Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest — Attraction in Town of Hardenburgh

I went camping here for the first time(my first time camping in a tent). Stayed for two nights. It was overall, a very fun and exciting experience. The first night, we got here later than we wanted to so, we decided to camp in the car(I was too scared to walk in the dark). The second night, we set up and camped in a tent at one of the sites. From around sunset till dark, there were occasional loud barking noises coming from groups of canis(not really sure what they were). At times, it sounded far and other times sounded really close to our camping site which, spooked me out. Had some beer to help me sleep... otherwise, I would've stayed up most of the night(I don't advise doing this if alone). Other campers who have been at this camping area several times claimed that it was their first time hearing the noises but have never seen anything. I definitely recommend coming here with someone with at least some camping experience or have something for defense if anything. And if planning to camp during the colder seasons, definitely bring 4 or more blankets just in case. However, the scenery is breathtaking. I would definitely come back to...

It's a nice walk up to the fire tower at the summit. It's about 1100' elevation gain over nearly 3 miles. I just went up with a group that included the youngest girl (5) to become a Catskill Mountain Club Winter 35r. No scrambles or technical sections, just a few steeper areas near the summit. This is wilderness. No amenities, no facilities aside from a privy near the fire tower, and a picnic bench at the base of the tower. There are NO views until you climb the tower and get above the tree line. The views on a clear day are really nice. This is a required hike for membership in the Catskill Mountain Club 3500 Club. During the late spring through fall, stewards will open the tower cabin on weekends, and can tell you the history of the fire towers in...

Absolutely gorgeous woods and a nice woods road trail that has leveled-off sections that give you a welcomed break between the inclines of the path to the top of the mountain. We were just here yesterday (6/9/19) with other members of the Forest Fire Lookout Association... Keep a "lookout" for the many Swallowtail butterflies that you will notice fluttering around you...

Finally the big treat of climbing the fire tower and visiting with Bill in the cabin. Dont be afraid to ask questions especially about where other fire...