Whether you’re new to hiking or looking to conquer a serious climb, we’ve got a trail for you. With over 30km of hiking terrain winding through forests, open meadows, escarpment ridges and waterfalls, the mountain offers more than just a pretty view—though there’s plenty of that too!
Here’s your go-to guide for seven must-try trails, sorted by difficulty level and filled with fun facts, scenic lookouts, and trail highlights to help you pick your next on-mountain adventure.
🟢 Beginner Trails
1. Time Line
- Distance: 0.6 km
- Duration: 15 mins
- Location: Mountaintop
- Vibe: Scenic and story-filled stroll
This trail isn’t just a walk—it’s a walk through time. Time Line is a relaxed, family-friendly multi-use trail that brings the mountain’s history to life with interpretive signage highlighting key milestones in Blue Mountain’s history. With a paved flat walkway, it’s the perfect intro to hiking or a calming midday nature break. Bonus: it links easily with other beginner routes if you’re in the mood to go farther.
2. Sticks & Stones
- Distance: 1 km
- Duration: 25 mins
- Location: Mountaintop
- Vibe: Peaceful forest path with a secret lookout
Don’t let the name fool you—this trail is anything but rough. Sticks & Stones loops through a peaceful wooded area along parts of the Bruce Trail, and offers a surprising payoff: a quiet wooden platform lookout tucked just off the trail, with sweeping views of the Village and Georgian Bay in the distance. It’s the perfect spot to pause, take a deep breath, and soak in the natural beauty.
🟦 Intermediate Trails
3. Apple Bowl
- Distance: 1.9 km
- Duration: 50 mins
- Location: Valley/Blue Mountain Inn
- Vibe: Open terrain with lots of views
Once the site of working apple orchards, this open-sky trail offers rolling terrain and beautiful sightlines to the Village and surrounding landscape. A standout feature is the Apple Bowl Lookout, a raised platform offering a panoramic perspective of the escarpment, Village, and beyond—especially stunning at golden hour. It’s a great reward for a manageable hike.
4. Memory Lane
- Distance: 1 km
- Location: Mountaintop
- Duration: 30 mins
- Vibe: Reflective, rewarding, and rich in views
Looping its way through the escarpment, this intermediate hike follows the path of the ski run it’s named after and leads to the Memory Garden lookout, a peaceful mountaintop space created in honour of loved ones connected to the mountain community. With benches, native plantings, and a breathtaking view across the Niagara Escarpment, the lookout invites hikers to pause and reflect, ideal for anyone looking to reconnect with nature and enjoy a quieter moment with the landscape.
◆ Expert Trails
5. Cascade Trail
- Distance: 1.2 km
- Duration: 40 mins
- Location: South
- Vibe: Lush and shady
If you’re after that “wow” moment, Cascade delivers. This expert-rated trail climbs alongside Cascade waterfall and offers steep terrain, switchbacks, and shaded forest paths. It’s a heart-pumping climb with incredible rewards at the top, making it a favourite among seasoned hikers. Pro tip: wear shoes with good traction; this one’s a workout.
6. The Grind
- Distance: 2.3 km
- Duration: 1 h, 20 mins
- Location: The Orchard
- Vibe: Fast and fitness-focused
Think of The Grind as your vertical challenge. This trail lives up to its name and is a go-to for hikers who want a physical test as you’ll be climbing quickly through rugged terrain. It’s a favourite among local runners, bikers, and fitness buffs training for that next uphill goal. Hit this one early before the sun is high—you’ll thank yourself later.
7. 1940 Trail
- Distance: 0.9 km
- Duration: 40 mins
- Location: North
- Vibe: A tribute trail with a big payoff
Named for the year Blue Mountain was founded, the 1940 trail is both a physical journey and a nod to the resort’s roots. Short but steep, it takes you through beautiful tree-covered ascents. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially when wildflowers bloom in early summer.
Plan Your Hike
To access hiking trails at Blue Mountain, you’ll need a valid ticket or season pass, and the proper gear to take on the terrain. Before heading out, don’t forget:
- Water and sunscreen
- Proper footwear (which you can get at one of the many stores in the Village)
- A phone or camera for those unbeatable views
- A trail map; available on-site, online, or on the Blue Mountain App
You can also check out our Hiking Education Guide for even more things to know before you go! Whether you’re out for a casual stroll or chasing summit views, Blue Mountain’s hiking trails are the perfect way to get outside, get moving, and reconnect with nature.
