We took some time off this week to leave the city and spend a few days midweek in the Catskills. The first day the weather was wild. The sun was shining, but it flurried on and off all day and the winds were crazy. I wasn’t planning much for day one since we were staying at a beautiful cabin called “The Raven” at Hotel Mountain Brook. The forecast called for warmer weather on Wednesday and without the wind.

We took our time waking up in the cabin, had breakfast in the lodge, and then headed to the trailhead for Balsam Lake Mountain from Mill Brook Road. We planned to hike the Dry Brook Ridge Trail to the fire tower on the summit. We did this hike in October of last year, and while the last quarter mile gets a little steep, it’s a pretty mellow hike overall without rock scrambles and not too much intense elevation.

The morning started off a little chilly; perfect hiking weather. There was a light dusting of snow, patches of melting ice, and some muddy sections as we made our way up the wide trail. When we reached the junction toward the fire tower and entered the beautiful balsam fir forest, the trail began to steepen. Closer to the summit, the level sections had more ice with a dusting of snow. We bare-booted all the way up but made a mental note to put on microspikes for the way down.

There were two other hikers at the summit when we arrived, but they were already heading out. We had the top of the mountain to ourselves. It was so quiet and peaceful. I climbed up the tower to take some photos. It was a little windy, but overall pretty calm. We hung out for a while, just basking in the sun, listening to the stillness. A raven passed overhead, croaking as it flew by. On the way down, we spotted two more flying in tandem, the way they do.

It was such a satisfying day. We took our time, no rush to be anywhere, just heading back to the cabin to sit by the fire and spend the rest of the evening in that beautiful space. I love the Catskills and feel so grateful they’re so close to the city, making it so easy to get away for a few days to unwind and disconnect.

Click “Read More” below for more photos from this hike.

Today’s hike took us to the top of Balsam Lake Mountain.

The very first fire tower ever placed on a mountaintop in New York State was installed here in 1887. The 47 foot tower that stands today was erected in 1919, closed in 1988, and later reopened in 2000.

We began our hike at the trailhead off Mill Brook Road, where there’s a parking lot with a kiosk and clear signage pointing the way. Crossing the road, we followed the blue markers on the Dry Brook Ridge Trail. The trail was moderately graded by Catskill standards and wide, with rocks that were easy to navigate. Large moss-covered boulders and ferns lined the path and we passed a small mountain spring along the way.

Eventually, we reached a junction with the red marked Balsam Lake Mountain Trail leading to the summit. The grade became steeper here, but still very manageable. The trail soon transitioned into an aromatic forest of balsam fir and spruce before opening into a clearing with the Observer’s Cabin and the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower. Picnic tables are scattered around the area, and a group of young hikers was gathered there playing music and having a great time, adding to the joyful, welcoming energy of the mountain.

We climbed to the top of the tower and took in the views stretching over the tops of the balsam fir trees. Ladybugs were flying around the the tower and the clearing adding to the happy atmosphere. We hung out for a while, had a snack, and then began our descent.

It was a wonderful day… nothing too strenuous and just the right amount of effort to make you feel like you earned your dinner. I absolutely loved this hike.

Click “Read More” below for more photos.

Catskills, Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower via Dry Brook Ridge, 6 Miles RT, 1,197' +/-, Max Elevation, 3,723', April 8, 2026

Catskills, Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower via Dry Brook Ridge, 6 Miles RT, 1,197' +/-, Max Elevation, 3,723', October 18, 2025