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.

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Informal Swimming Area

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This is taken from the main parking area for the pond, later in the afternoon, this beach is typically packed with swimmers on a hot day.

Sunday August 29, 2010 — Big Pond

Campsite

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This is the campsite I stayed at Big Pond.

Sunday August 29, 2010 — 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.

Sunday August 29, 2010 — Big Pond

Alder Pond

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It seems like Alder Pond is reverting back to marsh, or at least has some water quality issues. The pond was green from algae, which probably means it's overloaded from nutrients. Not much development around, maybe it's from campers doing their business too close to the pond? There are no outhouses here except the port-a-potty by the parking area.

Sunday August 29, 2010 — Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest