As seen from the summit of Blue Mountain, Tirrell Pond is a beautiful gem hidden in the forest. Despite sharing a trailhead with Blue, Tirrell Pond sees less use, making it the perfect choice for a relaxing stroll in the woods.

Getting there

From the intersection of Route 30 and 28 in Blue Mountain Lake, follow Route 30 toward Long Lake for around 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking on the right. The trailhead is at the top of the long hill past the Adirondack Experience, the Museum on Blue Mountain Lake. There is ample parking.

Hiking

Tirrell Pond Trail extends 3.0 miles to the Northville-Placid Trail, then turns right and traverses another 0.3 mile to the shore of Tirrell Pond. The trail ascends 170 feet in the first 1.75 miles before dropping 450 feet over the last 1.5 miles to the pond. The trail provides views of Blue Mountain and Buck Mountain along the way, and a sandy beach at the end of the trail provides a view of Tirrell Mountain to the east.

Round-trip distance: 6.6 miles 

Swimming

There's a long and popular sand beach on the northern shore of this mountain-ringed pond.

Camping

The Tirrell Pond lean-to is at the north end of the pond while the O’Neill Flow lean-to is located at the south end.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Tirrell Pond Trail can be used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers, though they are not specifically designed or designated for skiing.