Danielsville, PA

Blue Mountain - Skyline Park

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4.175(based on 21 reviews)
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Blue Mountain - Skyline Park reviews

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1 5
Jman9244
Experience: 4 played 1 reviews
2.00 star(s)

It was something 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 25, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

The views are unlike anything I have ever seen playing disc golf, but then again it is a mountain. Being a mountain I definitely got a good hike!

Cons:

As far as disc golfing down a 1000 foot elevation goes, I felt the holes layouts could have been thought through better. There were a couple holes where I did not know how to get to from the previous basket, one hole specifically I had seen an arrow and assumed it was for disc golf so I climbed up the double black diamond ski trail (steep as hell) to find out the tee I was actually looking for was the complete opposite direction back down the ski trail.

Other Thoughts:

So many of the holes had such a crazy loss in elevation and were so long that I did not know how my discs would fly. I ended up losing three discs because of it. The sites and views are the only reason I rated this course reasonable instead of passable.

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3 2
NathanNoodleArm
Experience: 22.5 years 76 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Check the lift cut off time! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 18, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

I don't have much to add to the reviews as far as the course goes. This place is well set up and totally worth the drive up from Philadelphia. It's a real blast throwing putters down hill and watching them go and go and go!

Cons:

As has been said in other reviews, rough terrain, risk of losing your plastic on errant throws. Not for the faint of heart. It's a bit of a work out getting down the hill so if you're not in fit shape beware. I feel like the last few holes were a little weaker.

Other Thoughts:

The important point I wanted to make in my review is to ask what time they cut off access to the lift for disc golfers.I didn't see it mentioned in any reviews. We arrived at the mountain when they opened at 10. The top of the mountain was fogged in so my group decided to play the Valley course first as the forecast was for clearing and I wanted to play Skyline with good views. After finishing the Valley course and eating our lunch we got in line for the lift. It was fairly busy with bikers but we hadn't seen any other golfers all morning. The lift operator told us lift access for golfers stopped at 1. We missed the cutoff by 20 minutes. eventually he let us on after we promised we would be done and off the mountain by the 4 o'clock closing time.
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6 0
adlacro
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.8 years 149 played 125 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Touch the Sky...Then throw your discs down 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Let me get this out of the way first... as an 800 rated player, thank God I played doubles. This is a majestic 18 hole course that will test your ability to be in control of your disc as you descend the mountain. The lift goes up where you belong, then work your way down. The longer holes are quite open, allowing you a wide fairway, but be warned-you miss the fairway, your disc is probably gone. Each hole offers options, from two concrete tee pads with ample run-up room, to two dis catcher baskets placed with the idea of making you think about every shot you'll throw. After some downhill holes, you'll have some shorter, tighter holes along the way (4 comes to mind). Most holes will offer you a bench or open area to sit down-trust me, you'll want a breather now and then. Lots of fast greens, lots of opportunities to be challenged by the terrain. I found myself being tentative more often than not. Lots of par 4's and some 5's, adding length. Even the short layout still averages out to about 375 feet per hole. Smart golf is an absolute requirement. Bring plenty of water, one of the lightweight chairs, and a full bag of discs you don't mind losing, and go challenge yourself. Grab one of those hiking poles when you check-in, even if you're in tiptop shape. You'll be glad you did. Not every hole is downhill, though, and not every hole is 800 feet either. Signature hole is 7, the par 5 that finishes on an elevated slope to the right. I threw a few overhands and played smart and we still made birdie. Of course there are other standout holes too.

Cons:

You're not going to want to be by yourself playing here. With all the rocky terrain plus it being easy to miss the fairway and go 600 feet off the mountain, bring some friends. We played triples and still spent a long time looking for discs, plus figuring out whose drive to take. Be prepared for 3 hours or more each round-plan accordingly.

Not for everyone. Again I mentioned I'm an 800 rated player. By myself I would have probably lost my whole bag. Just throw discs you know aren't afraid to lose, and you may enjoy yourself a little bit. The areas off the fairway are very unforgiving. Play smart, even if it means taking a higher number than you want. Mountain bikers are coming down as well, and their paths will often be near you. Be wary of them, and let them through when it is doable.

Other Thoughts:

The only regret I have is that I wish I got to play the valley course while I was here as well-time didn't allow for it, as it took our group over 4 hours to play. Book a lot of time, a lot of patience, and go check out this Dan Doyle and Steve Brinster created madness that is the Blue Mountain skyline course. With awesome views, the ability to mix and match tees and pins, and even an ace run or two (surprisingly), the skyline course is one to take your breath away-in more ways than one.
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6 0
sidewinder22
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 17.6 years 297 played 197 reviews
3.50 star(s)

So Scenic Skyline 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:May 24, 2015 Played the course:once

Pros:

Dual concrete tees or dual DisCatcher baskets on every hole. The over 1000' of elevation changes were designed well into the course providing more variety than I thought would there. Lots of downhill bombs and uphill and across slopes and valleys. Fast greens galore. I recall 3 benches with cold water that were much appreciated. The lift ride up the mountain was spectacular and the views playing down are just as grandiose. I did have Verizon 4G service on the course. Restrooms and shop at the bottom of the mountain. Two other courses and restaurant on site and $5 gets you access to all courses and the lift for the day.

