Blueberry Mountain
Region: Adirondacks, High Peaks Wilderness
July 11, 2021 | Keene Valley, NY
The background: I had been saving this hike for a day when I had a sliver of time to spare and did not want to worry about getting a parking spot at a trailhead super early. It was Sunday, and the day after I had hiked the Santanoni Range (ahhh) but I wanted to get one last hike in before I headed out of town. After some rest and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, I leisurely made my way to the trailhead, parking around 10AM. This turned out to be a perfect choice for a solo Sunday hike.
Getting there: You’ll be parking at Marcy Field, a designated lot that I’ve read can hold up to at least 100 cars, which is a considerable number by Adirondack standards. If you’re in Lake Placid village, it’s about a 20-minute drive east. Make your way to Route 73 East and drive on this route for about 17 miles. Once you see the open field, you’ll pass it, and turn right onto County Hwy 86D. Continue straight and slightly right for the parking lot (about 0.1 mile.) There is currently no fee to park, and you will most likely have some cell service (but as I always warn, don’t rely on it!) My advice would be to park towards the back since that’s where you’ll be picking up the trail.
Note and update: this parking lot used to be where hikers parked their cars if they were taking the shuttle to the Garden parking lot, a popular trailhead with access to several High Peaks. It wasn’t running when I was there; however, I just learned certain times of year the shuttle will run again on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM to 7PM for $10 roundtrip. There is also an attendant at the booth certain hours of the day if you have any questions about the region or hikes!
The hike: 2.5 miles to the summit, making it 5 miles total out-and-back on the Porter Ridge Trail. The trail is marked most of the time but you’ll have to watch a bit closer when you reach above tree line and the markers are far and few.
Head towards the back of the lot to pick up the trail. You’ll see a sign and then the trail register will follow a few yards in. Follow the trail straight, until you see a trail sign guiding you left – take the left here. Continuing straight will take you on a town trail (which might be nice, but not the intended destination for the day!)
I meandered through the beautiful woods at a brisk but comfortable pace (sore and grateful for flat surface for a few minutes after the day I had before!) After enjoying the solitude and peacefulness of the tree-covered and easy-to-follow trail, I passed two streams (very easy to cross over with minimal mud) and then began to gain elevation – fast. I knew this would get steep to an extent, but now you’ve been warned – you will be working to get to the summit! I would not say any part is technical, but this part of the trail is not quite a (flat) walk in the park. I also encountered the usual Adirondacks rocks and roots; however, before I knew it, I was above tree-line – I looked back and was rewarded with views of town behind me. I stopped for a minute to catch my breath, and then continued through the woods again (this part I had to start paying attention to where I was going!)
I was headed to the summit where there was an open area to soak it all in. While there is no official sign and the trail does not end (it continues on to Porter, one of the High Peaks!) I looked at my map and saw I had reached my destination for the day. And I did something I hardly ever do – I laid down on my pack and relaxed. After taking some serious time to chill and daydream while staring out over Keene, I gathered up my pack and started my descent, backtracking from the way I came up. I encountered two sets of hikers this time, all of whom were pleased with the gorgeous Sunday and how amazing it was to be out here.
Concluding notes: This hike was a gem – and one (I believe) that does not experience high traffic, thankfully. I could have napped on the summit all day if I didn’t have to drive back downstate. Bring a picnic, your friends, your dogs; or simply come to enjoy peaceful solitude and nature’s magic. You cannot go wrong either way! I would love to do this hike again in autumn.
If you continue on this trail, you will eventually reach Porter Mountain (one of the 46 High Peaks.) Just know it’s a longer and more rugged approach than if you were to start from the typical trailhead on Route 73. One day, I will try this route!
An ideal day and what you can pair this hike with:
If you’re looking to hike a few shorter mountains in a day, some nearby hikes that I love are: Baxter Mountain, Big Crow, Snow Mountain and Rooster Comb.
If it’s Sunday in the summer, check out the Farmer’s Market, which is only a hop and a skip away! Otherwise, grab a bite (or coffee) at Old Mountain Coffee or Noonmark Diner (just be sure to check opening hours in the off-season since they may differ from summertime hours.)
