Blue Ledge on the Hudson - 9/3/12

On Labor Day weekend, we was interested in doing a bunch of the small hikes we had not done before.  In planning for the weekend, I saw friend and fellow blogger Jeff's post over at Saratoga Skier and Hiker about Blue Ledge, and it reminded me to put it on the list.

The trailhead sign

We ended up taking the Blue Ledge Hike on Labor Day.  I was a little worried that it might be crowded.  When we arrived, there were about 8 cars at the trailhead.  As we headed in, most of the people passed us heading out.  By the time we got to Blue Ledge, it was mid afternoon.  We didn't see anybody until we started exploring and then we saw one family a little ways downstream having a picnic.

A little overcast, but the ledges were impressive

The trail to the ledge is an easy walk that is relatively flat.  It only took us just over an hour to walk in.  We had planned ahead and wore our bathing suits underneath our hiking clothes.  It was a smart move and we took a swim in a great little spot just downstream of where the trail meets the ledge.  Nice sandy beach and sandy in the water also.  It felt cold when we jumped in, but it wasn't bad.

Looking downstream... our swimming spot on the left

On our way out we decided to follow a herd path on the left side marked by a rock cairn, to see where it led to.  We followed the faint path for about 5 minutes to a creek bed and some interesting rock grottoes.  The water level was pretty low, but you could see what the force of water had done in the past.

From the water...

The Hudson River certainly feels quite different at Blue Ledge than it does further downstream when it is a major river.  The area is quite remote.  The drive to the trailhead on the NorthWoods Road is an 8 mile drive on a gravel road which bears west off of Route 28N.  The NorthWoods Road has at least 5 nice car camping tent sites along the way.  Several of those sites are situated on the Boreas River, which the NorthWoods Road crosses on the way in.

Rev decided not to join me in the water

Really nice sand

The sign at the ledge marking the return

Interesting stone grottoes

Our approximate route shown in blue (click image to enlarge)

Hike Stats:

Hike Distance:  4.8 miles

Hike Time:  3.5 hours roundtrip (including stops)

Total Vertical Gain:  900'

To see more details of my route, visit my trip report at Every Trail.