Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower

Join Al Purdy for this seven-miler that loops and climbs to the fire tower at the summit of this high peak. Beginning at the Millbrook Road Parking Area, the route follows the Dry Brook Ridge Trail until its second junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail. After the .85 ascent to the top, the BLM Trail descends .75 back to the DBR Trail, with a 2.2-mile return walk. Rated as moderate-difficult, this hike is expected to take about four hours, depending on trail conditions.

Participants should bring lunch/ snacks, water/ drink, winter clothing/ layers/ footwear, microspikes, snowshoes, gaiters, poles, and gloves. Note, this hike is limited to 12 people, so please register early. To register, contact Al Purdy at Albertpurdy1@aol.com or (845) 489-2332 by December 20. Hikers need to be prepared for winter trail and road conditions, including the parking area, which may not be plowed. Dogs are not permitted on this hike.

Directions to Millbrook Road Parking Area: From NYS Thruway Exit 19 Kingston, turn right onto Route 28 and follow for 33 miles. Turn left at Highmount/ Belleayre Ski Center onto route 49a for 5 miles. Turn left onto Dry Brook Road for 1.25 miles, then turn right onto Millbrook Road for 2.0 miles to the DEC parking area on the right.

From Route 28 west, continue 1.2 miles past Bridge Street, Margaretville, see sign for Dry Brook Ridge, and turn right on Dry Brook Road. Continue on Dry Brook Road for six miles, turn right onto Millbrook Road, and continue about two miles until you see the sign for the parking area at the top of the hill.

GPS Coordinates for Millbrook Road Parking Area: 42.07009, -74.57412

Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KALiARjWnhkPDsv1A