Cons:

Treacherous terrain to traverse - pro tip when walking down steep slopes, zig zag down them, don't go straight down them, and also grass is better than rocks. Even though the tees are concrete, most are plum with the grade of the elevation(not bubble level) and in some cases quite steep. I rolled my ankle pretty good on hole 3, a rock I stepped on slid down the slope with my foot on it, I thought it was broke at first, but I hobbled down the rest of the course with a bit of hesitation after that. Every basket is on a super fast green and roll a ways and skips can be relentlessly stupid. The elevation is so steep in places that I nearly left my disc in plain view, I just didn't feel like climbing more elevation. I imagine there's lots of lost plastic in the woods, I amazingly didn't lose any of my discs although I kept them mostly in the fairway even when throwing them 666'+.

The course is almost entirely in the open/exposed to sun and heat which can make it feel like hell combined with the amount of hiking elevation. I found myself stopping mid fairways to take a break from the constant downhill hike burning my quads and to get some shade. My sea-legs weren't meant for this mountain goat terrain. The rough off the edges of the fairways can be gnarly. More benches and water would be nice. Crazy mountain bikers and hikers intermittently run through parts of the course. The course was a little tricky to navigate after hole 9, and more/better signage would be a big help even with the map.

Other Thoughts:

Overall I have mixed feelings about this course, it started out with a big bang and then kind of fizzled and turned into me just wanting to survive. It's either ironic or sadistic that the short layout is 6, 666 feet long. Some of this extreme style of golf borders on the line of just because you can, doesn't mean you should. The highlights for me were the lift ride up the mountain, and then Holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 14. I was surprised I didn't enjoy the course as much as I thought I would considering how Warwick which is done by the same designers is one of my all time favorites. I think the ski terrain is just too extreme and not conducive to actual golf holes, yeah it provides some of the best scenery and epic shots you can imagine, but from a scoring/playing golf strategy standpoint I was disappointed. Hole 18 was a head scratcher for me, there's only a tiny gap between the line of trees, or are you supposed to throw over the trees? - I have a pro level arm, but Steve Brinster arm I'm not, maybe the trees have grown a bit since the course's inception? I'm glad I got to play this course once, but seriously doubt I'll play it again though. The $5 is worth it just for the lift alone, if I went back I'd just take a ride around on the lift a couple times and play the valley course and have some brews and play the Slopeside in the evening. So with that said, I'd recommend this course as bucket list type course.
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1 3
DAMAGER
Experience: 15.7 years 9 played 9 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Pain in the legs! but fun. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 8, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Fun course, Fast long flights, Great views, Good pin positions, Easy to navigate, bench's at a lot of holes, Nice grassy fairways. Fun letting them discs rip and watching them fly forever.

Cons:

Easy to lose a disc if you throw a bad one, disc can glide for ever over tree tops. my friend lost 4 discs in one day. Course is very tiring even though it is mostly down hill. Puts a hurting on the legs, Can get windy.

Other Thoughts:

I suggest using over stable discs mostly and try throw with the terrain. Bring multiple cellphones some cells don't work up there, because you need to call the office for pick up.
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8 0
Disc Fiend
Experience: 14.8 years 69 played 6 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Mountain Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course is an experience I will not forget anytime soon. I have never played a course like this before, and it blew my mind. During the ride up the mountain I got the feeling I was about to play something special, and it definitely was! Mike was a great host, and gave us a few tips and info on the course on the way up. He also gave us hiking poles, which I ended up using the entire round. The holes are designed well and each hole is unique. There are 18 holes with multiple cement tees and/or baskets on each hole. What almost every hole has in common though is the elevation change. I have never played a course with that much downhill elevation change, and boy was it fun! it is a beautiful thing to watch a disc fly 600 ft. down a mountain, it feels like the disc is flying in the air for minutes at a time.

Cons:

The only cons I could think of was on holes 14 and 16. They need to put stairs or a rope or something to make it so people can safely get down to the basket. It was very steep and dangerous, a lot more then all the other holes. I also didn't like that they closed at 6. I wish they would stay open until dark.

Other Thoughts:

$5 gets you an all day pass to the three courses on the property and rides up the mountain and back to the lodge. With the 3 courses, a bar and grill and a pro shop it feels like your at a disc golf country club. The views from the mountain are breathtaking, this is an awesome place to play disc golf. definitely play here if you can get the chance to.
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1 8
GMarlin13
Experience: 10.8 years 263 played 11 reviews
5.00 star(s)

AMAZING 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 1, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

They take you on an ATV to the top of the moutain and pick you up when your finished. It is a beautiful course with fantastic views. All the holes are easily navigated and have multiple tees and baskets.

Cons:

Physically demanding

Other Thoughts:

This course is a must for any Disc Golfer. The fee is 5 dollars for an all day pass on all 3 courses. The ATV ride alone is worth the money. Don't miss out on this beautiful course because you are cheap. The guy who runs it is awesome and the place is well maintained.
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3 4
rwblack
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
5.00 star(s)

EPIC 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 29, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

After playing over 5,000+ rounds of disc golf in my life, the round on the Blue Mountain Skyline Disc Golf Course really may stand out the most.

Beautiful setting in the Pocono Mountains. There was a Blues Festival going on the day I was there. They had the course closed except to people who had paid for the festival. Luckily the guy I talked to in the pro shop graciously gave me his own free festival pass so I could play the course. The lift was open that day which made for an incredibly enjoyable ride up the mountain (and joy ride after).

