Balsam Lake Mountain from Beaver Kill Road

Catskills -- Central

View from the Balsam Lake Fire Tower, Central Catskills Region - Photo by Daniel Chazin View from the Balsam Lake Fire Tower, Central Catskills Region - Photo by Daniel Chazin

This loop hike climbs to the fire tower atop Balsam Lake Mountain, with panoramic views.

42.023892, -74.599734

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. The fire tower on the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and the nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay. This hike, which involves an elevation gain of about 1,200 feet, is...

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Avenza App Map: Catskill 142

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Trip Reports

rate experience
October 15, 2020
4
Short but intense
The climb to the tower is steep but only about a half mile. The views from the top of the fire tower are the best I've ever experienced and I've done quite a few hikes and been on a few fire towers. The remainder the hike after the tower is about half downhill and then half relatively level but there are no more uphills.
rdgee65
October 18, 2017
5
Good hike, great views on tower
This is a nice quickie that can be done in about 2 and a half to 3 hours. Fire tower is in great condition and views from the landing are great. The red trail is a bit tricky during fall, though. The blazes are spotty and unless you can see the trail its a bit of guesswork. Make sure to bring offline copies of maps or guides. This hike is so far into the boonies it is jarring. About 16 miles from the trailhead is where the signal ends/starts.
bromli
November 18, 2014
0
Thanks for the quick response
<p>Thanks for the quick response Jeremy.</p>
bennett.t.shields
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