Hiking Balsam Lake Mountain and the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower
Balsam Lake Mountain in the Catskills stands at an elevation of approximately 3,723 feet (1,134 meters) above sea level, making it one of the taller peaks in the Catskill Mountains and part of the Catskill 3500 challenge. The Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower at its summit is also part of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, which challenges folks to climb all six fire towers in the Catskill Park.
Balsam Lake Mountain is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains of New York. It has a beautiful summit covered in dense balsam fir trees. From the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower on its summit, there are sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest.
The mountain's prominence is accentuated by a historic fire tower that sits atop its summit. The Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is a historic structure that was originally built in the early 20th century as part of a network of fire towers used to detect forest fires. While no longer in active use, the tower has been restored and is accessible to hikers. On weekends volunteers from the Catskill Fire Tower Project are on site to welcome hikers. Climbing to the top of the tower provides an unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding Catskill Mountains, including neighboring peaks, valleys, and forests.
For this hike we began at the trailhead located on Mill Brook Road, where the Dry Brook Ridge Trail crosses Mill Brook Road. To the north the trail runs along Dry Brook Ridge and then down to the Village of Margaretville. To the south, the trail climbs up and then along a large shoulder of Balsam Lake Mountain, reaching the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail at about 2.2 miles. From there it’s another 3/4 of a mile or so to the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain and the Fire Tower.
This was an in and out hike for us, so after enjoying the views from the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower, along with a snack, we headed back down the way we came.
This is a roughly 6.5 mile moderate hike with just over 1200 feet of elevation gain along the way. Both trails follow old roads, but the first 2.2 miles follows a very well constructed roadway that is a pleasant walk. While you climb the entire way, it is an easy to moderate walk along those first 2.2 miles. The remaining 3/4 of a mile to a mile up the mountain follows an old jeep road to the summit, which is steeper and has been significantly more eroded than the first road. There’s nothing technical or too difficult, but this mile or so of climbing is solidly moderate hiking.
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
The Overlook Mountain Fire Tower is part of the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, which is an outdoor adventure and hiking initiative that encourages people to get out and explore the Catskill Park while visiting and climbing the fire towers located on peaks within the Park. To complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, you must to hike to the fire towers on five Catskill Mountains, and to the fire tower at the Catskills Visitor Center, each offering unique views and experiences. The following six fire towers are located in in the Catskill Park:
Red Hill Fire Tower
For more information
You can find this hike on:
Additional Catskill Park information available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper)
Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.
Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:
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Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.