The course was everything I could have wanted from a mountain course. Really tested my abilities. I did not have too hard of a time finding discs ever. The rough was very manageable. Water coolers were a HUGE plus.

This course is a MUST PLAY if you live in the northeast or are passing through. Bucket list type of course. Oh yea and did I mention there was live blues playing the entire round for me...EPIC

Cons:

The course is an extreme hike and is only for those that good physical health and are up to the challenge. Otherwise, it may affect the amount of fun you have playing the course.

Other Thoughts:

Bring lots of water, snacks, and good hiking shoes for the decent.
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10 1
RamsFan1
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13.5 years 91 played 91 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Not For Weekend Warriors 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:May 27, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

18 hole grueling and challenging course which starts at the top of Blue Mountain Ski Resort in the Poconos. Oversized concrete tee pads and benches at every hole. Each hole has either two tee pads and a single basket or single tee pads with a short (white) and long (blue) basket. Colored, laminated signs at each hole give you distance and preferred flight path. Tremendous elevation changes and good distance variety. Though mostly open, a few technical holes are thrown in for good measure, with holes 5, 8, 9, 13, and 14 particularly memorable. Picturesque views of Danielsville from the top of the mountain. Friendly staff accomodating to disc golfers. As this is a ski resort, amenities like bathrooms, vending machines and restaurants are on the premises.

Cons:

Disc loss- even on what you think are good drives- a very distinct possibility. Treacherous hiking over rocky surfaces involved throughout the course. High grass present on many fairways. Permanent signage and bag poles unavailable because of the type of course it is. "Next tee" arrows would assist with navigation. Pay to play and limited ski lift availability/playing time will turn away some players.

Other Thoughts:

With three courses- Skyline, Valley and the 9-hole Slope Side available to players, Blue Mountain provides an excellent disc golfing experience. Not for the faint of heart, The Blue Mountain Skyline course is intimidating to say the least and presents a tremendous challenge to even seasoned pros, much less the recreational/intermediate player. The frustration factor here is extremely high without a sensible, pinpoint approach to drives off the tee, and heat, wind, bugs and other variables all come into play throughout your round. Staff is available to give you a ride to the top in the absence of a working ski lift. Though many reviewers speak of the course being well groomed, I found the grass ridiculously high when I played and was a bit disappointed. Hydration, good footwear and being in shape are all critical elements of playing here. Overall, a good, if humbling experience.
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4 2
flyerzphan923
Experience: 9 played 6 reviews
4.50 star(s)

awesome experience 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 1, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great course, great grounds manager, all around great time.
Alt. tee's and/or baskets
great variety of up and down hill drives
great variations of hole lengths
the course is impeccably kept
tees and baskets are still in perfect condition

Cons:

It is open everyday but mon-wed you would need to hike to the top of the mountain to play.
not for beginners, the course is skill demanding and a beginner would lose alot of plastic

Other Thoughts:

this course is a must play
eventhough it costs 5 dollars a day, you get a ride to the top and fresh water every few holes
o and you can play as many times as you want for that day, on all courses
the grounds keeper Mike is awesome, he is there to make your experience awesome and does his job well
you will leave feeling like it was the best $5 you've ever spent!
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4 0
Aupps
Experience: 13.8 years 32 played 23 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Memorable Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 24, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Nice cement tee pads
-great baskets
-Each hole has either 2 tees or 2 baskets, so the course actually plays 36 holes if you want
-Benches at most holes
-Water stations/Portajohns throughout the course
-The $5 green fees gets you a ride up the mountain on the course manager's gator, and he also picks you up in the valley at the end!
-Some great changes in elevation. Let them rip and watch the go for days
-Gives you a great workout
-great signage and flow to the course

Cons:

-Easy to lose discs. Use spotters, video, whatever you need to keep an eye on the disc.
-If you aren't at all in shape seriously reconsider playing this course.
-The terrain is very hard on your discs
Not to many other cons

Other Thoughts:

Wind is a big factor on the course. Keep your discs below the trees or else bye bye disc. Plan on spending the entire day at Blue Mountain, with 3 courses on site it's worth it.
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6 1
DonG
Experience: 26.9 years 349 played 6 reviews
5.00 star(s)

Play this course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 16, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

There is no other course of the 130+ I've played that compares to Skyline. The monster requisite drives and the dizzying looks from the tee will coerce your A game out.

-Elevevation change on every hole.
-Mostly open, but some punishing woods on errant throws.
-Mix of left/right/straight shots.
-Easy navigation to tees/pins/next hole.
-Phenomenal design and layout.
-Impeccably maintained.
-Newer baskets and concrete tees.
-Incredible veiws.
-Great guy running the disc golf courses.

Cons:

-Even with a spotter, you'll need at least 20 mins total per player to find discs.
-Tough terrain, not for the easily winded.
-You don't play over the drink, but maybe that will change if they put in a water park.
-18 is a bit of a let down.

