Balsam Lake & Overlook Mt Fire Towers A2B: 2025 Catskill Fire Tower Challenge
Overview
Push your limits with a two-fire-tower hike for epic summit views, a completion patch, and friendly, experienced hikers—built for serious outdoor go-getters.
Details
DEC has revived its Catskill Fire Tower Challenge for 2025. https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/catskills-fire-tower-challenge Finish all six of the fire tower hikes, fill out a little paper work and get a commemorative patch and certificate of completion; these are our last two ones; do one or both. These are NOT beginner hikes; you should be doing regular aerobic exercise to participate.
Saturday December 13:***Meet at Balsam Lake-Dry Ridge Trailhead***
1. 8:30AM: Balsam Lake Mountain via Dry Brook Ridge Trail, 7176 Mill Brook Rd, Margaretville, NY 12455. Rated as moderate on AllTrails, this 5.9-mile out-and-back trail takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete. Elevation gain is about 1,200 feet. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/balsam-lake-mountain-via-dry-brook-ridge-trail--2
(Travel time to Overlook, approx. 1 hour.)
1:00PM(ish): Overlook Mountain, Woodstock, NY. Rated as moderate on AllTrails, this 4.5 mile RT hike with 1,397 feet of elevation gain should take about 3 hours to complete. The Overlook Tower reaches 60 feet in height, and offers incredible views of the Hudson River Valley, Ashokan Reservoir, and Devil's Path. In addition to the fire tower, there is an overlook with a view of the Hudson Valley and the ruins of an old hotel to explore. www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/overlook-mountain-trail. We may go out for an early dinner afterwards in Woodstock if people are interested.
Please contact the leader if you are not sure of your experience level to do this hike. Bring Snowshoes & Microspikes, water, snacks, lunch. Dress for the weather. Rain/snow/inclement weather postpones. No dogs.
Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity. By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. Rich's cell is 518 4613982 if needed.
Use the following adventure scale rating to see what adventures are right for you!
HikingMates Difficulty Rating System:
(Length-Pace-Difficulty)
Length: A+=13 Miles or More; 1=Fast, A=8 to 12 Miles, B=5 to 8 Miles, C=Under 5 Miles
Pace: 1=Fast, 2=Moderate, 3=Slow
Difficulty: A=Very Difficult, B=Strenuous, C=Average, D=Easy
SOCIAL: Social event only... not a hiking activity.
Example Ratings:
A+1A (13+ Miles, Fast Pace, Very Difficult Terrain)
B2C (5-8 Miles, Moderate Pace, Average Terrain)