Welcome back to Deep Ascent's trail tales! This marks our second hike in the 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, and this time, our journey took us to the Balsam Lake Mountain fire tower, standing tall at an elevation of 3,723 feet. Compared to the warm-up at Upper Esopus fire tower, Balsam Lake fire tower provided a more genuine and satisfying hiking experience.
The 6.5 mile round-trip hike offered a picturesque winter wonderland with the entire forest covered in snow. The trail was well-packed without much ice which spared us the need for microspikes, ensuring a steady and enjoyable hike. The real magic unfolded as we reached the summit and set our sights on the fire tower and the trees surrounding it. Covered in wind-blown snow, the tower and trees created a mesmerizing view from the top. As we climbed up the fire tower, the chill in the air intensified. The cold was biting but the panoramic view was worth a few shivers. Our hands, even with gloves on, didn't recover from the frigid cold until we reached the warmth of our car.
While not challenging, the hike offered a perfect blend of natural beauty and winter exploration. As we continue our Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, the Ancash Packable Daypack remains an indispensable companion, ready for whatever the trail may bring.
Stay tuned for more tales from Deep Ascent's outdoor expeditions. Until next time, happy trails!