Other Thoughts:

A must play for serious frolfers; well worth the $5. There are is no more mountain biking at Blue, so no need to worry. Drinking water and benches at some tees. The lifts aren't running, so you get a ride to/from the course with Mike (bring a phone). Don't go in the drop-offs (pines) on 3, 7, 8, and 9. WATCH YOUR DISCS!!!
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17 0
optidiscic
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.8 years 156 played 147 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Black Diamond Disc Golf not for Beginners 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 5, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Where else on the east coast can you play over 1000 feet of elevation drop over 18 holes. Has 2 perfect concrete tees or 2 baskets per hole so this one caters to experts as well as average players.(note:I didn't say beginners) Just like skiing the lift whets your appetite with views of the course and glorious PA mountainsides and valleys. Once your at tee #1 there are hiking poles provided...do yourself a favor and grab one. I used mine the entire round as the walks are steep and rocky and they make good disc grabbers when your searching for your disc. (the hiking poles saved my ass and I am in decent condition..can't stress the importance of utilizing these) The holes employ massive elevation drops of over 100 feet on 5 of the holes (3,7,8,9, and 14) and a slew of semi technical holes requiring you to throw across valleys, dips, slopes through tight windows of treelines where the hills provide danger rather than thrill. Some really good pro caliber multi-shot holes where placememnt of succeeding shots lead to par in particular on 12,13,17 and 18. The other 9 provide par if you hit the gaps properly or avoid error with baskets tucked up on hillsides or hiiden away in nooks of woods along the slopes. Notable moments for me were the anhyzer downhill of hole 8....100+ feet of downill bending hard right to the basket below...throw it tight to the ground and hope it doesn't fight to fade left. Hole 14 was a putter drop over 100 feet and provides the steepest drop. Just a fun and very memorable hole.....it's also the last beat up your legs downhill walk and you will be relieved it's over. Hole 12 is probably the toughest shot of the tee a tight gap through woods that if you hit the gap your disc will be thrust into the open with a hillclimb across a valley. Most will not make the gap, make the gap but then fade down the valley and be left with a massive uphill, and the truly special player will have the arm and the precision to hit the gap just right and then land in ideal position for the second shot. Special Hole here. This is a course that will test your knowledge as much as your skills as you must know how to play wind (upward gusts and intense headwinds/tailwinds prevailing throughout from peak to base, you must know how to throw elevation as your disc will perform full flight paths...most don't realize that with over 100 feet of drop on many holes your disc will have room and time to perform the latter stages of it's flight... Due to wind and elevation drops your discs will do things they don't do on other courses....you also will be standing off balance and be required to be agile and perform shots from difficult positions. The toughest part for me was focusing as I was often both mentally and physically struggling and this would challenge my focus. It's fun and interesting. It's a workout but the scenery and unique disc golf will inspire you. Water and bathrooms provided a few times throughout and is crucial.

Cons:

Disc loss is a strong possibility if you insist on throwing drivers recklessly. (hint:rows of evergreens hide steep cliffs on the other side) Difficult terrain, often dangerous to traverse with steep hillsides, thick brush, rockslides, and the ever present fear of a mountain biker coming around the corner from nowhere. Many holes start under the ski lifts which keeps the lifts out of the shot but requires focus as there's the distraction of passing chairs (one guy even noonaned me as I drive on hole 3.....stupid ignorant mountain biker....I might have pushed him off the mountain as he zipped by...my partner calmed me down LOL) For those fans of a true disc golf experience this is not for you.....this is more of an adventure. Definetely not beginner friendly due to skills required, length required, knowledge required, and punishing design. Being forced to play during summer and only during the day makes this a particularly brutal experience as your exposed in the heat....too bad you can't play later in the day or earlier in the morning.

Other Thoughts:

Many of the downhills are steep but gradual in the sense that you can throw the disc 5 feet off the ground WITH the grade and it will travel 400+ easily just a few feet off the ground. No need to throw hard to generate wind speed here...it comes with the mountain for free. This is not my type of disc golf I personally don't enjoy ski hill golf but this one is probably one of the better ski hill designs I have played. It's worth playing a few times a year but the cost $10, difficult hike, lack of availability (weekends only early and only daytime during summer) and chance for disc loss will ensure I won't play it too frequently.
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4 0
Godard
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.6 years 65 played 45 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Further thoughts from a decent amateur player 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 12, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Benches on many holes on the front nine. Concrete tees everywhere. Lots of big downhill shots. Very good signage. Well groomed and fair fairways. Love being able to take the chairlift up the mountain. Disc rentals available.

Cons:

Poison ivy and poison sumac everywhere. If you leave the fairway, the deep, poisonous and thorny rough means your disc is likely gone. Rugged terrain. Benches disappear around hole 10.

Other Thoughts:

Scoring well here shouldn't be a problem, especially from the amateur tees. The par 5s in particular are ridiculously easy to reach in 3. The tough part is if you hit the rough, the course suddenly becomes unfair. So, the course is either too easy or too hard. I do like the design and would like to come back, but my more casual friends felt beat up by the end of the round and will not be returning.
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18 0
bcr123psu
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.6 years 85 played 64 reviews
4.00 star(s)

A "Big Boy" Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 29, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Skyline Park at Blue Mountain is a rugged course with beautiful panoramic views located at the base of the Poconos. Skyline Park plays down a ski slope and is not for the feint of heart, players not in good physical condition, players with nose angle issues, or anyone that doesn't want a challenge. The course itself requires both distance and technique, two concepts that are usually independent of each other at many other courses. Spoiler alert: the word "challenge" is going to appear frequently.

The ski lift ride to the top provides you with a nice, picturesque view of the surrounding hills and countryside just before a challenging descent down the course.

