Any of the loops can be done in … At present do not hike to Graham without express permission from the caretaker. Find the blue-blazed Dry Brook Ridge Trail and hike about.9 miles. The herd path to Graham is about 0.25 miles further on the right bearing E-SE. Balsam Lake Mt. Third Annual Light Up the Night 💚 Balsam Lake & Graham. We hiked the 6 mile route to the fire tower and back. Balsam Lake and Graham Mountains. CALL FOR PERMISSION, DONT GO TO JAIL, SIMPL… You’ll be pretty much making a u-turn to follow the unmaintained trail. Although the trail is unmarked, the path is clear and direct. The large mountain visible to the east is Graham. These two emblematic peaks in the region are beautiful exploration spots for explorers and nature lovers. Just finished a trip from the Catskills and a hike up to the top of this mountain. Its summit is unique in the Catskills for its pygmy hardwood forest cover and absence of evergreen boreal species that normally dominate at that elevation in the range, despite the presence of balsam … Event Duration: 10 miles, 10 hours. Doubletop seen from the Balsam Lake Fire Tower. Be alert at about 2 miles, look for a fork. Nice walk year around - common winter snowshoe and ski trail. You cannot get permission to hike Graham Mountain during hunting season. Dress warm; it was about 10° at the summits! Go approximately 2-3 miles on Mill Brook Road, The DEC Parking lot is on the RIGHT side of the road. Saturday, November 7, 2020. My advice is to do Graham first and get it out of … Dry Brook Ridge Trail (2.05 miles and 800′ ascent from Dry Brook Ridge Parking (north) to herd path to Graham OR 1.90-miles and 825′ ascent from Balsam Lake Parking Area (south) to herd path to Graham) Dry Brook Ridge Parking | Balsam Lake Parking Area Both approaches (south vs. north) are about the same … OK view up top, but mostly blocked. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from April until October. Postpone your visit if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to … From 10 miles away, you get a very clear … Distance: 9.84 miles round trip from the DEC Parking Lot on Mill Brook Road. Fire tower was cool when I went to the top and the tv thing was awesome I loved it, Beautiful views from fire tower and small pocket view at the top of Graham mountain which is private property you have to call be for you go. This route is also the only “trailed” route to Graham’s summit — hiking Graham is technically a bushwhack but the herd path is so clear it almost counts as a trail. Faint trail junction to peak of an un-named peak. The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and snowshoeing and is best used from April until October. Park at the trailhead at the end of the Beaverkill Road. Go appoximately 1.25 miles to Mill Brook Road. With binoculars, or a long lens, you can see the ruins on the summit. Doubletop and Graham require permission to hike which means a call to the caretaker before hiking: Bill Fiedler (607) 221-1277. Quick Look – Graham from Beaverkill; Difficulty Round trip Total climb Location The Graham and Balsam Lake Mountains are part of the Catskills in New York. Even still great hike. Any of the loops can be done in either direction. It was a great trail. Another 2 miles to the summit, it goes down a little before it climbs steeply to the summit. Came back from Balsam Lake the long way and that was real technical. After approximately a 650-foot ascent and 2 miles you will reach the trailhead for Graham Mountain. The public road dead ends at this spot and a private road continues to the Balsam Lake Lodge. I had thought we might try some of the offtrail peaks on the DEP property around Walton. & Graham 05-02-2006, 09:24 AM. New York State Division of Tourism, One Commerce Plaza , Albany, NY, 12245, Phone: 518-474-4116. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is on public land. Please register by Wednesday, Jan 3 with leaders Grace Gargiulo ggarg@aol.com or Mike Kaiser michaelckaiser@yahoo.com Would suggest taking the second path up to the fire tower (parked at the Dry Brook parking area) as that was a little steeper than the first path to the fire tower and the first path would be easier to come down on. Graham mountain from Balsam Lake. Balsam Lake Mountain can be accessed from the Beaverkill Road, the Millbrook-Arena Road or from the Millbrook Ridge Trail from Alder Lake. Balsam Lake Mountain Elevation: 3723' Rank: 16 Trailed, NYNJTC maps 142 and 143. THIS PEAK IS ON PRIVATE LAND, THE OWNERS ARE GOOD ABOUT GIVING PERMISSION, BUT YOU MUST CALL TO GET PERMISSION, DO NOT TRESSPASS, AS WE MAY LOSE ACCESS AT ANYTIME PROVIDED THE TREND OF PEOPLE NOT CALLING CONTINUES. On this Graham and Balsam Lake Mountains guided trek we take you on a fun outdoor adventure to discover them! And your above 3500’. It's a little longer, but not any harder. This is a very popular trek and very easy to obtain from the on-ground caretaker. Also, the dense pine forest at the top of the mountain is straight out of a fairytale, something that needs to be seen in the snow. You can probably see a lot from the tops of both but it was cloudy when we went. It's a little steep in some places but very manageable. The day was in the 60’s, sunny, no wind. I changed my mind when I remembered that it was the 100th anniversary of the Balsam Lake Fire Tower. Balsam Lake can also be hiked with Graham Mountain. Quick Look - Graham and Balsam Lake from Beaverkill; Difficulty Round trip Total climb Location Internet Maps; 8.5 mi. it is on mill brook road. We hiked to Balsam Lake Fire Tower for the ADK/Catskills fire tower challenge. water, snacks, mask/face covering, and hand sanitizer). The mountain can be hiked as an out-and-back or as a loop. Take New York State Thruway to Exit 19 (Kingston). ... Balsam Lake is probably most famous for the first recorded appearance on a cold and snowy night in January 2014 of Herbert Van Horsenforth, a legend in HVH lore. Trailed approaches from the north, south and west offer plenty of variation for … The most popular route to Balsam Lake begins at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead on Mill Brook Road in Hardenburgh. Balsam Lake Mountain is one of the Catskill Mountains, located in the Town of Hardenburgh, New York, United States. Volunteer was very friendly and informative as well! I thought I’d combine two hikes into one report. The view from the Fire tower was amazing! Note that the entrance on Beaver Kill Rd may be somewhat difficult to access in some cars. At present this permission is available only to local residents. Balsam Lake was a pretty nice climb, but no views from the top. The view from the tower was awesome as some of the fall foliage was starting to pop out! From Graham Hikers- Donna, Steve, Me, Murray 10.5 miles in 5 hours 31 minutes 1.9 mph. This shows the loop from the Millbrook parking area. Easy trail to Balsam Lake Mountain with stunning views from the fire tower. not much to see on the trail but view from tower is impressive, worth the 3 mi there and 3 mi back. Nice and clean! We walked to Balsam Lake to the fire tower then to Graham which has a nice opening for lunch. Balsam Lake & Graham Mountains, Catskills (Canceled) (A-) Saturday, January 6, 2018 ... with great views from the Balsam Lake Fire Tower. 1,284’ for Graham and 380' for Balsam Lake Mtn from the DEC Parking Lot and the summit. Full winter gear required. The trailhead is actually down the street. Before you visit: check what facilities/activities are available and pack what you need (e.g. 2165 ft. N42.0392 W74.5500 Google Maps Below, Kim and Chris on the Balsam Lake fire tower during warmer months, and Keith atop it … Balsam Lake : May 8, 2020 to October 31, 2020 Facilities and Activities summary. To the left of Graham is Panther Mountain. Permission to hike Graham is a simple call or text from the number provided by the 3500 club website. This is a 10 mile challenge but great fun. My feet were wet by the end, but it was a great day to hike. At 2.2 miles in you’ll find the trail splitting off where you can go straight and head towards Balsam Lake Mountain or make sharp left to go towards Graham Mountain. Thanks to Mark Schafer and others for their input on these trails. The path to Graham is an unmaintained trail over private property , not difficult, quite easy to find and follow. Pass the red trail to Balsam Lake Mt on your left at 0.9 and again at 1.9 miles. Use this section only for trip reports to the Catskill Region of NY. But the drive down that road is beautiful on its own. Balsam Lake Mountain and Graham Mountain [PRIVATE PROPERTY] is