Review Date
August 4, 2007

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: cdrush ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Dont let the red blazed trails confuse you. All they are for is horseback riders to bypass section that go over bridges or short steep areas that horses would have trouble with. These short bypasses come right back onto the regular hiking/biking trails. You should not get lost at Blue Marsh.

Someone mentioned water only at the Vistors Center...There is also water at the Dry Brooks Boat Launch Area next to the bathrooms. This is very close to the Visitors Center which is the earlier mentioned water source. The Visitors Center does close (I think hours are 8-8) while the Dry Brooks water fountain is outside just a few hundred yards off the trail. There may be water at the pay Swimming Beach...not sure.

Recommended Route:
Any

Other recommended trails in the same area:
French Creek

Review Date
June 18, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: mtmiller ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
There are plenty of reviews on this trail which paint a good picture of what to expect. Having done it once, let me underscore some important points...

First, and most important in summer, if you're doing the whole 30 mile loop like I did, DO NOT start at the Stilling Basin or anywhere near the eastern end of the lake. Play it smart and start somewhere near the upper end of the lake or, preferably, somewhere near the middle of the western section of this trail. This way you can get water at the Visitor Center. If you start near Dry Brook, the VC, or the Stilling Basin, you will not have access to water for the entire loop - not good. I went thru almost 4L of water and could've used more.

Second, eat well before the 30 mile ride and plan a food break to refuel your body. Bring more food than you think. I'm not an Olympian but I'm in half decent shape for a 44yo old fart and I could've used more than the apple and granola bar. I will bring some brand of power bars or gels next time as well. I was bonking after my ride.

Third, unless you are a lucky guesser, you will get off trail. There are points in the trail where you come to junctions or maybe an old path and there is no clear indication which way to go. GPS, map, and decent sense of directions helps, but you're twisting and turning your way around a mostly-wooded lake and it can be difficult to guess which way to go. Some say the route is well marked, and it is in spots, but is noticeably lacking in others. When in doubt, follow the most-worn path. Still, count on an extra mile or so of backtracking. It's no big deal until you're at Mile 29 just aching for food, water, and an end to it all.

I would rate this trail a 5 except you have to take your time and watch for horses and hikers. This is normal, but with limited sight distances you need to be extra careful. Also, for you Poison Ivy haters out there, be aware that certain parts of the trail are loaded with the stuff.

Recommended Route:
Start at Lake Road or somewhere near Mile 10 - 15 on the western side of the lake. Go CW, refilling hydration packs at the Visitor Center (Mile 29ish). Don't forget to snicker at all the recreational boaters waiting in long lines to get in the park.

Review Date
October 18, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: daviss11 ,  Racer

Summary:
Long.....and fast. Not too technical though. Good overall cadio burn and great scenery near the lake. There are a few rewarding downhills, but mainly and XCers paradise.

Recommended Route:
Come in off of Rt 183. Park at the stilling basin off of Palisades. Within 20ft of the parking lot/damn area the trail begins. This will take you clockwise around the lake. Cut across Church rd at mile 13 or 14?? that will make it a 20 to 22 mile loop. Your not missing much beyond church rd by taking this short cut.

Trail signs are well posted you shouldn't get lost.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Fair hill, White Clay (single speed heaven!), French Creek, Wiss

Review Date
August 28, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: lance_envy ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Blue Marsh is a great place to ride. There's a good combination of everything from singletrack, rocky-rooty steep ascents/descents, to fast old hardpacked road beds. If you are in great shape you probably won't have any problem doing the whole 30 mile loop. However, I wouldn't recommend the entire loop for the average weekend warrior (like me). In some sections the trail does have some short very steep hills that will zap you quickly. Also, these sections of the trail are subject to washouts after a strong storm, which can make the climbs really challenging. As others have pointed out, bring plenty of water!

Recommended Route:
We did this ride this weekend and had a great time. It's only 12 miles, so it's great if you don't have the whole day to spend at the lake. We did this ride in a couple of hours and we are leisurly riders. First, get a trail map. Start off at the Stilling Basin parking area off of Palisades Drive. Follow the trail across the dam. Ride past the State Hill boat ramp and the Old Dry Road Farm. When you get to the Sterners Hill Road (~4.9 miles), make a left. Follow the old Sterners Hill road bed until it intersects the trail again and make a left onto the trail. Take the trail to Justa Road. Make a left onto Brownsville Road for a short distance. Make another left onto Blue Marsh Road. This is a little hard to spot from the Brownsville Road. Look for the yellow gates. If you pass Church Road, you've gone too far. Blue Marsh Road is a fast cruise on an old road bed back down to the trail. Make a right on the trail and follow it back to the Stilling Basin parking lot.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
French Creek
Tohickon Creek

Review Date
August 28, 2005

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a year

Reviewed by: lance_envy ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Blue Marsh is a great place to ride. There's a good combination of everything from singletrack, rocky-rooty steep ascents/descents, to fast old hardpacked road beds. If you are in great shape you probably won't have any problem doing the whole 30 mile loop. However, I wouldn't recommend the entire loop for the average weekend warrior (like me). In some sections the trail does have some short very steep hills that will zap you quickly. Also, these sections of the trail are subject to washouts after a strong storm, which can make the climbs really challenging. As others have pointed out, bring plenty of water!

Recommended Route:
We did this ride this weekend and had a great time. It's only 12 miles, so it's great if you don't have the whole day to spend at the lake. We did this ride in a couple of hours and we ride are leisurly riders. First, get a trail map. Start off at the Stilling Basin parking area off of Palisades Drive. Follow the trail across the dam. Ride past the State Hill boat ramp and the Old Dry Road Farm. When you get to the Sterners Hill Road (~4.9 miles), make a left. Follow the old Sterners Hill road bed until it intersects the trail again and make a left onto the trail. Take the trail to Justa Road. Make a left onto Brownsville Road for a short distance. Make another left onto Blue Marsh Road. This is a little hard to spot from the Brownsville Road. Look for the yellow gates. If you pass Church Road, you've gone too far. Blue Marsh Road is a fast cruise on an old road bed back down to the trail. Make a right on the trail and follow it back to the Stilling Basin parking lot.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
French Creek
Tohickon Creek