Beaver Meadow

Here’s an opportunity to take a one-way hike along the beautiful Mill Brook Ridge and then on to Balsam Lake Mountain and its fire tower. This is a nine-mile outing with abundant wildflowers and nice views. The walking pace will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed) with short breaks. Fit beginners are welcome to join this eight-hour hike, which is rated as moderate to difficult.

Participants should bring lunch, hiking poles (recommended), headlamp, water, sports drink, snacks, insect repellent, and sunscreen. This hike is limited to 12 participants and registration is required. To register, contact hike leader Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com by May 16. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the event leader.

Directions: We'll meet at the Balsam Lake Trail parking area (aka Beaverkill Road Parking Lot) on the right, near the end of Beaver Kill / Turnwood Road, just before the road enters the private Balsam Lake Camp. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave cars here and will caravan to Alder Lake to start our hike.

From NYS Thruway Exit 19 (Kingston) turn right onto State Route 28 west and follow for 46.3 miles. Turn left onto route 30 follow for 8.3 miles. After crossing the Pepacton Reservoir, turn left immediately onto BWS road 8 for 1.9 miles. Stay right as BWS becomes Barkaboom Road - continue for 6.3 miles. Turn left onto Beaverkill Road follow for 9.5 miles to its end. The parking area will be on your right.

From Old Rte. 17 (west of Livingston Manor), take Beaverkill Road north. At 10.8 miles stay right and continue for another 9.5 miles to the end of the road. The parking area will be on your right.

GPS Coordinates for Beaverkill Road Parking Lot/ meeting location: 42.02400, -74.59968

Additional Info: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about 4 days before the hike.