The Balsam Lake Mountain Trail is one of the more popular Catskill treks. It is not too difficult and offers an experience among some of the area's most fragrant mountain conifers. The 3.5 mile hike begins along Dry Brook Ridge Trail then intersects with Balsam Lake Mountain Trail to ascend approximately 1,000 feet to the fire tower summit. The unruffled calm of nature is truly enjoyed along this hike.

Directions: From Hardenburgh, NY, Travel Route 54 to Turnwood and continue east about 4 miles to the end of Beaver Kill Road. The road's pavement changes to gravel/dirt mix. Park at the DEC parking area and begin on the blue-blazed Dry Brook Ridge Trail to the junction with the red-blazed Balsam Lake Mt. Trail.

This beautiful Balsam Fir covered mountain offers a lookout tower which at this writing, is currently closed.