This Saturday, experienced hikers from both sides of Balsam Lake Mountain in the remote town of Hardenburgh will lead hikes to the site of the oldest fire tower in the Catskills. A wooden fire tower at the summit was originally installed in 1887 to protect the privately-owned lands of the Balsam Lake Club. That original tower is long gone, but the 47-foot replacement has fabulous views.
You'll be hiking with two professionals: Lisa Lyons, the owner of Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, will lead a hike from the Sullivan County side of the mountain, while Bob Moses of the Catskill Mountain Club will lead one from the Delaware County side. The whole trip from bottom to top and back again is 4.4 miles from Sullivan County and 5.9 miles from Delaware County.
To give you incentive to reach the top, there will be a ceremonial awarding of our signature Catskill Fire Tower patches to everyone who makes the trek.
For more info on the Balsam Lake Fire Tower, check out the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference's map of the hike by clicking here.
Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower hikes. Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For Sullivan County hikers: Meet at the Balsam Lake Mountain trailhead at end of Beaverkill Road NE of Lew Beach/Livingston Manor. 4.4 miles roundtrip. For Delaware County hikers: Meet at the Mill Brook Road trailhead south of Margaretville. 5.9 miles roundtrip. Pack a picnic lunch and water, wear sturdy footwear and layered clothing, as it is often cooler at summit. Register with Lisa at 845.439.5507 or [email protected]. Group size limited to 15. Driving rain or threat of lightning will cancel.
