Blue Mountain Lake and Hemlock Pond Loop
Hike a loop to Indian Rocks, Hemlock Pond, and Blue Mountain Lake in the Delaware Water Gap.
5.5 or 2.6 miles, total round trip. Mostly wide woods roads that aren’t that rocky, with minor elevation gain, but are quite grassy.
| 5.5 miles | This hike guide: Detailed instructions, photos, and video follow below. |
| Shorter | 2.6 – Just to Blue Mountain Lake, skipping Hemlock Pond. Noted below. |
| Longer | 7.8 – Add a loop around Crater Lake. Noted below. |
| Nearby | Crater Lake and Hemlock Pond Loop; Crater Lake to Blue Mountain; Buttermilk Falls (falls only); Buttermilk Falls, Crater Lake, Hemlock Pond; Silver Spray Falls; Van Campens Glen; Millbrook Village and Van Campens Glen; Catfish Fire Tower; Tillman Ravine. |
Our two cents:
This is an enjoyable, not overly-taxing route on woods roads with a viewpoint, scenic pond, and a pretty lake all packed into a manageable length.
Abundant mountain laurel in the area. The trails should be suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country sking. While swimming is allowed at Blue Mountain Lake, there are no lifeguards – so be careful if you choose to do so.
The “Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area” is located in New Jersey. “Blue Mountain Lake” is not to be confused with the “Blue Mountain Loop” in Stokes State Forest: Blue Mountain Loop – Upper or Blue Mountain Loop – Lower (but these are great hikes too!)
This is an alternate trailhead if you planned on hiking from Crater Lake and found that lot closed. In winter, the road is gated just after this parking lot.
Hike Info:
–Trail Map
–Park info/map
–Interactive Map
Map:
Kittatinny Trails. Follow along on your smartphone with our Interactive Map link above.
Parking: N41.09840° W74.93539°
“Blue Mountain Lakes Parking”, 34 Flatbrookville Stillwater Rd, Layton, NJ 07851. Large paved lot on the left side, with an entrance on either end.
If approaching via Rt 80 W, take exit 12 towards Rt. 521 and Blairstown (several quick turns here). Turn L on Rt 94, then soon turn R on Stillwater Rd, then very quick veer L on Bridge St, then sharp R on High St, veer L on Millbrook Rd. At Millbrook Village, turn R on Old Mine Rd, then R Flatbrookville Stillwater Rd, lot on the left.
Restrooms:
Composting toilet in the parking lot.
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