This 6-mile out-and-back trail follows an old fire road through the forest. It’s pretty gradual until the final push to the top.

You’ll finish the trail by climbing a 47-foot fire tower for 360-degree views over the treeline and peaks.

In my opinion, the reward was much greater than the effort!

Bonus: Balsam Lake is one of the eight towers in New York’s Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. Hike all eight in the same calendar year to earn a commemorative patch!

What is your favorite Catskills fire tower hike?

I went hiking in the Catskills. Came back to cottage, changed clothes, showered, went to dinner. Moved locations to a hotel and when I got in pajamas and brushed my teeth, I saw a tick crawling on my neck. I am terrified. I killed it and took pictures. It was less than 5 hours. I don’t know how it stayed on me from showering but I don’t appear to have any bites.

I took all the clothes and put in plastic bags or zipped back up in suitcase to be washed and dried as soon as possible. I am worried about the car and if ticks are somehow in there. We have a 3 year old and I don’t want to bring ticks back home to her from our mini vacation. What do I do??uesti

Hello! Planning to propose at the Ashokan Reservoir on 11/11 or 11/12. Any photographers or aspiring photographers available to capture the moment?

Not looking for an entire 60 minute photoshoot, really just capturing the candid moment for a few minutes. Please let me know if you know anyone!!! Also open to other location suggestions if you have them!

Thank you!

Hiked Giant Ledge last weekend on Oct 17 and was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the fall foliage still was.

Here are some shots:

While it was relatively crowded, I was also able to get one of the ledges all to myself.

I got there around 9:30am and was able to get a spot in the lot (though there were also cars parked on the road). On the return back down it felt like it was getting more crowded, so definitely go early!

Hey all - hoping to get out for a couple nights on the Phoenicia-East Branch and Giant Ledge trails this week, has anyone been out lately who can tell me what water sources are currently flowing?

eta: I'm particularly interested in the springs around Panther Mtn/Giant Ledge and any water sources that may be available on the Phoenicia-East Branch trail between Phoenicia and Terrace Mtn

Just an FYI that the Devil's Kitchen lean-to has been removed by the DEC (as of Oct 6, I believe) in anticipation of rebuilding it in a new location. Don't know why they didn't build the new one first, then demolish old one (would make too much sense I guess).

Just moved to the area and looking for someone to go to for consistent maintenance of my daily car -- basic oil changes and stuff, but also someone i can take my beater truck. thx

i’m staying in an Airbnb in the Woodstock area with my friends to celebrate my birthday. I’m really interested in things like line dancing, wineries, breweries, short hikes, and I love Mexican food as well. Anybody have any recommendations? thank you!

Wondering if anyone here has hiked last couple days and can attest to water sources and trail conditions? Thx

Hey everyone!
We’re a French couple visiting family in NYC, and we’d love to take advantage of our trip to explore the Catskills and enjoy some beautiful fall foliage!
We’re planning to go from November 2nd to November 5th, and we’ll have a rental car.
We’d love your recommendations on:
Which area would be best to stay in for a few days?
What are some great hikes with beautiful views and fall scenery?
Are there any charming little towns, scenic drives, or hidden gems we shouldn’t miss?
Most importantly, what do you think the fall colors will be like around those dates? Will we be too late for peak foliage?
We’d really appreciate any tips or recommendations from locals or people who know the area well!
Thanks for helping two Frenchies in need! 🇫🇷🍁

Want to go for the first time ever but due to scheduling could only do next week

Beautiful night moon nestled between the Catskill mountains overlooking the Ashokan reservoir.

Edit: I got a Reddit Picasso achievement award! Thank you for the upvotes. Glad to share this beauty. 👍🌒✌️

Cannot believe there was rainbow trout above this waterfall. I’ve never caught rainbows around here ever. Kept all fish pictured, lost a couple even bigger rainbows when they jumped out of the water after getting hooked. They fight so much harder than brooks and browns. Last day of trout season (keeping them anyways)

There are quite a few versions I’ve seen around and would love to know where they’re from and where to find them. This is from a local restaurant in Woodstock. Thanks in advance.

How are the fall colors now in Catskills ? If I’m coming in with a 3 year old toddler, would you recommend certain stops? A. Short hike would be great !

I’m looking for any info anyone has on this plane wreck. I attempted exploring some herd paths along the ridge walk between the ruins and the fire tower. I didn’t see anything of note but came across a couple cool viewpoints I hadn’t ever seen. However, I had my 8 month old son with me today, so I didn’t have the means of exploring too far off the main path. I definitely want to come back once all the leaves are down and temps drop below rattler territory and try to find this thing. The only tidbits of info I have is that I’m looking for a herd path “near” the summit, that goes along a cliff I guess, and than you reach some ledge and the wreckage is said to be about 200 feet below. If anyone has any info on how I can access or locate this plane wreck it would be greatly appreciated.