Hedgehog Hill and Mt. Blue State Park Multi-Use Trails

The map shows in orange the recommended path along multi-use trails to Hedgehog Hill. Blue trails represent some of the park’s ski trails.

By Sam Shirley

These former ATV trails make a ~13 mile lollipop loop through the interior of Mount Blue State Park. They are currently open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders during the summer, and they provide a backcountry experience not found in the busier parts of the park. Although I am not an equestrian myself, the loop seems well suited to horseback riding.

The trails are lightly used in the summer and trail users can expect some blowdowns and areas of tall grass. For that reason, these trails are probably best avoided during high tick times of the year (May to early July, and briefly again in October-November). There is also a section of trail affected by beaver dam construction, but this can be avoided by an easy bushwhack along the dam to the south of the trail.

For hikers, the trails are relatively easy going. I prefer doing the loop counterclockwise to save Hedgehog Hill for closer to the end of the hike. The picnic shelter at the base of Mount Blue provides a nice spot to take a break at roughly the halfway point of the hike. A lean-to with picnic table is also located at the junction with the spur trail up Hedgehog Hill. A section of the route also follows the gravel road to the Mount Blue trailhead.

The highlight of the hike is definitely the ledgy summit of Hedgehog Hill (1,402′). After climbing the wide sloping ledges to the summit, there are two picnic tables and a great view west. This vantage point through Byron Notch is a great place to enjoy the views of West Mountain, Old Blue, Elephant Mountain, Tumbledown, The Jacksons, and Blueberry Mountain.

It’s a much different experience than other trails in the state park and surrounding area, and is worth checking out if you’re looking for something a bit different! You could also do a shorter hike just to Hedgehog Hill starting from Temple Road or Mount Blue Road.

Trail users should note that in the winter, significant parts of the multi-use trails are groomed for cross country skiing. Non-skiing trail users and dogs are prohibited on these sections of trail in the winter. Other sections of trail are open to snowmobiles. If you are visiting in winter, it is best to check out the designated snowshoe and ski trails.

Approximate distances: 3.3 miles to a 6.6-mile loop. Spur to Hedgehog Hill is 0.2 miles.

Directions: Ample parking is located at the park headquarters, which is located on Center Hill Road, 1.4 miles north of the four-way stop in the center of Weld. An iron ranger is located at the trailhead for the park entrance fee, so be sure to bring exact change.