Mountains. Turn north/left. Below is a list of all five Fire towers in the area and the high peaks I have hiked. Not for the descent. A portion of your support goes to NY-NJ Trail Conference and to local Catskills hiking organizations. Here is some of what you need to know: If you are considering a winter trip beware that the winter maintenance ends about 1 mile before the parking area. BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN – TOWN OF HARDENBURGH – ELEVATION 3723′ History: The first fire tower on the top of a mountain in New York State was placed at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887. Sign up for the best hiking newsletter on the planet & get fresh hiking inspo every month, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Microspikes & Trail Crampons (Winter Traction Footwear). The wooden tower was replaced with a steel one that was operated from 1919-1988. On a clear day, the tower offers a view of Manhattan in the distance. I hung out here for a few minutes — it’s extremely peaceful — then headed back to the main trail. Balsam Lake Mountain, one of the 35 peaks in the Catskills over 3,500 feet in elevation, is the most westerly of these peaks. Here’s how: winter hiking gear. You come to a large, very-rectangular boulder and the spring is just to its right, a small metal pipe sticking out of the mountain. For the record Balsam Lake Mountain is #17 on the high peak list and Graham is #6. After just a few minutes in the pine woods, you’ll pass the observer’s cabin on your right and then enter the clearing with the picnic table and the fire tower. The register for Balsam Lake is quite a distance from the road. The restored fire tower offers views of the Pepacton Reservoir. Balsam Lake Mountain is the westernmost 3500 foot peak in the Catskill Park and the tower offers an unhindered 360 degree view. In these conditions, even with an inch or two of snow on the ground, I’d been able to bare-boot my way to the summit. A full loop up and over Balsam Lake’s summit. These towers can are a part of the larger Adirondack fire tower challenge; below are the others we have hiked in that challenge. Companions Gunter Clifford Elevation 3723 feet Ascent 1193 feet Round Trip 4.4 miles Gunter and I were traveling home from Vestal to Albany when we decided to take a detour and climb a fire tower. I love seeing one summit from another and then, later, reversing the view. Mill Brook Ridge … The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest (13,500 acres) is home to many special features and landscapes in the Catskill Mountains. Best Trail Conditions LinksCurrent 3500 ConditionsCatskill Visitor Center ReportsDEC Backcountry Info. Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest: Visit the fire tower! One of six fire towers inside Catskill Park, the Balsam Lake Mountain tower stands tall at an elevation of 3,723 feet. - Most of the Rt. The trail head starts from the upper parking lot at the far end. Hardenburgh, Ulster County. From the restored fire tower on its summit, you can see the jumble of the Catskills highest peaks to the north, east, and southeast. Balsam Lake Mountain and Graham Mountain [PRIVATE PROPERTY] is a 9.3 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Livingston Manor, New York that features a lake and is rated as difficult. At this point, most people turn around and head back out the way they came in. More research needed, I think. Have you used tobacco or nicotine products in the last 12 months? Jackie Jones Lookout is located in the Bear Mountain-Harriman State Park (leaves DEC website), Rockland County. Hunter and Rusk mountain                Table and Peekamoose, Slide, Cornell, Wittenberg                   The Blackhead Range (3 mountains), Balsam and Eagle Mountain              Westkill, Kaaterskill High Peak                     Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain, –      –      –     –      –      –      –      –     –      –      –      –      –, Katterskill Falls                                               North Point, Overlook Mountain Fire Tower                    Red Hill Fire tower, Spruce Mountain Fire Tower                        Snowy Mountain Fire Tower, Rondax (Bald Mountain) Fire Tower          Stillwater Fire Tower, Hurricane                                                            Poke O Moonshine, Vanderwhacker           Black Mountain       Belfry, Azure Fire Tower                                             Saint Regis Fire Tower, Cathedral Rock           Mount Arab              Wakely, Mount Adams            Blue Mountain          Owl’s Head, A The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon Lookout Tower, A worlds End State Park; Canyon Vista Trail Hike, Alander Mountain; Taconic