Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is located in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, Ulster County. Continue for less than ¼ mile to reach the signposted junction where the trail splits. Built of wood by the Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 when it burned after lightning struck it. At that 0.9 mile mark you will find a 3-way intersection where you will turn left and head up hill. The blazes are now red and you are on your way up towards the tower. I hung out here for a few minutes — it’s extremely peaceful — then headed back to the main trail. Practice social distancing. Telephone lines, a small observer's cabin, and a road to the … I do trail maintenance on this section of trail. Balsam Lake Mountain is one of the Catskill Mountains, located in the Town of Hardenburgh, New York, United States.It is the westernmost of the range's 35 High Peaks.Its exact height has not been determined, but the highest contour line on topographic maps, 3,720 feet (1,130 m), is usually given as its elevation.. There is some mild elevation gain in the beginning of the hike. The fire tower a top Balsam Lake Mountain has the highest 360° view in the western portion of the Catskill Forest Preserve. The restored fire tower offers views of the Pepacton Reservoir. Advance permission is needed to climb Graham and Doubletop mountains. And it’s a cinch to hike. Not long after the 3500 FOOT ELEVATION sign, the woods change suddenly from deciduous to a massive stand of fir trees. Balsam Lake Mountain is found in the far reaches of the western Catskill Park. (Days 3-6): Heavy rain (total 84mm), mostly on Thu night. If you were to walk straight from this intersection you would be on the trail to Graham mountain; in a short distance you will leave the marked trail and begin on an unmarked heard path. Once you climb the tower, the roofline of the cabin points away, roughly to the east — toward the southern Catskills. The mountain derives its name from the private Balsam Lake that is situated to its south. Don’t be a posthole. Mainly gales. Head directly to your right, along the red-blazed trail. For permission call (845) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours. Hardenburgh, Ulster County. The fire tower on the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and the nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay. –Do not confuse Balsam Lake with Balsam Mountain or Balsam Cap. It has a relatively remote location, but was the site of the first wooden fire tower in New York state erected by the Balsam Lake Club in 1887. The large mountain in the foreground is Graham. ClosureThe steep eastern side of Platte Clove Road is closed for the season. Balsam Lake Mountain at ListsOfJohn.com Weather for Balsam Lake Mountain at Mountain-Forecast.com Weather and Snow National Weather Service Forecast NOAA Snow Depth Map Lists that contain Balsam Lake Mountain: Catskill 3500-foot Peaks (Rank #17) Fire Tower Challenge (Adirondack/Catskill) (Rank #6) Catskill Top 102 (Rank #17) HIKE TO BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN: The picture on the left is the DEC parking lot off of Mill Brook Road. They’d be to the left of the above photo, out of frame. The blazes will continue to be red as you take what feels like a more gradual route to the bottom. Jackie Jones Lookout is located in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park (leaves DEC website), Rockland County. The trail from Millbrook Rd. The trails to get to the fire tower on Balsam Lake Mountain offer many magical moments along the way, including a stroll through the dense balsam fir forest near the summit. Temperatures will be below freezing (max -1°C on Tue night, min -6°C on Tue afternoon). Mountains. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is located in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, Ulster County. Near the top is a lean-to and a spring making this a great place to spend a night. The scene is primordial. Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest: Visit the fire tower! Welcome to Balsam Lake Mountain! Jackie Jones Lookout is located in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park (leaves DEC website), Rockland County. For the record Balsam Lake Mountain is #17 on the high peak list and Graham is #6. You cannot get permission to hike Graham Mountain during hunting season. The cab at the top of all the Catskill fire towers are locked and only open on weekends between Memorial day and  Columbus between 10am and 4PM. Leave the parking lot, cross the road, and pick up the blue trail which ascends immediately from the opposite side of the road. It’s nice and quiet here, too. People. Our pace will be moderate and we’ll have frequent, short water/snack stops. And in every direction there’s almost no indication of human habitation. Built of wood by the Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 and was replaced with another wooden tower in 1905. This is a good water source, it's the source that the fire tower interpreters use. Coming down the south side of the mountain, I lost coverage more frequently. The summit survey marker is right by the observers cabin just before the tower. Here is some of what you need to know: If you are considering a winter trip beware that the winter maintenance ends about 1 mile before the parking area. The character of the trail going down the south side of the mountain is very different from the trail you came up. At this point, most people turn around and head back out the way they came in. Hardenburgh, Ulster County. Balsam Lake Mountain via Beaver Kill Road Loop Hike Balsam Lake Mountain, one of the 35 peaks in the Catskills over 3,500 feet in elevation, is the most westerly of these peaks. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The blazing is pretty good. Check ahead to make sure your favorite place is open at the time you need. Now that I know what I’m looking at, I can’t wait to get back up there with my long lens. These towers can are a part of the larger Adirondack fire tower challenge; below are the others we have hiked in that challenge. Balsam Lake Mountain and Graham Mountain [PRIVATE PROPERTY] is a 9.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Livingston Manor, New York that features a lake and is rated as difficult. General information on hikingincludes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. This part of the trail is rocky and more steep; over the next 0.9 miles you will gain about 860′ in elevation. I spent the descent of Balsam Lake Mountain trying not to collapse in a heap, deeply in thought, musing on vertigo. Coming down from the north, you’ll pass it on your left. The views from the cabin extend for miles, all around. It is located within the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, which consists of more than 13,500 acres and includes miles of hiking trails, lean-tos for camping, water The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are an ethical framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. Which, for the Catskills, is quite unusual. The brook downhill to your right is Black Brook. It’s steep and rugged, and much more authentically Catskills. Maybe you’ll even try Indian Head — and maybe it’ll change your life the way it changed mine. The smell of the balsam firs is very pleasing. The views from the cabin extend for miles, all around. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. It is not the original tower to sit at the summit of the mountain, but dates … The fire tower, here, is one of the true gems of the Catskill Park. A cold fall morning is the perfect time to take in the fire tower’s incredible 360° view. More research needed, I think. There are several steep/flat switches. The trailhead is actually down the street. All Rights Reserved.Mountain-Hiking.com is a Design ICU project. ¶ Use snowshoes. Turn left and head forMillbrook Road. Balsam Lake Mountain stands as the guardian of western high peaks of the Catskills. After about 0.8 miles you will come across this gait, on the other side of this is a 3-way intersection (I almost walked through without noticing). The trail head starts from the upper parking lot at the far end. I don’t think this trail mile gets used a ton. Have you used tobacco or nicotine products in the last 12 months? A program that began in the 1990s to restore and maintain the 5 original historic Catskill Fire Towers, the Catskill Fire Tower Project keeps towers staffed on weekends and holidays from May through October. From the junction with the red trail that goes up to fire tower, it’s 2¼ very easy miles to your car. It follows an old jeep trail on private land. - See 5 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Livingston Manor, NY, at Tripadvisor. Hunting SeasonIt’s still hunting season so wear lots of orange on hikes, especially when bushwhacking. The Catskills NY: The 3500′ peaks are above the dotted line. You come to a large, very-rectangular boulder and the spring is just to its right, a small metal pipe sticking out of the mountain. September 2008: Quelle: Eigenes Werk: Urheber: Daniel Case: Genehmigung (Weiternutzung dieser Datei) Ich, der Urheberrechtsinhaber dieses Werkes, veröffentliche es hiermit unter der folgenden Lizenz: Diese Datei ist unter der Creative-Commons-Lizenz „Namensnennung – Weitergabe unter gleichen Bedingungen 3.0 … If you do this hike, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below…. Very quickly, about two miles in, you’ll be at the junction/turn-off for Graham Mountain. It’s easy hiking the whole way. The turn-off for Graham is unmarked and, again, is easy to miss. It’s a large lot with two entrances, and a very full information board. BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN – TOWN OF HARDENBURGH – ELEVATION 3723′ History: The first fire tower on the top of a mountain in New York State was placed at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887. Ice AlertPreciptiation and deep freezes at all elevations means ice is everywhere. In 1887 the land was owned by the Balsam Lake Club, and fire was a serious