Balsam Lake 
A short, easy hike to a fire tower with an epic view makes Balsam Lake one of the Catskill’s most popular and beloved peaks.
Peak Details
Height: 3,729ft (1,137m)
Location: Central Catskills
Level: Easy
Scenic: Very
Trail Type: Fully Trailed
Balsam Lake Hiking Trails & Hikes
5½ Catskills Fire Tower Hikes You Can Absolutely Do
Everything you need to know about the five classic Catskills towers — plus the newest (sixth) addition. Includes links to the gear and maps you’ll need to hike safely.
Thru-Hike Doubletop, Graham & Balsam Lake
This hike really has it all: stream crossings, herd paths, bear prints, a canister, a memorably steep descent, a true bushwhack, a rugged ascent, an ice grotto, some old ruins and, to top it all off, a fire tower with amazing sunset views.
Balsam Lake Fire Tower Trail
Even light snow cover turns Balsam Lake into a glittering winter wonderland. And it’s a cinch to hike. A cold fall morning is the perfect time to take in the fire tower’s incredible 360° view. Winter hikes to the tower are absolutely spectacular.
Trail Maintenance, Balsam Lake, Fall 2019
Finished my 2019 maintenance by tidying up a few things between the two junctions on the south side of Balsam Lake. When I first took on this trail section in the spring, it hadn’t been tended to in many years and was very overgrown.
Graham Mountain & Balsam Lake Hiking Trail
This long day-hike combines Graham and a loop around Balsam Lake’s summit. Permission is required to hike on Graham Mountain.
Balsam Lake Topography
Summit Forecast: Balsam Lake
The page URL below shows the weather at Balsam Lake’s summit for the next six days.
If a foreacast for a peak is not directly available, this page may display a link to a nearby peak.
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Balsam-Lake-Mountain/forecasts/1137
Opens in a new tab/window. Click on the small °F or °C boxes to toggle between US and Metric.
Balsam Lake Information
This page is developing. More great content is on the way.
