Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest

Located in the southwest corner of the Catskill Park, Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest contains more than 13,500 acres of “forever wild” Forest Preserve. With an extensive trail network to several ponds, this wild forest is ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, backpacking, canoeing and cross-country skiing.

The Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest is located 8 miles south of Margaretville (Route 28) and 18 miles north of Livingston Manor (Route 17). It lies mainly within the western Ulster County town of Hardenburgh, with small appendages in the towns of Middletown and Andes in Delaware County.

The terrain is a combination of high mountain ridges, steep sided valleys, numerous brooks and ponds, with elevations ranging from a low of 1,740 feet along Mill Brook to a high of 3,723 feet at the summit of Balsam Lake Mountain.

Campsite

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This is the campsite I stayed at Big Pond.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Designated Campsite

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This is one of eight designated campsites around Big Pond. They are free to use, but are limited to 6 people, and you can only stay at one site for 3 nights without a permit.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Across the Lake

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As I am making breakfast on this Sunday morning in the Catskills.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Waking Up at Big Pond

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Looking out the window of tent prior to dawn, with a little smoke from the fire still smoldering, and lots of fog.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.