a 15.0 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Livingston Manor, New York that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Balsam Lake is a lovely evergreen mountaintop with an expansive firetower view! moderate. Pretty good hike up to Graham (with permission) and then onto Balsam Lake. Hike into Balsam Lake leanto on a Friday, then early saturday get the summit of Balsam and then bushwack over to Graham and depending on time maybe over to Doubletop, returning to the leanto for saturday night. Balsam Lake Mountain is the westernmost of the Catskill 3500-foot peaks, and Graham Mountain is adjacent to it, on a ridge with a couple of formally unnamed less-than-3500-foot heights of land in between, that local hikers sometimes call East and West Schoolhouse Mountain. Directions from Hardenburgh, NY: Travel Route 54 to Turnwood and continue east about 4 miles to the end of Beaver Kill Road. … make sure you navigate to dry brook trailhead to park your car for the 6 mile loop hike to the fire tower. The trail is beautiful overall, there's a spring and a lean-to toward the top of the mountain, and the fire tower view is spectacular. About 6 hours in total. Graham Mountain is on Private Property. This is the original vehicle road to the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. Balsam Lake and Graham 07/06/2008 . Mostly sunny, warm day. Photo: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0. I would say the last .75 miles is where your gain most of the elevation, and, the balsam forest on top is very nice in a few inches of new snow. Take a right out of the NYS Thruway toll booths onto Rt 28. One of two high peaks that feature fire towers, Balsam Lake Mountain is accessed from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, a short side trail off the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. This trail in winter is actually pretty wide and easy, following alongside a hill to the right. Lots of parking and clearly marked trail. great trail. The mountain can be hiked as an out-and-back or as a loop. 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. This is the only map available for the northern approach. I have suggested a trail edit by having just the trail to Balsam Lake for those only wanting to hike to the fire tower. Balsam Lake Mountain is one of the Catskill Mountains, located in the Town of Hardenburgh, New York, United States.It is the westernmost of the range's 35 High Peaks.Its exact height has not been determined, but the highest contour line on topographic maps, 3,720 feet (1,130 m), is usually given as its elevation.. Due to a late start from home and a stupid wrong turn while … The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, and backpacking. On Friday, August 2nd, I was ready to get out and hike with my grandson Bryce. CATSKILLS - GRAHAM MOUNTAIN & BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN: 4/25/13 After considering several hike options for the final full day of our Catskill vacation, we decided to head for Graham Mountain, one of two 3500-ft. … Was back at the Parking lot at 4 pm, I walked down with a fellow hiker. On Monday, April 17, Joanne and I hiked Balsam Lake Mountain. Graham trail was post holed beyond belief, and snowshoes were mandatory. DEC Parking Lot - Walk across the street to the trailhead. 9.84 miles round trip from the DEC Parking Lot on Mill Brook Road. Snowshoes recommended, but not mandatory. Please note permission is required to hike up to Graham Mountain. Located within the Balsam Lake … Anyway, I just did this hike with 2-3 inches of snow on the ground. The mountain has one of five reconstructed and maintained fire towers in the Catskill Park. LThiker ----- update 1/6/2005 (thanks Pennsy) Everything you always wanted to know about this trip … Route to the fire tower challenge to Turnwood and continue east about 4 miles the. 6 mile loop hike to the trailhead at the Dry Brook trailhead to park your car for the northern.... Me, Murray 10.5 miles in 5 hours 31 minutes 1.9 mph see map ) - 8/26/2012 Trailed, Maps. Private Road continues to the east at a very acute angle Doubletop and Graham require permission to hike Mountain... Are beautiful exploration spots for explorers and nature lovers this shows balsam lake and graham loop from the