Looking for a continuous challenge, the satisfaction of checking mountains off a list, or just a good excuse to keep on heading for the hills? Then the Catskill 3500 Series hikes are just for you!

There are 33 peaks in the Catskills over 3500 feet that are open to the public. Hike them all (+ four in the winter) and you’ll earn a patch and recognition as a Catskill 3500 Club Member. This makes for a unique and challenging outdoor experience, but have no fear, Girl Gotta Hike is here to help you explore all of them!

The Deets!

Where:  Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest, Catskills

Native Land Recognition: Haudenosaunee & Munsee Lenape

When:  Saturday, April 19th, 2025

Distance:  6 miles

Rating:  Moderate – best for regular exercisers and/or those who can spend a fair amount of time on their feet.

Estimated Hiking Time:  4-6 hours (including breaks)

Price:  $95.00

Inclusive of:  Expert guide support, welcoming and supportive community, and winter traction gear rental including micro spikes, snowshoes & trekking poles (if needed).

Not included:  guide gratuity, post-hike food/drink, transportation from NYC to Kingston, NY.

Public Transit +Ride Sharing: Got your own wheels? Carpooling is encouraged! GGH helps connect carless NYC-hikers with their neighboring hiker-drivers to get everyone upstate!

No car, no prob! A Partial Public Transit option from NYC’s Port Authority to the Catskill Region is also available for this trip.

Hike Description:

Nestled away in the western Catskills, Balsam Lake Mountain is unique. On the way uphill, you’ll feel enveloped within a blanket of trees, but then you can rise above them and enjoy tremendous tree-top views from the Fire Tower at the summit. Additionally, you can hike one mountain, while earning your way toward two different challenges!

Balsam Lake Fire tower is one of six Catskill fire towers on the 2025 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, sponsored by the New York State Department of Conservation. Summiting this peak will get you one peak closer to earning a commemorative patch.

At 3,723 feet, Balsam Lake is the 14th highest of the Catskill 3500 peaks. Hike them all (plus four in the Winter) and you’ll also earn you a patch and recognition with the Catskill 3500 Club.

This hike will run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 8 in order to ensure the health and safety of all guides and participants. If the minimum has not been met 24 hours ahead of trip, we will reach out and reschedule, refund or make alternate arrangements. Liability Waiver and COVID-19 Policy must be completed ahead of hike in order to participate.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel 14 days or more prior to the start of your trip, you will receive a full refund, less a 10% non-refundable administration fee. If you cancel between 24 hours and 14 days ahead, you will receive a 50% refund. Anything less than 24-hours is ineligible for refund, unless trip is canceled by Girl Gotta Hike, due to dangerous conditions or any other reason.