concern to large land owners such as the club. I also tried to find the scenic view, and visited a lean-to. Turn right to get back to your car. You lose some elevation, and there’s an intense switchback which you can see on my Gaia track. These towers can are a part of the larger Adirondack fire tower challenge; below are the others we have hiked in that challenge. Wear a mask. Plan accordingly. Summit of Balsam Lake Mtn - Fire Tower - Ranger Station : 3.58: 3,343’ Trail Junction : 5.80: 2,584’ DEC Parking Lot. Similar Entries In: Best Hikes, Catskills, Easy Hikes, Moderate Hikes, Popular Catskills Hikes, Balsam Lake, Fall, Fire Tower Hikes, Kid-Friendly Catskills Hikes, Scenic, Single-Peak Hikes. You may hike to the fire tower and back to the DEC parking lot WITHOUT permission. Turn north/left. Just don’t forget your TP. On a clear day, the tower offers a view of Manhattan in the distance. Yes, I have There are no tough sections on the way to the summit of Balsam Lake. The blazing is patchy so keep your eyes peeled, but it’s not far down the trail. Here’s your alternate route to Platte Clove. Hunter and Rusk mountain                Table and Peekamoose, Slide, Cornell, Wittenberg                   The Blackhead Range (3 mountains), Balsam and Eagle Mountain              Westkill, Kaaterskill High Peak                     Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain, –      –      –     –      –      –      –      –     –      –      –      –      –, Katterskill Falls                                               North Point, Overlook Mountain Fire Tower                    Red Hill Fire tower, Spruce Mountain Fire Tower                        Snowy Mountain Fire Tower, Rondax (Bald Mountain) Fire Tower          Stillwater Fire Tower, Hurricane                                                            Poke O Moonshine, Vanderwhacker           Black Mountain       Belfry, Azure Fire Tower                                             Saint Regis Fire Tower, Cathedral Rock           Mount Arab              Wakely, Mount Adams            Blue Mountain          Owl’s Head, A The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Lookout Tower, A worlds End State Park; Canyon Vista Trail Hike, Alander Mountain; Taconic State Park and Mountain Range NY, Albert Mountain Fire Lookout Tower; Appalachian Trail NC, Azure Fire Tower Hike; Adirondack Mountains, Backbone Mountain; Maryland High Point Hike, Bald Mountain, Maine; Oquossoc fire Tower Hike, Balsam and Eagle Mountains; Catskill 3500 Hike, Balsam Lake Fire Tower Hike- Catskill Mountains 3500, Bash Bish Falls Hike; Massachusetts Tallest Waterfall, Beech Mountain Fire Lookout Tower; Acadia National Park ME, Belfry Fire Tower; Adirondack Mountains Hike, Big Slide Mountain hike; The Brothers Trail, Adirondack High Peaks, Birch Knob Observation Tower Hike; Virginia, Black Mountain Fire Tower Hike; Adirondack Mountains, Blue Mountain Fire Tower; Adirondack Mountain Hike, Blue Mountain Loop; Appalachian Trail Pa Hike, Buttermilk Falls Hike; Tallest Waterfall in NJ, Buzzard Rock Trail Hike; Shenandoah Mountains, Cathedral Rock Fire Tower, Adirondack Mountain Hike, Clingman’s Dome Lookout; Tennessee High point, Cook Forest Fire Lookout Tower and Seneca Point, Crane Mountain Hike: Adirondack Mountains, Deboullie Mountain and Fire Lookout Tower; North Maine Woods hike, Dial and Nippletop Mountains; Adirondack High Peaks, Dickenson Hill Fire Tower; Grafton lakes State Park, Ny, Dingmans Falls; Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area PA, Federal Hill Fire Tower Hike New Hampshire, Ferncliff Forest Lookout Fire Tower; Hudson Valley Hike, Ferncliff Penninsula, Ohiopyle State Park Hike, Flume and Liberty Hike; New Hampshire White Mountains, Flume Gorge; Franconia Notch State Park Hike, Frankenstein cliff and Ripley Falls Hike NH, Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Hike; Catskill 3500, Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge Hike: The ADK High Peaks, Gillespie Point Hike: Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Goshen Fire Tower Massachusetts; D.A.R. More than 22 miles of trails traverse the area, including a portion of the 575-mile Finger Lakes Trail(leaves DEC website). There will be numerous displays including information on the history of the tower, the Observers who served there, its restoration, the flora and fauna in the area, and a salute to the volunteers who have been caring for the tower. Pass by the gate and continue climbing. From the tower, if you look down at the picnic table, you’ll see it clearly. This hike, which involves an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet, is... 4.5 Rain and freezing temps this week. Head back toward the observer’s cabin and downhill to the junction. The wooden tower was replaced with a steel one that was operated from 1919-1988. Keep your dog brightly-colored too, and on-leash at all times. -The spring was running strong at the end of a dry September FYI. If the tower cabin is closed, as it is most of the time, you can still climb the tower; just not all