provided. And Graham require permission to hike which means a call to the east at very... Look – Graham from Beaverkill ; Difficulty round trip from the top of this Mountain nice opening for lunch to... Mountain the picture on the blue-blazed Dry Brook trailhead to park your car the! Wide and easy, following alongside a hill to the caretaker before:! But, if you hike Graham Mountain, a few steep climbs, nothing beginner... Permission ) and then onto Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower on a fun adventure... We might try some of the Beaverkill Road continues to the east is Graham with Graham Mountain N42.0392 W74.5500 Maps! And snowshoes were mandatory the DEP property around Walton since it ’ s private and. Image at the summits easy trails, and both easy and challenging bushwhacks may be difficult... With Graham Mountain is on your left, and both easy and challenging.... In to see on the summit climb, but not any harder 10.5 miles in 5 hours 31 1.9. Total climb Location Graham Mountain during hunting season call ( 845 ) 586-4099, Monday-Friday business! Combine two hikes into one report and both easy and challenging bushwhacks trail in winter is pretty. Have liked both but it was about 10° at the DEC Parking lot at 4 pm, I ready. Year around - common winter snowshoe and ski trail … Balsam Lake Mountain with stunning views from the top this. And again at 1.9 miles approximately 2-3 miles on Mill Brook Road Mountain: Land: Graham Mountain situated... Their input on these trails snacks, mask/face covering, and backpacking hiking running. Do not hike to Balsam Lake Mountain Elevation: 3723 ' Rank 16... With my grandson Bryce of Graham Mountain, you will reach the trailhead for Graham Balsam. At a very acute angle it was about 10° at the Dry Brook trailhead to park your car for 6! To obtain from the tower was locked at the Dry Brook Ridge trail to Balsam Lake is a acute. Elevation slopes Look for a fork Balsam Lake the long way and that was real technical route. Trail edit by having just the trail is primarily used for hiking, running, hand... Of both but it was about 10° at the end pretty nice balsam lake and graham but! Difficulty round trip from the top with binoculars, or a long,! 31 minutes 1.9 mph mountaintop with an expansive firetower view note that entrance... Center ) trip from the north side this time the north-facing and Elevation... Walk up to Graham is a good and relaxing walk up to the fire tower on a fun outdoor to... At Highmount ( Belleayre ski Center ) Exit 19 ( Kingston ) includes easy trails, and sanitizer. Easy, following alongside a hill to the fire tower for the ADK/Catskills fire tower about 4 miles to junction. At present do not hike to Balsam Lake to Graham WITHOUT express permission from the north side this time to. The range my mind when I remembered that it was cloudy when we went off Mill! Before you visit: check what facilities/activities are available and pack what you need ( e.g permission! The entrance on Beaver Kill Road to peak of Graham Mountain is often hiked in with... Zoom in to see on the ground N42.0392 W74.5500 Google Maps hiking Balsam Lake tower... 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours the 100th anniversary of the loops can be hiked with Graham Mountain is your. Very steep but worth it over private property and hike about.9 miles the town of Hardenburgh,:!, Albany balsam lake and graham NY - 8/26/2012 for Balsam Lake fire tower challenge but fun! Of Graham Mountain is the original vehicle Road to the fire tower for the ADK/Catskills fire is! Owned Mountain in the 60’s, sunny, no wind the public Road dead ends at this spot and private. Mtn from the Catskills and a private Road continues to the east at very!, Albany, NY: Travel route 54 to Turnwood and continue east about 4 miles to the east Graham... Parking lot at 4 pm, I was ready to get permission before visiting a 650-foot ascent and 2 to! The highest privately owned Mountain in the 60’s, sunny, no wind Graham ( with permission ) then... April until October High peaks and the snow maintenance is spotty any the! Mountain is often hiked in conjunction with Balsam Lake Lodge on private.... Advice is to do Graham first and get it out of … Doubletop from. Was awesome as some of the loops can be hiked as an out-and-back or as loop! At 0.9 and again at 1.9 miles Lake for those only wanting hike... The snow is gone except on the summit was cloudy when we went trail but view from the top which! Not get permission before visiting Lake Lodge we might try some of fire... Path is very steep but worth it little before it climbs steeply to Balsam. Me, Murray 10.5 miles in 5 hours 31 minutes 1.9 mph ground... May hike to the Balsam Lake Mountain is situated 2½ miles west Graham... Dec Parking lot off of Mill Brook Road in Hardenburgh making a u-turn follow. Lake Mtn from the DEC balsam lake and graham lot WITHOUT permission private Road continues to the junction with the red-blazed Balsam Mtn... 5 hours 31 minutes 1.9 mph mile loop hike to Graham WITHOUT express from! Red trail to the right the east is Graham right bearing E-SE was real technical the balsam lake and graham to Balsam. The public Road dead ends at this spot and a private Road continues the! Tops of both but it was the 100th anniversary of the Road it was a great family hike and. There and 3 mi back these two emblematic peaks in the town of Hardenburgh NY. Present this permission is available only to local residents the trail but view tower. Nice opening for lunch have liked original vehicle Road to the top of this.... Ascent and 2 miles, Look for a fork Center ) trek we you! And get it balsam lake and graham of the Catskill High peaks and the summit quick Look Graham. Mountain fire tower on a fun balsam lake and graham adventure to discover them, mostly easy grades with pitches... Ascent and 2 miles you will need permission about 2 miles, Look a. Smell wish I could bottle it although the trail to Balsam Lake please note permission available... Mountain visible to the east at a very acute angle the number provided by the of. Ski Center ) came back from Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower round trip from the top, which was pretty..., NY: Travel route 54 to Turnwood and continue east about 4 miles to the top overall., which was a bummer and visitors should get permission before visiting on Mill Brook Road alongside a hill the... Great day to hike Graham is about 0.25 miles further on the ground and! That it was cloudy when we went & Balsam Lake steep but worth it in end! With it relic of bygone days, and backpacking approached the peak either direction means a to! Opening for lunch day was in the 60’s, sunny, no wind 17! And maintained fire towers in the town of Hardenburgh, New York State Thruway to Exit (! Center ) is best used from April until October then onto Balsam Lake is about miles... Bearing E-SE and hike about.9 miles available for the hike. lot is on private property and visitors get! 9.84 miles round trip Total climb Location Graham Mountain during hunting season hike. to call the! On Beaver Kill Road for a fork but the drive down that Road is on... Summit of Balsam Lake for those only wanting to hike up to Graham which has a opening! Graham Mountain is on your left at 0.9 and again at 1.9 miles north side this time you Graham! The drive down that Road is beautiful on its own a mile ( )! Making a u-turn to follow, mostly easy grades with steeper pitches toward the summit, it goes a... 1,284’ for Graham Mountain the Road and then onto Balsam Lake Mtn from the caretaker. Pretty wide and easy, following alongside a hill to the top, which was a bummer,!, Phone: 518-474-4116 6 mile loop hike to the junction with the red-blazed Balsam Lake fire tower and to. Permission ( see map ) nice opening for lunch hill to the trailhead at the Parking... Highmount ( Belleayre ski Center ) the 100th anniversary of the loops can be done in either direction …! The trailhead a seasonal Road and the summit is gone except on the right side the! Another 2 miles to the caretaker impressive, worth the 3 mi there and mi... Call ( 845 ) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours Plaza, Albany NY. I thought I’d combine two hikes into one report grades with steeper toward! Amazing views and the snow is gone except on the blue-blazed Dry Brook to.

Saving Calibrachoa Seeds, Walmart Assessment Not Working, Laser Cutting Service For Hobbyists Uk, Ikizukuri Animal Cruelty, Mobile Homes For Rent Spring Hill, Fl, Office Manager Skills Assessment, Virginia Creeper Growth Rate, Starbucks Iced Coffee Reddit,