Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower Hike - Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
Balsam Lake Mountain is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York and has a beautiful summit, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest from the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower located on its summit.
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.
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Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Important Hiking Considerations:
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.
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You can find more information about this hike on:- The NYNJ Trail Conference's Catskill Trails Map Set
- National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park
- Catskill Trails Guidebook from ADK
- Hiking the Catskills Guidebook
- Guide to the Catskill Fire Tower Challenge
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services:
Advice and Recommended Gear:
Gear we used on this hike:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Watches
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
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- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- 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.
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