Balsam Lake Mountain

Balsam Lake Mountain is a summit in the Catskills that rises to about 3,723 feet. Dense forests of balsam fir and red spruce cover the upper sections of the peak.

The summit received a fire observation tower in 1887, marking a milestone in New York's forest fire prevention efforts. This structure was among the earliest systems built to monitor and warn of forest fires across the region.

The mountain serves as an educational site where visitors learn about forest conservation through programs organized by environmental protection departments.

The route follows the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail, which connects to the red-marked Balsam Lake Mountain Trail for the final push to the top. The combined path covers roughly 6 miles round trip through forested terrain with several steep sections.

The summit contains a rare sphagnum bog ecosystem that provides important data about environmental changes in the Catskills. This wetland area serves as an indicator of acid rain and air pollution effects on the landscape.

Location: New York

GPS coordinates: 42.04592,-74.59404

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01