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- Balsam Mountain
3,609 ft · Central Catskills, New York
Balsam Mountain
Balsam Mountain is a 3,609 ft peak in the Central Catskills, New York. The standard route is the Rider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam Mountain: 4 mi, 1,600 ft of gain, Class 1.
Balsam Mountain at a glance
- Elevation3,609 ft1,100 m
- RouteRider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam MountainClass 1
- Distance4 mi1,600 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsEasy effort
- SeasonYear‑round
- RangeCentral CatskillsNew York
Climbing the Rider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam Mountain
From Margaretville, drive to the end of Rider Hollow Road. DEC's 4.8 mi loop follows red markers 0.4 mi to the Mine Hollow junction, then yellow markers 1 mi up to the blue Pine Hill-West Branch Trail. Turn south on blue, climb over the wooded summit area, and take the red trail back down. A window view of Big Indian opens near the top. The club puts the true high point just east of the trail. Winter ascents count toward the club's requirements, so carry traction in season. The Rider Hollow lean-to is closed.
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
- Rapid weather shifts
- Low visibility
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Balsam Mountain
Catskill 3500Peaks near Balsam Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Balsam Mountain?
Balsam Mountain is 3,609 feet (1,100 m) tall. It is in the Central Catskills, New York.
How does Balsam Mountain rank among the Catskill 3500?
At 3,609 feet, Balsam Mountain is the 23rd highest of the 33 peaks of the Catskill 3500. The highest is Slide Mountain.
How hard is it to hike Balsam Mountain?
The Rider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam Mountain is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort easy: 4 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Balsam Mountain?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Rider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam Mountain, covering 4 miles with 1,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Balsam Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Rider Hollow and Mine Hollow loop over Balsam Mountain is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Balsam Mountain?
Balsam Mountain is open for hiking year-round. Conditions change with the seasons, so check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Balsam 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