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- Balsam Lake Mountain
3,731 ft · Central Catskills, New York
Balsam Lake Mountain
Balsam Lake Mountain is a 3,731 ft peak in the Central Catskills, New York. The standard route is the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain Trail: 6 mi, 1,120 ft of gain, Class 1.
Balsam Lake Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,731 ft1,137 m
- RouteDry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain TrailClass 1
- Distance6 mi1,120 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonMay – Nov
- RangeCentral CatskillsNew York
Climbing the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain Trail
Drive Mill Brook Road about 8 miles south of Arkville to the Dry Brook Ridge trailhead. Walk the blue Dry Brook Ridge Trail south 2.25 mi, turn right onto the red Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, and climb 0.75 mi to the summit and fire tower. Class 1 and only moderately steep, with muddy stretches on the ridge. The tower is the sole source of views, since dense balsam fir covers the top. A shorter option starts from the Beaverkill Road lot, 3.5 mi round trip with about 1,200 ft of gain. Camping is banned above 3,500 ft until late December.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Slippery terrain
- Boggy terrain
- Rapid weather shifts
- Low visibility
Quests with Balsam Lake Mountain
Catskill 3500Peaks near Balsam Lake Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Balsam Lake Mountain?
Balsam Lake Mountain is 3,731 feet (1,137 m) tall. It is in the Central Catskills, New York.
How does Balsam Lake Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,731 feet, Balsam Lake Mountain is the 14th highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike Balsam Lake Mountain?
The Dry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 6 miles with 1,120 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Balsam Lake Mountain?
Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, covering 6 miles with 1,120 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Balsam Lake Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Dry Brook Ridge Trail and Balsam Lake Mountain Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 4 – 6 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Balsam Lake Mountain?
The usual hiking window is May to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Balsam Lake Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list