit2,480 ftElevation
Ascent~700 ftTotal gain

This is another one of those small Adirondack hikes with a great reward. You'll find the trailhead at the end of Maple Lodge Road, right next to the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY, just south of the Adirondack Experience museum.

The trail

To start out, follow the marked path along a private road, which turns into a trail after a short distance. After just a short walk you'll come to a split. Left takes you over a small footbridge on the clockwise route up to the open rock summit of Castle Rock, the more common way to the top.

Hikers and a dog on Castle Rock in the Adirondacks

PureADK ambassador Dan Fallon, his wife Shannon and pup Lenny.

Along the way, you'll begin to see the cliffs of Castle Rock on the right side of the trail. At one point we stopped by a neat spot where there was a cave safe enough to climb up into. The trail then gets steeper as it approaches the next intersection. Keep right there and take the final steep ascent up to the Castle Rock overlook. The views from the top are great and provide the perfect vantage point to see Blue Mountain Lake from above.

Make it a loop

If you choose, take the trail leading toward Upper Sargent Pond. At the first trail junction on the descent, turn right to head around the north side of Castle Rock. This eventually connects back with the main trail next to Chub Pond and the footbridge from the beginning of the hike.

Good to know

Difficulty: Moderate
Common route: Clockwise over the small footbridge at the first split
Final push: A short, steep climb to the open rock overlook
Loop option: Descend via the trail toward Upper Sargent Pond, around the north side of Castle Rock

On the trail

A winter hike up Castle Rock with a light dusting of snow. We didn't end up needing snowshoes on this trip.

Trailhead and map

The trailhead and parking area are at the end of Maple Lodge Road, right next to the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, NY. Maple Lodge Road is just south of the Adirondack Experience museum on Route 30/28N.

Adirondack hiking

Before you go

Adirondack weather turns quickly, cell service is unreliable, and help can be hours away. Pick a plan that fits your group's fitness and experience.

Layers and rain gear, even in summer. Skip cotton
A headlamp, so you are not relying on your phone
A map and compass, or navigation that works offline
More food and water than you expect to need, plus first aid
In cold months, carry traction. In the Eastern High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is 8 inches or deeper
Staying overnight in the Eastern High Peaks? A bear-resistant canister is required from April 1 to November 30
Leave your route and return time with someone
Check the forecast and current conditions, and know when the sun sets
Turn back if weather worsens, someone is exhausted, or dark is coming

Plan on getting yourself out. Rangers can be hours away, cell service can't be counted on, and every rescue puts other people at risk. If someone is seriously hurt, lost or in danger, don't wait. Call 911 or DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264). Save that number before you leave. Read DEC's Hike Smart NY guidance and current Adirondack backcountry conditions.

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