This is a moderate, 3-mile loop trail offering an amazing view of Blue Mountain Lake. With an elevation gain of 700ft, the hike to the summit is generally a gentle slope except for one steep section just below the summit.
Castle Rock Trailhead: From the intersection of Route 30 and Route 28N in the Town of Long Lake follow Route 30/28N toward Blue Mountain Lake. Continue into Blue Mountain Lake and pass by the Adirondack Museum. Just past the Adirondack Museum and locate Maple Lodge Road. Follow this road to the hiker parking and the trail register; park in designated area only please.
Trailhead Coordinates: N43 52.383, W74 27.023
The Hike (description by cnyhiking.com/CastleRock.htm): The hike begins on the Sargent Ponds Trail. Head west along a private road, then bear right uphill at a fork after 0.2 miles. There is another DEC sign at 0.3 miles where the trail leaves the road and enters the woods using red markers. The road straight ahead goes into private property and should be avoided at all times.
At 0.4 miles you’ll reach the junction of the yellow marked Castle Rock Trail. Turn left, cross a stream on a bridge and follow the yellow markers. At 0.5 miles the trail turns right off the old road and at 0.8 miles Chub Pond can be seen on your right. The trail soon turns along a stream to a junction of a blue marked side trail that leads 0.3 mile to the shore of Blue Mountain Lake.
The trail ascends a bit more steeply and turns northwest at 1.0 miles. You’ll ascend a short steep section below the south face of Castle Rock before reaching an overhang at 1.3 miles. A junction on your right at 1.4 miles leads very steeply to the 2480-foot summit of Castle Rock at 1.5 miles.
Trip Report by Off on Adventure