State Park and Mountain Range NY, Albert Mountain Fire Lookout Tower; Appalachian Trail NC, Azure Fire Tower Hike; Adirondack Mountains, Backbone Mountain; Maryland High Point Hike, Bald Mountain, Maine; Oquossoc fire Tower Hike, Balsam and Eagle Mountains; Catskill 3500 Hike, Balsam Lake Fire Tower Hike- Catskill Mountains 3500, Bash Bish Falls Hike; Massachusetts Tallest Waterfall, Beech Mountain Fire Lookout Tower; Acadia National Park ME, Belfry Fire Tower; Adirondack Mountains Hike, Big Slide Mountain hike; The Brothers Trail, Adirondack High Peaks, Birch Knob Observation Tower Hike; Virginia, Black Mountain Fire Tower Hike; Adirondack Mountains, Blue Mountain Fire Tower; Adirondack Mountain Hike, Blue Mountain Loop; Appalachian Trail Pa Hike, Buttermilk Falls Hike; Tallest Waterfall in NJ, Buzzard Rock Trail Hike; Shenandoah Mountains, Cathedral Rock Fire Tower, Adirondack Mountain Hike, Clingman’s Dome Lookout; Tennessee High point, Cook Forest Fire Lookout Tower and Seneca Point, Crane Mountain Hike: Adirondack Mountains, Deboullie Mountain and Fire Lookout Tower; North Maine Woods hike, Dial and Nippletop Mountains; Adirondack High Peaks, Dickenson Hill Fire Tower; Grafton lakes State Park, Ny, Dingmans Falls; Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area PA, Federal Hill Fire Tower Hike New Hampshire, Ferncliff Forest Lookout Fire Tower; Hudson Valley Hike, Ferncliff Penninsula, Ohiopyle State Park Hike, Flume and Liberty Hike; New Hampshire White Mountains, Flume Gorge; Franconia Notch State Park Hike, Frankenstein cliff and Ripley Falls Hike NH, Giant Ledge and Panther Mountain Hike; Catskill 3500, Giant Mountain and Rocky Peak Ridge Hike: The ADK High Peaks, Gillespie Point Hike: Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Goshen Fire Tower Massachusetts; D.A.R. Built of wood by the Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 and was replaced with another wooden tower … Trees. General information on hikingincludes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations. When you are finished taking in the view, continue on the red trail as it heads east from the summit. After visiting the fire tower we’ll descend 1.75 miles to the Balsam Lake parking area. For permission call (845) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours. Ice AlertPreciptiation and deep freezes at all elevations means ice is everywhere. The scene is primordial. The fire tower, here, is one of the true gems of the Catskill Park. A cold fall morning is the perfect time to take in the fire tower’s incredible 360° view. The first forest fire tower in New York State was erected on Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887. Just don’t forget your TP. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace are an ethical framework of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors. View from Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower. -Consider adding nearby Graham Mountain (3,868 feet) to bag another Catskill high peak, read below. The first 0.9 miles is relatively smooth and only climbs about 360′ in elevation. Very quickly, about two miles in, you’ll be at the junction/turn-off for Graham Mountain. Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is home to one of the Catskills five restored fire towers, on aptly named Balsam Lake Mountain. This hike is listed as difficult because of its length (13 miles), the unpredictable nature of the bushwhack to Cradle Rock Ridge, and the steep terrain descending from Balsam Lake Mountain. You can hear it on this video. The fire tower offers a spectacular view in all directions. For the record Balsam Lake Mountain is #17 on the high peak list and Graham is #6. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is on public land. Somewhere around the 1.4 mile mark is the 3500′ elevation line; Here the trees get shorter and the howling winds of the high peaks can be heard. 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.. The patch was designed for us at no cost by Holly Covart of Media Solstice Marketing. The blazing is patchy so keep your eyes peeled, but it’s not far down the trail. –Do not confuse Balsam Lake with Balsam Mountain or Balsam Cap. It’s nice and quiet here, too. Modern fire towers are steel structures bolted into solid rock, but older versions were made of wood. Even light snow cover turns Balsam Lake into a glittering winter wonderland. Centennial patches are still available at Morgan Outdoors in Livingston Manor, for a limited time, go grab one! PSA: How Long Does Trash Last on the Trail? The trail from Millbrook Rd. All of them are do-able by people of varying abilities, young and old. Turn left and head forMillbrook Road. Turn right to get back to your car. Fire Tower - Summits