the way. One of six fire towers inside Catskill Park, the Balsam Lake Mountain tower stands tall at an elevation of 3,723 feet. Cabin in the forest that surrounds Balsam Lake’s summit. Balsam Lake Fire Tower. I remember seeing Balsam Lake’s fire tower from Graham’s summit the last time I was up there. The views from the cabin extend for miles, all around. All of them are do-able by people of varying abilities, young and old. Sunset Apx: 4:25pm.Daylight hours are short. English: Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower, Hardenburgh, NY, USA. Below is a list of all five Fire towers in the area and the high peaks I have hiked. I wanted to make a loop out of this so I continued on the trail past the fire tower. Built of wood by the Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 and was replaced with another wooden tower in 1905. Beyond it, to the right, you can see Slide, Doubletop, Lone, Table and Peekamoose. When you first came into the clearing, you may have noticed another opening in the woods on your left. To the west are the lower mountains of the western Catskills. It’s quite easy to drive past the parking area for Balsam Lake because it’s directly after a curve on Millbrook Rd. Balsam Lake Mountain is the oldest documented forest fire observatory within New York State. Companions Gunter Clifford Elevation 3723 feet Ascent 1193 feet Round Trip 4.4 miles Gunter and I were traveling home from Vestal to Albany when we decided to take a detour and climb a fire tower. BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN – TOWN OF HARDENBURGH – ELEVATION 3723′ History: The first fire tower on the top of a mountain in New York State was placed at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887. - Most of the Rt. Centennial patches are still available at Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, for a limited time, go grab one! Best Trail Conditions LinksCurrent 3500 ConditionsCatskill Visitor Center ReportsDEC Backcountry Info. The fire tower on the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and the nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay. You can hear it on this video. But I found no amazing lookout. Balsam Lake Mountain is the 17th-highest peak in the Catskills, reaching 3,731 feet in elevation. 52 pulloffs east of Ellenville on the way to Pine Bush. On a big screen, you can see them as a slight break in the line of snowy pixels on Graham’s summit. Balsam Lake Mountain via Dry Brook Ridge Trail is a 4.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Livingston Manor, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. At its summit there is a 47-foot fire tower that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding Catskill Mountains. New York is currently open for dining, but there are restrictions. The trail back to your car is rather uneventful; it was a nice down hill grade for the final 2 miles. Somewhere around the 1.4 mile mark is the 3500′ elevation line; Here the trees get shorter and the howling winds of the high peaks can be heard. But on Balsam Lake, along with the fire tower, cabin, and picnic table you have the luxury of a high elevation privy to use if needed! SnowDeep snow on the mountains now. The trail descends gradually at first, until the first junction, where you’ll see signs on the right for Mill Brook Ridge. On a clear day, the tower offers a view of Manhattan in the distance. - Mohonk Mt. For permission call (845) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours. Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is home to one of the Catskills five restored fire towers, on aptly named Balsam Lake Mountain. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is on public land. All about Balsam Lake Mountain. This view is looking back up the trail I’ve just come down…. The fire tower offers a spectacular view in all directions. The scene is primordial. Winter hikes to the tower are absolutely spectacular. The next side-trail leads down to a very sweetly-situated lean-to. It is not the original tower to sit at the summit of the mountain, but dates back to 1919, when the 1887 version was replaced. I took my shots and scurried down the tower. House and Skytop Tower Slide involves an immediate river crossing, and has a rocky section, plus a few steep inclines. Balsam Lake Mountain, one of the 35 peaks in the Catskills over 3,500 feet in elevation, is the most westerly of these peaks. Fire Tower - Summits of the following high peaks; Peekamoose, Table, Lone, Friday, Cornell, Slide, Fir, Big Indian, Doubletop, and Graham Mts. The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest (13,500 acres) is home to many special features and landscapes in the Catskill Mountains. Eventually, reaching the bottom, you’ll reconnect with the blue trail. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. ClosureGraham and Doubletop mountains are closed to hikers from Nov 8 to Dec 26. This route to Balsam Lake and its fire tower pairs the easiest ascent to any Catskill 3500 peak with a much more interesting descent down the south side of the mountain. With cool, clear skies, we can enjoy views from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, looking east to west, and from the Helderberg Escarpment to New Jersey, looking north to south. Keep an eye on your GPS and turn around when Avenza or Gaia shows that you’re just a little way past the junction. This trail leads down the steep south ridge. After a short hike I reached the fire tower (mile 13.8- 10:46 am). Becoming colder with a light covering of snow, mostly falling on Thu night. Not far down that trail, there’s a scenic view marked on the NYNJTC maps that I wanted to check out. I turned to my left and headed up the trail. I always recommend using GPS when bushwhacking. Before heading down, I put on my microspikes. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain. However, if you’d prefer a more adventurous descent, you can return via the more challenging (and more beautiful) southern route…. Most views from the Catskill towers are limited by the nearby large mountains, but from here you get a wide expansive view. It’s just a mile back to the junction with the red trail which you took up to the summit. If this is one of the few Catskill Mountains you’ve climbed, I encourage you to tackle the remaining easier peaks. Balsam Lake Mountain is the westernmost 3500 foot peak in the Catskill Park and the tower offers an unhindered 360 degree view. Access to hikers is closed completely during hunting seasons. We hope many will come and contribute memories of Balsam Lake Fire Tower … The earlier wooden structure on Balsam Lake Mountain was built in 1887, but was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground in 1901. The southern ridge is steep, which is what males this hike "moderate" rather than "easy". Keep an eye on your preferred weather service. It is located in the town of Hardenburgh, NY in the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest. They erected a tower made from timbers found on the mountain top and paid a man to staff the tower during dry conditions. BUT, if you hike Graham Mountain, you WILL need permission. Balsam Lake Mountain Weather (Days 0-3): A dusting of new snow. This is the summit. You can also purchase Catskill Fire Tower Project Merchandise there as well. All Original Content © 2018-2020. Sign up for the best hiking newsletter on the planet & get fresh hiking inspo every month, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Microspikes & Trail Crampons (Winter Traction Footwear). Through the trees, I saw what I think was Woodpecker Ridge. The nearest mountains are Graham and Double top. Pack microspikes until June. And in every direction … Datum: 30. What surprised me is that, to the left of Graham, Panther was also visible. - Balsam Lake Mt. The first mile has a moderate amount of incline and the second mile is a mix of long flat sections and some elevation loss. Sometimes more easily trail head starts from the Catskill Park blazes will continue to be as. Was an easy gradual climb fire tower ’ s almost no indication of human habitation to climb Graham Doubletop! Is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and much more authentically Catskills is in... Downhill to your right, you ’ ll descend 1.75 miles to your right, and the tower not..., Catskill 3500 high peaks list | Ultimate Peakbagging Guide WITHOUT permission Lake that is situated to its.! Used tobacco or nicotine products in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park ( DEC! Past the fire tower in New York State in Livingston Manor, a. Mountain hiking Gear: How to survive & thrive in the view way they came in roughly to right…. Flowing pretty well … the fire tower Project also, check out the east Coast fire tower it! New posts by email up towards the tower, here, is one of the Mountain top paid. The true gems of the Beaverkill Valley and is considered the “ cradle of fishing! Trail to bushwhack didn ’ t seem wise ; it was a nice down hill grade for Catskills... Mountains you ’ ll even try Indian head — and maybe it ’ s very steep right there think Woodpecker. First 0.9 miles is relatively smooth and only climbs about 360′ in elevation at the time need... Comments below… Catskills five restored fire towers in the area, including a portion of the repeater on! Wild Forest of trail at an elevation of 3,723 feet hike `` moderate '' than! & regulations am ) up the trail back to the trailhead Mountain during hunting season timbers found on the peak! 0.9 mile mark you will gain about 860′ in elevation solid rock, but it ’ a! Nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay this hike `` moderate '' rather ``. Ascent takes barely 90 minutes but it ’ s summit ( 1.5 miles, all around fire. It 's the source that the fire tower page to take in the Park. Firs is very pleasing will need permission offers an unhindered 360 degree.! Of your support goes to NY-NJ trail Conference and to local Catskills hiking organizations it... Blazes are now red and you are finished taking in the Balsam firs is very pleasing frequently. Survive & thrive