The layout of the course plays into the hillside and makes ample use of the changes in elevation. Most holes are longer than average for the area and require accurate throws or risk a punishing recovery IF you can even find your disc. Numerous holes require a drive downhill to/over a valley followed by an uphill approach shot, making the most of the natural landscape. The course features a pretty solid mix of left-to-right and right-to-left holes.

All the holes at Skyline Park feature either dual tees or dual baskets, making the course available for Am or Pro play. The concrete tees are in great shape and are a plus. Additionally, the DISCatcher baskets (spared the ravages of winter) are also in fantastic shape.

The fourth hole is one of the shorter holes on the course but is a stand out. The tee shot requires a throw over the top of a hill/mound through a tree-lined gap onto the fairway beyond. From here, the Am tee is located to the left and sits atop a rocky slope, creating difficult approaches and putts. The Pro basket is located to the right and slightly downhill. Both baskets are positioned in a way that would be challenging to all levels of play.

For the most part, the signage at Skyline Park is good. Numerous holes feature signs directing players to the tees and/or baskets. The laminated tee signs are quite detailed and show the layout of the fairway, both tees/baskets, distance, expected flight path, and par.

Cons:

For courses like Skyline Park that inherit so many positives from their natural surroundings, these attributes are typically their cons as well. The dramatic changes in elevation force players to be accurate. While this in itself is not a con, errant throws are punished severely if the discs are even able to be found.

The steep hillsides are rocky and can be quite dangerous to traverse. Any kind of fatigue poses a safety risk to the player, and this course has plenty of opportunity for fatigue.

The course is shared by many mountain bike paths. This causes both a distraction and a safety risk for bikers that cross the fairway.

While the tee signs were fairly detailed, there were a few holes were navigating from the basket to the next tee was a little convoluted and confusing.

On several of the longer holes, the baskets were not visible from the tee and required a hike to be seen. There were quite a few times when a spotter was necessary to ensure that a tee shot or an approach throw could be located.

Being bordered heavily by woods, tall grass and beefy pricker bushes make finding discs a hairy (and sometimes painful) experience.

Hole 18, IMO, stands out as an odd layout. The tee shot requires a 250-300' throw through a 4' gap or (more likely) over 20-25' tall pines that border a chain link fence. From here, the fairway takes a solid left and a downhill approach over more rough and onto another fairway, downhill again to the base of a rocky mound and an uphill putt and it seems that too many features are trying to be merged into a single hole.

Other Thoughts:

I would strongly recommend hiking boots or footwear with a lot of support as your feet will take a pounding and you'll be required to stand on many different types of terrain at many different angles. I would just as strongly recommend bringing ample water to stay hydrated. Having foot support and and staying hydrated will help keep you safe as you make your way down this course.

Everything about this course is challenging, from the downhill hikes, to the layout of the holes. In the same breath, it's challenging but fair. It's not the course's fault if you don't play well here.

This course is like nothing else in the area and is off to a good start. I'd recommend giving Skyline Park a try, but bring your A-game and put on your big boy hat...you'll need both.
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4 3
cawesjmu
Experience: 17.6 years 12 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 10, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Super fun. Lots of long holes down steep hills. Most have pretty good open fairways, towards the end there are a few more shots through the woods.

Cons:

WINDY! The top was incredibly windy. A friends disc actually went out about 150 ft, stalled and then went backwards without coming down. Probably 30 mph winds with stronger gusts, but really only on holes 1-3. Also it can be difficult walking down some black diamond slopes, especially when there's lots of loose rock.

Other Thoughts:

Bring your video camera and watch your disc float for 15 sec. If you have strong ankles and plenty of extra discs, you'll love this course. We drove from D.C. and thankfully they let us play even though the course was "closed." We had the course to ourselves, not even any mountain bikes to contend with. Played 2 rounds, 1st short, 2nd longs and they are both super fun. Only had to pay 5 dollars for a lift ticket, not sure why, but that was just fine, and it'd totally be worth 10 dollars. When it opens up again next year, we'll be back. The 3+ hour drive was totally worth it.
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14 0
zapplayer12
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.9 years 149 played 40 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Greater Lehigh Valley's Crown Jewel 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 3, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

I'll try to keep this brief (an impossibility for me!) as the_lung 's review is quite extensive and a must read for anyone planning on visiting this course.

• Fantastic views of the surrounding mountains/valleys
• Every tee is made from cement and well sized
• Signs at all tees
• Benches at each pro tee
• Elevation, elevation, elevation!
• Friendly & extremely accommodating park staff (a staff member was just driving by a couple times, offered us water which we readily accepted and then left 'pro-sized' water containers at a couple well placed spots on the course. Much appreciated!)
• You get to ride the ski lift up to #1!
• Extremely challenging physically/mentally
• A significant time investment
• Smartly designed
• Fairways are well defined and maintained
• Baskets: brand spanking new!
• Course was not crowded when I was there - no waiting (not typical)
• Fun, enjoyable if you're into this type of a course

Cons:

