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.

Pond Prior to Sunrise

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The fog rises above the pond. It looks perfect for taking photos, so I decide to hop in the kayak, and go for a paddle.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.

Paddling

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The mountain in the background is Barkaboom Mountain. The place I camped was on the shore a little ways from here.

Taken on Saturday August 28, 2010 at Big Pond.

Big Pond from Parking Area

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It certainly was quite pretty out there, and a great unguarded swimming beach that was packed with people.

Taken on Sunday August 29, 2010 at Big Pond.