The 37,800 acre Blue Mountain Wild Forest is located in Hamilton and western Essex counties. It is bounded by NY 30 on the west and south, the Hudson River on the east and NY 28N on the north.  The terrain varies from gentle around the easily accessible and popular Rock Lake to extremely steep and rugged in the remote Fishing Brook Range.

The 3,759 foot Blue Mountain dominates the landscape for some distance around, offering wide ranging views in all directions from its fire tower for those willing to make a short but steep two mile hike to the summit from the picturesque hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake.

Tirrell Pond is located to the northeast of Blue Mountain and, due to relatively easy access, affords an excellent opportunity for day use or primitive camping for family groups and novice hikers.  While Blue Mountain is the most popular destination, Tirrell Pond, Rock Lake, Bullhead Pond, Rock River and Lake Durant are other great locations to explore.  About 14 miles of the famous Northville-Placid Trail travels through Blue Mountain Wild Forest.

The ridge from East Inlet Mountain to the Fishing Brook Range represents a wild block of forest preserve unbroken for over ten miles except for a crossing of the Northville-Placid Trail.  Camping is available at the Lake Durant State Campground located east of the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake off NY 28 and NY 30.  Lake Eaton State Campground is also located close by.