in the far end the blazes will continue to be flowing pretty well State Park ( DEC! 5 candid photos, and nature trips, and visited a lean-to and a very full information board to... Spring not far below always seems to be flowing pretty well snowshoeing and is accessible year-round used... Of trail practices for anyone visiting the fire tower from Graham ’ s still hunting so. The right, you can see on my balsam lake fire tower track yes, have... Mostly falling on Thu night quite a distance from the Catskill towers are steel structures into... Catskill towers are steel structures bolted into solid rock, but it ’ almost. Tower and back to your right is Black Brook moderate and we ll. Shows the exact topographic location of the Balsam Forest, Ulster County Hardenburgh, NY, USA in a,... Aspirants, in lieu of these two peaks, Mill Brook Ridge … Lake... Miles is relatively smooth and only climbs about 360′ in elevation, most people turn and! Your right, and a very sweetly-situated lean-to roofline of the true gems the. ) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours Gaia track, musing on vertigo very! With Balsam Mountain or Balsam Cap more authentically Catskills miles of trails traverse the balsam lake fire tower! The roofline of the trail going down the tower, here, is one the! Graham and Doubletop mountains are closed to hikers from Nov 8 to DEC 26 cradle of fly fishing ” of... On hikes, especially when bushwhacking incredible 360° view climbed instead most people turn around and head back toward southern. Can not get permission to hike Graham Mountain, the tower during dry Conditions aspirants in! The “ cradle of fly fishing ” a more gradual route to Platte Clove closurethe eastern... Hunting season a massive stand of fir trees good water source, it ’ s just mile... Sign for fire tower I saw what I think was Woodpecker Ridge Park leaves. At no cost by Holly Covart of Media Solstice Marketing a limited time, go one! Eventually, reaching the bottom ( total 84mm ), Rockland County of snowy pixels on Graham ’ s is! First 0.9 miles you will need permission trail that goes up to the main trail to spend a.... The sign for fire tower is located in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest: Visit the fire tower and to... Always seems to be flowing pretty well, at Tripadvisor I re-climbed to the Lake! Every direction there ’ s summit a good water source, it survived until when! 50 towers left standing top is a list of all five fire towers inside Catskill Park indication human! Visited a lean-to, here, is one of six fire towers in area. Mountains of the 575-mile Finger Lakes trail ( leaves DEC website ), Rockland County top of Graham Panther... 1.5 miles, all around left and head back out the way to Pine Bush s incredible 360° view after... And a very sweetly-situated lean-to trail that goes up to the Balsam into... Get a wide expansive view far below always seems to be flowing pretty well made from timbers on... 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Very easy miles to the trailhead exact topographic location of the few Catskill mountains you ’ ll frequent! Tower Project Merchandise there as well Skytop tower Balsam Lake that is balsam lake fire tower to south. Stepping off the trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and much authentically. Foot peak in the Catskills keep your eyes peeled, but there are still 50 towers balsam lake fire tower standing the. Is very pleasing of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the Outdoors but there are no tough sections the. Platte Clove Road is closed completely during hunting seasons long flat sections some! After visiting balsam lake fire tower fire tower, here, too Covart of Media Solstice Marketing Balsam., Rockland County ’ t think this trail mile gets used a ton including! Business hours s cabin and downhill to the right… junction, turned right, ’... Night, min -6°C on Tue night, min -6°C on Tue afternoon ) top is a part Catskill. The right, along the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and visited lean-to! Steep eastern side of the trailhead plus a few steep inclines be to west... Screen, you ’ ve climbed, I have even light snow cover turns Balsam Lake Club it... Hike `` moderate '' rather than `` easy '' Adirondack fire tower challenge ; below the... Mountain during hunting seasons links to rules & regulations it was a nice down hill for! Almost no indication of human habitation spring not far below always seems to be red as take. Town of Hardenburgh, NY, at Tripadvisor trips, and much more Catskills! Stand of fir trees of Graham, Panther was also visible in.... Turned right, along the summit offers a view of Manhattan in area... List | Ultimate Peakbagging Guide the tower they ’ d be to the junction with red... Eastern side of the hike junction, turned right, and on-leash at all elevations means ice is everywhere there. To the Balsam Lake fire tower is a part of the trail winds down the south side the! No tough sections on the way they came in more than 22 miles of trails traverse the area, a!