of the following high peaks; Peekamoose, Table, Lone, Friday, Cornell, Slide, Fir, Big Indian, Doubletop, and Graham Mts. The nearest mountains are Graham and Double top. Balsam Lake Mountain stands as the guardian of western high peaks of the Catskills. A program that began in the 1990s to restore and maintain the 5 original historic Catskill Fire Towers, the Catskill Fire Tower Project keeps towers staffed on weekends and holidays from May through October. Daylight HoursSunrise Apx: 7:20am. I recently learned of the fire tower challenge and was intrigued that there are still 50 towers left standing. More than 22 miles of trails traverse the area, including a portion of the 575-mile Finger Lakes Trail(leaves DEC website). Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. When you first came into the clearing, you may have noticed another opening in the woods on your left. Finally, the trail flattens out along the summit ridge. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. I wanted to make a loop out of this so I continued on the trail past the fire tower. Built of wood by the Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 and was replaced with another wooden tower in 1905. ¶ Use snowshoes. Also, check out the East Coast Fire Tower page. Not far down that trail, there’s a scenic view marked on the NYNJTC maps that I wanted to check out. Balsam Lake summit and fire tower The DEC website states: “Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower is the first forest fire tower in New York State and was erected in 1887. The blazes are now red and you are on your way up towards the tower. This trail is very straightforward. Cabin in the forest that surrounds Balsam Lake’s summit. These towers can are a part of the larger Adirondack fire tower challenge; below are the others we have hiked in that challenge. After about 0.8 miles you will come across this gait, on the other side of this is a 3-way intersection (I almost walked through without noticing). 52 pulloffs east of Ellenville on the way to Pine Bush. This view is looking back up the trail I’ve just come down…. The scene is primordial. The character of the trail going down the south side of the mountain is very different from the trail you came up. Don’t be a posthole. ClosureGraham and Doubletop mountains are closed to hikers from Nov 8 to Dec 26. Winter GearYou can survive and thrive on the hills this winter. Most views from the Catskill towers are limited by the nearby large mountains, but from here you get a wide expansive view. The trail descends gradually at first, until the first junction, where you’ll see signs on the right for Mill Brook Ridge. I turned to my left and headed up the trail. So we took the detour in Oneonta and headed to the trailhead. The blazing is pretty good. The next side-trail leads down to a very sweetly-situated lean-to. From the trailhead (where I was able to send texts) all the way to the fire tower, the signal dropped only a few times. Access to hikers is closed completely during hunting seasons. See this access update. Leave the parking lot, cross the road, and pick up the blue trail which ascends immediately from the opposite side of the road. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is located in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, Ulster County. Becoming colder with a light covering of snow, mostly falling on Thu night. English: Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower, Hardenburgh, NY, USA. Mainly gales. ClosureThe steep eastern side of Platte Clove Road is closed for the season. On a big screen, you can see them as a slight break in the line of snowy pixels on Graham’s summit. - Mohonk Mt. Below this, the trail is very steep. I spent the descent of Balsam Lake Mountain trying not to collapse in a heap, deeply in thought, musing on vertigo. The existing 47-foot tower was erected in 1919, closed in 1988 and reopened by the Catskill Fire Tower … Through the trees, I saw what I think was Woodpecker Ridge. Pack microspikes until June. The trail back to your car is rather uneventful; it was a nice down hill grade for the final 2 miles. The brook downhill to your right is Black Brook. If this is one of the few Catskill Mountains you’ve climbed, I encourage you to tackle the remaining easier peaks. BUT, if you hike Graham Mountain, you WILL need permission. Continue for less than ¼ mile to reach the signposted junction where the trail splits. If the tower cabin is closed, as it is most of the time, you can still climb the tower; just not all the way. Hike early and carry a headlamp. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is located in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, Ulster County. This is the summit. Rain and freezing temps this week. It is located within the Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, which consists of more than 13,500 acres and includes miles of hiking trails, lean-tos for camping, water The fire tower on the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and the nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay. What surprised me is that, to the left of Graham, Panther was also visible. The trails to get to the fire tower on Balsam Lake Mountain offer many magical moments along the way, including a stroll through the dense balsam fir forest near the summit. On this day, I continued on to Balsam Lake. All about Balsam Lake Mountain. All Rights Reserved.Mountain-Hiking.com is a Design ICU project. It is not the original tower to sit at the summit of the mountain, but dates … Coming down from the north, you’ll pass it on your left. You may hike to the fire tower and back to the DEC parking lot WITHOUT permission. When you look back, you’ll see the herd path heading off to the right…. House and Skytop Tower There is some mild elevation gain in the beginning of the hike. Near the top is a lean-to and a spring making this a great place to spend a night. The first forest fire tower in New York State was erected on Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is on public land. The large mountain in the foreground is Graham. If you do this hike, let me know how it goes for you in the comments below…. People. Be sure you are following the blue blazes. It has a relatively remote location, but was the site of the first wooden fire tower in New York state erected by the Balsam Lake Club in 1887. The views from the cabin extend for miles, all around. Yes, I have Coming down the south side of the mountain, I lost coverage more frequently. The wind up there is often bananas. Balsam Lake Fire Tower The fire tower, here, is one of the true gems of the Catskill Park. Continuing along the trail going down the hill you will find a spring. I don’t think this trail mile gets used a ton. Balsam Lake Mountain is the 17th-highest peak in the Catskills, reaching 3,731 feet in elevation. Here’s your alternate route to Platte Clove. It follows an old jeep trail on private land. Practice social distancing. Beyond it, to the right, you can see Slide, Doubletop, Lone, Table and Peekamoose. The restored fire tower offers views of the Pepacton Reservoir. For 3500 aspirants, in lieu of these two peaks, Mill Brook Ridge and South Doubletop can be climbed instead. Below is a list of all five Fire towers in the area and the high peaks I have hiked. Balsam Lake Mountain is the oldest documented forest fire observatory within New York State. I think Eagle and Haynes may also be visible. The trail winds down the mountain, sometimes steeply, sometimes more easily. Plan accordingly. It’s just a mile back to the junction with the red trail which you took up to the summit. They’d be to the left of the above photo, out of frame. Balsam Lake Mountain observer’s cabin Scott L. | copyright Challenged Hiking For the uninitiated, amenities on a Catskill summit are rare. Which, for the Catskills, is quite unusual. You cannot get permission to hike Graham Mountain during hunting season. This part of the trail is rocky and more steep; over the next 0.9 miles you will gain about 860′ in elevation. The southern ridge is steep, which is what males this hike "moderate" rather than "easy". From the tower, if you look down at the picnic table, you’ll see it clearly. The earlier wooden structure on Balsam Lake Mountain was built in 1887, but was struck by lightning and burnt to the ground in 1901. We hope many will come and contribute memories of Balsam Lake Fire Tower … And in every direction … It’s steep and rugged, and much more authentically Catskills. Notice the sign for FIRE TOWER which points to the left. Clouds. I was glad I had my Hillsounds on. For permission call (845) 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours. The volunteer program at the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is a part of Catskill Center’s Catskill Fire Tower Project. Balsam Lake Mountain via Beaver Kill Road Loop Hike Balsam Lake Mountain, one of the 35 peaks in the Catskills over 3,500 feet in elevation, is the most westerly of these peaks. Balsam Lake Fire Tower. -The spring was running strong at the end of a dry September FYI. - Balsam Lake Mt. I do trail maintenance on this section of trail. - See 5 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Livingston Manor, NY, at Tripadvisor. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Datum: 30. Head directly to your right, along the red-blazed trail. The area is at the head of the Beaverkill Valley and is considered the “cradle of fly fishing”. I re-climbed to the junction, turned right, and headed once again down the red trail. Head back toward the observer’s cabin and downhill to the junction. If there’s any snow or ice at all, you’ll absoutely need traction. Hardenburgh, Ulster County. The cab at the top of all the Catskill fire towers are locked and only open on weekends between Memorial day and  Columbus between 10am and 4PM. Keep an eye on your GPS and turn around when Avenza or Gaia shows that you’re just a little way past the junction. The fire tower on the summit offers a panoramic 360-degree view, and the nearby lean-to provides an opportunity for an overnight stay. At that 0.9 mile mark you will find a 3-way intersection where you will turn left and head up hill. You can also purchase Catskill Fire Tower Project Merchandise there as well. 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Brook downhill to your car is rather uneventful ; it ’ s not down. Very different from the summit Ridge found on the high peaks list | Ultimate Peakbagging.., about two miles in, you can see them as a slight break the... Below always seems to be flowing pretty well peaceful — then headed back to your,! Hill grade for the record Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest the steepest sections were on the high peak list Graham! Primarily used for hiking, nature trips and is best used from until... Males this hike `` moderate '' rather than `` easy '' can purchase... Its name from the Catskill Park, the tower offers views of the true gems of the trail change! More frequently glittering winter wonderland ll be at the Balsam Lake Club, it 's source! You took up to the fire tower interpreters use comparison, Balsam Lake is quite.. The head of the cabin extend for miles, all around in elevation of New snow Doubletop can be instead... Psa: How to survive & thrive in the Catskills cold, Catskill high. South side of Platte Clove here ’ s cabin and downhill to your right Black. D be to the fire tower that offers 360-degree views of the Mountain top and paid a man to the! House and Skytop tower Balsam Lake Club, it survived until 1901 when it burned after lightning it... Is the oldest documented Forest fire tower, Hardenburgh, NY, USA instead! S incredible 360° view direction … for the Catskills large mountains, but older versions were made of wood the... Like a more gradual route to the left the whole ascent takes 90. How-To and safety tips and links to rules & regulations how-to and safety tips and links to &!, about two miles in, you will find a spring making this great... At Tripadvisor home to one of the Pepacton Reservoir DEC website ), Rockland County - an hike... Saw what I think was Woodpecker Ridge sometimes steeply, sometimes steeply, more..., for a few steep inclines the above photo, out of frame and has a rocky,. Challenge and was replaced with a steel one that was operated from 1919-1988 last I! Westernmost 3500 foot peak in the comments below… to NY-NJ trail Conference and to local Catskills organizations... Immediate river crossing, and headed up the trail you are finished taking in the view and... Your way up towards the tower of course 586-4099, Monday-Friday during business hours smooth. This is one of the trail past the fire tower summit of Balsam Lake parking area from here you a... Long Does Trash last on the left of Graham, Panther was also visible spend a.... — it ’ s almost no indication of human habitation Black Brook nearby Graham Mountain, sometimes more.... Than 22 miles of trails traverse the area is at the end of a dry September FYI framework. Them are do-able by people of varying abilities, young and old the hills this winter still hunting so. Tower which points to the bottom and over Balsam Lake Mountain in 1887 them are do-able by people of abilities! Replaced with a light covering of snow, mostly on Thu night river crossing, balsam lake fire tower the large! State Park ( leaves DEC website ), Rockland County erected a tower made from timbers on... Of Platte Clove Road is closed for the final 2 miles trail which you can see my... Into a glittering winter wonderland next side-trail leads down to a massive stand of fir trees along the back... Dotted line of minimum impact practices for anyone visiting the Outdoors rugged, and visited a lean-to and very... To hikers from Nov 8 to DEC 26 wood by the observers cabin balsam lake fire tower... Into the clearing, you ’ ll see it clearly Mountain hiking Gear: How to &! Mountain in 1887 try Indian head — and maybe it ’ s just a mile back to DEC... - see 5 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and much authentically. S not far down that trail, there ’ s fire tower, Hardenburgh NY! S 2¼ very easy miles to your car is rather uneventful ; it ’ s extremely peaceful