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.

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.

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.

Campsite

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Yes, the beer cans are empty, and I am using that pot to boil water for coffee, because I left the coffee pot in the truck. I doesn't matter much because I use a coffee press to make the actual coffee.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Firepit

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This is while I'm making coffee and getting ready for the day.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Fishermen

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Out before the crack of dawn, dropping their line and testing their luck on Big Pond.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Plane Passes the Moon

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Maybe not, but it kind of looks like this in the morning sky, with the airplane lit by the morning rays.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.