• No benches at AM tees
• Punishing rough and severe drop-offs on some holes off the fairway
• Footing could be an issue (not necessarily when throwing but just getting around parts of the course) and the amount of walking down ski slopes can be punishing on the body
• High probability of disc loss
• $10 lift fee might be a turn off for some (it's worth it though)
• Difficulty & time commitment may be deterrence (you have to WANT to play this type of course)
• Mountain biker awareness is a must as they are all over the place (and I don't blame them - the MB course looks sweet!)
• Ridiculously limited availability - can only play / lift is only available to DG'ers on Saturdays b'tween 9am-3pm
• The course's last day until after ski season is Oct 31, 2009

Other Thoughts:

I've never played a course where you have to take a ski lift to the first hole so this was a real treat for me (the $10 lift fee wasn't a big deal). I was in a group of 4, we played 28 holes and it took 5 hours! - and that's without having to wait for other groups (take into account that the Lehigh Valley Open tournament was being played in Allentown which I'm certain reduced the number of DGers on the course.) Yes, it is THAT much of a commitment to play this course. Which I think is wonderful. So get here early and revel in its excess!

I cannot stress enough the importance of staying on the fairways. Some of the rough is beyond punishing - disc loss is a certainty if you lose control of your disc repeatedly. As a group, 3 of the 4 each lost a disc. However, 2 of them found discs...so it was a -1 net. (still not comforting if you've lost one of your favorite discs).

The course's limited availability is a serious bummer. I've been hoping someone would build 'IT' close to where I live. And now they have....so I will not complain. I'll just play it again before it closes after 10/31/09 for the ski season...and patiently wait for another opportunity.

I highly recommend to those who have 'acceptable accessibility' to this course (whatever that is to each individual) that you play it before the end of the month (Oct 2009).

Honestly, it is THAT good - specifically for the contrast it offers to most of the other courses on the East Coast and particularly for the area in which I live. I can't remember smiling more on any other course - I was like a kid in a candy store: can't wait to go back!

It appears the greater Lehigh Valley is still the reigning champion of the Mid-Atlantic region with this crown jewel of a course in Skyline Park @ Blue Mtn. Ski Area .

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12 0
discNDav
Gold level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 37.8 years 436 played 91 reviews
4.50 star(s)

great DG mountain course 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 26, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I'd refer to the review before this one by "the_lung".

This course is DG on a whole other level for anything in the Mid Atlantic region.

I enjoyed the challenge of throwing and watching a disc longer in flight than
I can normally throw elsewhere.There aren't many easy holes here, the short tees are par 61.

The cement tees are much appreciated as you need solid footing when trying to throw far. Playing a 2nd time here, this aspect can not be over looked.


The directional signs were very good helping you navigate it the first time through.

The pro tees are for pro golfers, don't be foolish and play them if your not a pro.

On 5/30/10 & 7/11/10 cold water was available in jugs on holes 6 and 12 on both courses, this is a big plus on hot days

Grab a ski pole near tee #1, it comes in more handy while searching in the rough than it does as a walking cane.

Cons:

The mountain bike course and DG share the same land, you must be cautious
on a few throws or send a spotter to ensure it is 'clear'.

Being on a mountian, wind can be a major factor, this is a con for me unfortunately.

If you get off the fairway be prepared for some nasty rough including sticker bushes and poison ivy, this is a mountain after all. A lost disc is a strong possibilty, don't bring your favorite driver!

As of 2010, it is only open on Sat's and Sun's.
Their webpage now in 2011 lists Thur and Fri too!

Other Thoughts:

It is very worth the $10 lift ticket charge.

I have skied these slopes for about 10 years and thought it was simply splendid to be able to play DG here. It sure looks different without snow on the ground.

Food and beverage (including beer) are for sale in the clubhouse area (sometimes) or bring your own, plenty of picnic tables were available.

Enter at the lower entrance Valley Lodge of the park, not the normal southern ski entrance.


Plan on at least 3-4+ hours per round depending on the size of your group.
My group was 2 on the front and 4 on the back both rounds, it took 3.5 hours and 3 hrs the 2nd time.
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16 1
the_lung
Experience: 28.7 years 257 played 4 reviews
4.50 star(s)

"Preview Day" Review 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The mad alchemist has created yet another transmutation!

Master disc golf course designer Dan Doyle, father of the world class Warwick, Campgaw, & Sugarbush courses, along with co-designer Steve Brinster, one of the world's best disc golfers, have once again taken a middle sized ski hill and turned it into a brilliant venue for disc golf which offers unique challenges unlike any state park or town park disc golf course. In conjunction with some amazingly hard-working staff at Blue Mountain who worked diligently to make for the little touches that are the difference between an average layout and a superb one, the new track at Blue Mountain offers a professional venue, scenic vistas, thrilling downhill shots, varied tee and pin positions to provide flexibility for several skill levels, and some sadistic and masochistic hole designs which will challenge every aspect of your game and force you to use every shot in your bag.

The new "Skyline Park" disc golf course at Blue Mountain was designed in the spring of 2009 and plays down nearly the full 1082' vertical (biggest in the state of Pennsylvania) from the top of the Comet quad lift to the Valley Lodge base far below. The genius of the layout is that the front nine plays fairly open down the majority of the mountain on the Paradise beginner ski trail, while the back nine plays technically through the woods around the bottom of the ski area and over the Snowboard Half Pipe, Terrain Park area, and Valley School Beginner areas. This back nine plays similarly to traditional disc golf courses, although there are still extreme elevation changes and challenges galore. The dichotomy between the two sections of the course makes for an experience that is thoroughly satisfying and rarely boring; as compared to other ski area courses which can play somewhat repetitively down the ski trails, the Blue Mountain course brilliantly mixes it up. Those familiar with Doyle's previous creations at Sugarbush Vermont will find that the Blue Mountain course plays almost like a combination of the Peak and Base courses, which keeps things fresh at every turn.