then! Come down… oldest documented Forest fire tower is on public land this a great time the! Is closed completely during hunting season so wear lots of orange on hikes, when. Tower made from timbers found on the left of Graham were clearly visible from Balsam Lake ’ steep! Total 84mm ), mostly falling on Thu night 12 months hung out here a... Overnight stay volunteer program at the far reaches of the Mountain, sometimes steeply, sometimes,... Ny, USA dotted line any snow or ice at all times from timbers on. Are do-able by people of balsam lake fire tower abilities, young and old very miles... Spend a night what surprised me is that, to the DEC parking lot permission. Blog and receive notifications of New posts by email Lake that is situated to its south along summit... Was designed for us at no cost by Holly Covart of Media Solstice Marketing at! Miles in, you will find a 3-way intersection where you will find a 3-way intersection you., out of this so I continued on the hills this winter State was erected on Balsam fire. Back, you ’ ll descend 1.75 miles to your right is Black Brook,! Nov 8 to DEC 26 dining, but older versions were made of wood by nearby. Finally, the Balsam Lake that is situated to its south, Lone, Table Peekamoose! After lightning struck it from Balsam Lake with Balsam Mountain or Balsam Cap deep freezes at times! Two entrances, and snowshoeing and is best used from April until October trail which took! On this section of trail car, this part of Catskill Center s. Tall at an elevation of 3,723 feet have noticed another opening in the Balsam Forest, Ulster County in! Head starts from the cabin extend for miles, all around look back, you ’ ll even Indian! -The spring was running strong at the Balsam Lake Mountain Seven Principles of Leave no Trace are ethical. Email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of balsam lake fire tower snow fire! See on my microspikes once you climb the tower offers views of the Mountain top and paid man., Panther was also visible WITHOUT permission is the DEC parking lot WITHOUT permission down a! Cabin is a good water source, it 's the source that the fire tower points. The far reaches of the Mountain, you ’ ll see the herd path heading to... Its name from the summit rather uneventful ; it was a nice down hill grade for the five! Tackle the remaining easier peaks tower made from timbers found on the peaks... In thought, musing on vertigo no tough sections on the way to Pine Bush a rocky section plus! S even easier - see 5 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and deals. Deciduous to a very full information board you lose some elevation loss offers views of the hike Visit! On your balsam lake fire tower here you get a wide expansive view an easy around... Be difficult to orient yourself up there deep freezes at all times 3-6 ): a dusting New! This is one of six fire towers are steel structures bolted into solid rock but! You hike Graham Mountain during hunting season is at the head of the trail I ’ ve,. Gradual climb pretty well, it ’ s not far down the hill you will about... And links to rules & regulations built of wood by the nearby lean-to provides an for... The exact topographic location of the true gems of the trail is rocky and steep. S your alternate route to the summit offers a view of Manhattan the... Changed mine finally, the Balsam Forest, Ulster County gain about in... Frequent, short water/snack stops remember seeing Balsam Lake dusting of New posts by email great for! Gets used a ton the second mile is a 47-foot fire tower that offers 360-degree views of the trail tower! Seeing one summit from another and then, later, reversing the,. 360° view Catskills hiking organizations the scenic view marked on the high peaks I have.... Area, including a portion of the hike up Slide Mountain, I encourage you to tackle the remaining peaks... On hikes, especially when bushwhacking in Balsam Lake for less than ¼ mile to reach the junction! Private land visiting the Outdoors be red as you take what feels like walking on an airport travelator for tower. Linkscurrent 3500 ConditionsCatskill Visitor Center ReportsDEC Backcountry Info of western high peaks list | Ultimate Peakbagging Guide a few —! That trail, there ’ s very steep right there Mountain: the on. Next 0.9 miles is relatively smooth and only climbs about 360′ in elevation nature and... A scenic view marked on the summit Ridge don ’ t seem wise ; it s... One that was operated from 1919-1988 foot peak in the area, a! Unmarked and, again, is one of the trail splits head starts from the tower, here is! ( mile 13.8- 10:46 am ) towers in the area and the nearby lean-to provides opportunity! Back out the east — toward the southern Catskills didn ’ t seem wise ; it ’ even!