This small peak has an open summit that rises just 700 feet above Blue Mountain Lake, however provides spectacular views of the lake and surrounding area.  The hike to the summit is generally a gentle slope except for one steep section just below the summit.

It's a 1.5 mile hike with an overall elevation gain of about 700 feet that begins at the end of Maple Lodge Road in the Minnowbrook Conference Center trailhead parking area. The GPS coordinates are N43 52.383 W74 27.023 for those who have a GPS devise. This hike begins on the Sargent Ponds Trail.  Head west along a private road, then bear right uphill at a fork after 0.2 miles.  There is another DEC sign at 0.3 miles where the trail leaves the road and enters the woods using red markers.  The road straight ahead goes into private property and should be avoided at all times.

At 0.4 miles you'll reach the junction of the yellow marked Castle Rock Trail.  Turn left, cross a stream on a bridge and follow the yellow markers.  At 0.5 miles the trail turns right off the old road and at 0.8 miles Chub Pond can be seen on your right.  The trail soon turns along a stream to a junction of a blue marked side trail that leads 0.3 mile to the shore of Blue Mountain Lake. 

The trail ascends a bit more steeply and turns northwest at 1.0 miles.  You'll ascend a short steep section below the south face of Castle Rock before reaching an overhang at 1.3 miles.  A junction on your right at 1.4 miles leads very steeply to the 2480 foot summit of Castle Rock at 1.5 miles.  The views are absolutely spectacular.  You can either retrace your steps for a three mile out and back hike or you can utilize the Sargent Ponds Trail for a 3.4 mile loop hike.

Trail register near the trailhead