Before getting into notes on individual holes, one thing that should be stressed is the hard work which the resort staff put into the course. It's one thing to just install tees and baskets to make for a new disc golf course, but it's another to take the time to get all the little details right to provide for a professional experience. During the course of play, I was constantly impressed at the superb concrete tees, the rock steps built in many places around the course, the landscaping around baskets, the mowed fairways and walking paths to next holes, wood chips around poleholes, signage directing folks to the next tee, benches at each tee location, both pro and amateur, and even water jugs and porto-potties set out on the course! The staff seems intent on making sure that disc golfers feel like they got every penny's worth of the meager admission charge for playing the course.

After a scenic chairlift ride up to the summit of 1540', an expansive, nearly 360 degree view unfolds before you. The Lehigh Valley is off to the south, while one can look east or west down the Blue mountain range. But with the north facing location of the ski resort, most will be awestruck by the wondrous vistas ahead of the foothills leading up to the Pocono plateau. Hole#1 shoots down towards the open area at the top of the Sidewinder & Challenge trails, and is a great opportunity to warm up the arm; from the Blue tee, it's a fairly easy 642' par four, and from the Am tee it's a reachable 405' par 3. As will be described on each hole, the Skyline Park course is somewhat unusual in that it features either two teepads and one pin position on each hole, or one teepad and two pin positions on each hole. This gives the course two separate layouts for varying skill levels even though it was not possible to put two tees and two pin locations on each and every hole. It's a great concept!

Hole#2 plays to a pin location set up on top of a large hill on the edge of the woods. It looks shorter than it plays, as the elevated basket location makes the hole play a lot longer.

Hole#3 is the first truly thrilling downhill shot typical of ski resort courses. Although it plays down the Paradise beginner trail, the elevation change is significant and one can throw a shot literally hundreds of feet further than is normally possible on park disc golf courses. (It should be noted that as Blue Mountain is my "home" ski area, I was constantly awestruck at how I remembered as "gentle" sloping terrain looking so very different in the summertime without snow. Let's just say that I have a new appreciation for the contours of this mountain now) At 645' from the Blue tee, it's possible to drive the green of this hole, and throwing a low beeline drive, both designer Dan Doyle and I put our drives within 50' of the basket! Where else can one throw a nearly 600' disc golf shot? The only trouble on this hole is a line of evergreens on the left with a severe drop-off past them - it is absolutely critical that golfers err to the right on this hole to avoid this significant hazard. The use of spotters may be a good idea here.

Hole#4 plays severely uphill 188' through a chute in the woods to an elevated basket position & green, with severe rollaways possible. The long pin is another 100' to the right and makes the hole multi-dimensional: one can choose to just concentrate on hitting the chute, or try for a more difficult shot which turns right after escaping the chute.

Hole#5 is a 426' open downhill bomber, whose Blue basket lies out in the middle of the Razor's Edge trail. This is one of the steepest slopes at the ski resort, and an unlucky putt which gets up on edge could theoretically roll hundreds of feet down the mountain. Thankfully, this one of the few such "evil" pin positions at the course. The short pin is 346' and a nice ace run.

Hole#6 is a wide open uphill connector hole which plays 309' at its longest. It's a great opportunity for deuce and sorely needed to offset the difficult holes which follow.

Hole#7 is an 835' pro par four from the Blue tee, and offers yet another opportunity to crush a disc golf disc further than you've ever thrown one before. The basket is set in a *really* beautiful pin location next to woods on the right-hand side. Similar to hole#3, the evergreens on the left side of this hole guard a significant drop-off where if discs stray, are likely not recoverable. To play it safe, I threw a Classic Roc off the tee and was left with about 300' to the basket. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine throwing a Classic Roc over 530 feet!

Hole#8 plays either 400' or 444' down to one of the wide switchbacks on the Paradise trail. The white tee offers a straightforward look at it, but the Blue tee is set so that a left-to-right turning shot is required. A sidearm for a right-handed thrower is probably the preferred shot here.

Hole#9 is the last of the downhill ski trail shots and plays down the steepest terrain on the Paradise beginner trail. Here, the dangerous shot is one that breaks right and past evergreens. Dan threw one which ultimately got away from him and disappeared up to the right, over the trees, and off the side of the mountain, never to be seen again. The approach may be trickier than the drive, as it possible to fly another hundred feet past the polehole if you're not careful.

Hole#10 is where the technical part of the course begins, and the first of these is a real beauty! From the long tee, it plays 324' from a chute in the woods, across the new Dreamweaver slope, and up to a basket perched in a chute in the woods on the other side. It's a skillful deuce.

Hole#11 is a fairly straightforward par 3 hole across the flat outrun of Razor's Edge, but there's a significant drop-off past the polehole - ace runs which miss could turn deadly.

Hole#12 will likely be the most debated hole on the course. From the Blue tee, it shoots through a very tight window through the woods - way too tight, imo. The low ceiling on the hole also prevents drives from the short tee from legitimately reaching the basket, which is perched up the last steep portion of Paradise. I think this is one hole which could use a little more work, especially with some dead limbs removed from the right side of the fairway to open up the Blue fairway.

