Fire Tower Hike #3: Balsam Mountain Fire Tower in Livingston Manor, NY

Our next hike is to the Balsam Mountain fire tower in Livingston Manor, NY is scheduled for Saturday May 27th at 9 AM, weather permitting. Check for updates please.

Details
This one is a bit longer at 5.3 miles with 1,768 ft of elevation change. Alltrails estimates the round trip to the summit and back to take about 3:30 hours, plus the time we spend at the top. Because the hike is a bit longer, let’s meet at the trailhead parking at 9 AM on Saturday, May 27th.

Getting there
The drive should take 2 hours, 114 miles from Danbury via Thruway. We’ll meet at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead on Mill Brook Road in Margaretville, NY in the gravel lot. Both Google and Waze list the trailhead.

To get there, take Route 28 to Route 49A (Galli Curci Road) on the left. It’s the turn for the Belleayre Ski Area. At the end turn left on Dry Brook Road. After 1.5 miles turn right on Mill Brook Road, the trailhead is about 2.2 miles.

The hike is 5.9 miles with 1,204 ft of elevation change. Alltrails estimates the round trip to the summit and back to take about 3 hours.

We'll meet at the trailhead parking at 9 AM on Saturday, May 27th.

The reviews mention a few log crossings over streams and a few rocky areas so hiking boots are strongly recommended. Bring bug spray, water, snacks and rain gear. Consider a light sweater depending on the weather; remember the summit is at 3600 feet.