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A lake, hill and mountain, whose land was once cultivated as farmland and is now covered with sparkling woods, are the scenic heart of Mount Blue State Park.
One guidebook even compares the view from the park's Center Hill area to "the opening of a Paramount picture."
The two sections of the park, totaling 8,000 acres, skirt Webb Lake near Weld Village. Along the lake, on the southwest shore off West Road, is a campground with 136 sites plus three group camping areas.
Northeast of Webb, reached from routes 142 and 156, is the parcel that encompasses Center Hill and the park's namesake, nearly 3,200 feet high.
Seven miles long and half that width, the lake has plenty of maneuvering room. Rental boats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboats are available.
The park's trail system is big and diverse. There are 25 miles of mixed-use trails, accommodating hikers, cyclists, equestrians and off-road vehicles and 15 miles of cross-country ski trails.
The hiking trail to the wooded top of Mount Blue is a steep climb rewarded by sweeping views from ledges along the way. Other mountains in the region are good for day hikes.
In summer, the park offers a mixed bag of interpretive programs, from guided nature hikes and gold-panning to evening events in the lakeside amphitheater. There is a nature center at Webb Beach.
The campground is open from May 15 to Oct. 1.
For historical interest, the park headquarters date back to the 1830s, and stone walls and old foundations are common.
In winter, though the lakeside campground closes, the park stays busy. There is snowshoeing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sliding at Center Hill and winter campers are welcome. Winter campers are asked to check in with park staff.
Outdoor Activities |
The swimming is peaceful and the scenery spectacular.
View the park's autumn palette of color.
Moose abound near the park.
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