Hole#13 is my pick for the best designed hole on the course - it's a pro par five hole of 750' from the long tee in which three placement shots are necessary to grab a score of birdie 4. The landing area is on the ski trail, but the second shot then climbs up a road through the woods to the short pin position, and makes for a nice par four. Big arms could theoretically score an eagle three here on the long pin position, but once again the pin is set precariously and errant shots right could end up far, far away.

Hole#14 plays down a fun section of the course called "The Falls." In the wintertime, it's nothing but a bump on the outrun of the Challenge trail, but in the summertime, it's practically a cliff. The two pin positions play 345' and 375' but it's really just a putter shot off the tee. The amateur location is out in the open while the pro basket is tucked right into trees making for a tougher deuce. Take care walking down to the baskets from the tee, as it is quite slippery here.

Hole#15 is a relatively straightforward par three which plays only 339' at its longest, and is an excellent chance to score a 2 and get a stroke back which you might have lost up on the mountain somewhere.

Hole#16 plays across a deep wooded gully at the top of the half-pipe. The short tee is only 177', but the long tee plays a full 250' longer. To avoid this gully area from the Blue tee, a righty hyzer route exists around the outside for throwers that want to take the safe 3. Errant shots into the gully from the Blue tee almost ensure a bogey.

Hole#17 plays out of a very tight wooded chute, with the short pin position up the hill to the left on the Valley School East slope. The long pin is another 260' feet further and through a woodline out on the Valley School West slope. I like this hole because the preferred way to play it is a left-turning shot off the tee, and then a right-turning approach on this really sweet pro par four. You'd be very enthused to score a birdie three on the penultimate hole at Blue Mountain.

The final hole#18 is a monster 609' to 810' pro par five hole from both tees. The drive is open until your disc must pass through a narrow opening between trees and a fence. From there, the hole is another 450' or so down a wide slope to a pin position tucked up in the woods above the snowboard halfpipe. Approach shots which fall short and right may end up actually in the halfpipe, which is a really neat hazard. It's a hole where it's not too difficult to score a birdie 4 as long as you avoid trouble on the first few shots. Pro par on the long course was 31 (front) + 33 (back) for a 64, and I couldn't complain about a 66 my first time through.

Cons:

1) For disc golfers who play in the novice/recreational division at Ammo Series or PDGA-sanctioned events, I am sorry to report that this course is not for you. Without good control and knowledge of your disc and how to play downhill and headwind shots at ski resort courses, I am quite sure that you will throw many errant shots into very nasty rough with thorns & poison ivy. You will no doubt lose several discs and come away scratched, battered & bruised and not enjoy yourself very much. I played the course with several 15-year or more veteran pro players of considerable ability, and they lost four discs in the course of play.

2) Wear hiking boots and/or appropriate footwear! There are some steep sections of the course which require good shoes. This is not a course you can easily play in flip-flops or sandals. Also, bring water and sunscreen.

3) Count on a round of disc golf taking 3 - 3 1/2 hours, and possibly considerably more. It took us nearly 2 hours to play the front nine, and then another 1 1/2 hours to play the back nine. If you end up looking for errant throws, you may spend considerable more time on the hill.

4) Bring old discs you don't mind losing. There are some places where it is undesirable to look for errant throws, and other places where it is practically impossible to retrieve a bad shot. If you're throwing old plastic which you don't mind if you lose, you'll enjoy yourself much, much more. Write your name and phone number or e-mail address on the disc and the ski patrol may end up finding it.

5) Play the tees and baskets appropriate to your ability. For disc golfers who play in the amateur divisions at Ammo Series or PDGA-sanctioned events, you should be playing from the white tees and to the white pin positions. These are the tees which are best suited to your ability and give you the best shot at shooting close to par. There is little joy in playing tees which are way above your ability and result in many lost discs, errant throws, and scratches & poison from ivy from trying to retrieve bad throws. We found it very curious on Saturday seeing several groups of disc golfers playing the long course, and it was obvious they were not on the appropriate tees, and they did not appear to be enjoying themselves. There is no "shame" in playing from the shorter tees, which are only marginally shorter, still extremely challenging, and play to a par of 60.
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7 1
MrHighlandPark
Experience: 14.9 years 54 played 18 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Fun Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 8, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Very scenic, a great variety of holes, lots of fun downhill drives, excellent tees and brand new baskets, all fairways freshly mowed, fun lift ride up to the top. Completely unique from any other course I've played, and it was a joy to play.

Cons:

Lost discs are the major con here. Nobody in my group really knew how a disc would react after dropping off a cliff, so a lot of drives were ending in extremely rough terrain. Many of the holes are bordered by steep loose rocks, so it may be dangerous to even look for your disc in some spots. Three discs lost from our card of four, and I overheard other groups losing even more than that.

Other Thoughts:

Bring sunscreen with you. You are very seldom in the shade, and it's a monster of a course that plays slow, around three+ hours.

Next time I go back, I'll bring with more DX/ProD discs that I wouldn't mind losing, especially for the big downhill drives.

Good hiking shoes are a must as well - no sandals!

Bottom line, it's a seriously fun course that I'll be looking for an excuse to play again in the near future. If you can lose a disc or two without it ruining your day, you'll have a lot of fun.
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