Catskill 3500 Club
Section: Northern Peaks | Central Peaks | Southern Peaks | Off Trail & Winter | Hiking Resources
Balsam Mountain 3600'
USGS Quad: Shandaken
NY-NJ Trail Conference Map: #42/142
Order of Height: 28th at 3600'
Access: Via Pine Hill-West Branch Trail
Description: Balsam is the northernmost high peak in the range that rises
west of the Esopus Creek (not to be confused with a similarly-named 3,360'
peak between Deep Notch and Sherrill
Mountain. There is a view towards Route 28 and
the hamlet of Shandaken from an overlook a short distance north of the
summit, and one toward Belleayre and the north after a steep climb up the
north face. The trail crosses a corner of private property on the summit.
Balsam is often climbed in conjunction with either Belleayre (not a high
peak) or Eagle Mountain and Haynes, another lesser peak between the two. It is one of
the four required winter peaks.
From the south, access is from via either Rider Hollow or McKenley Hollow
via the Oliverea -Mapledale and Pine Hill-West Branch trails. The climbs up
both hollows are very steep in places, particularly McKenley, where the
grade exceeds 35 percent for a quarter-mile stretch, the steepest stretch of
trail in the Catskills, and can require full crampons when icy.
From the north, access is possible from a variety of routes. The Lost Clove,
Belleayre Ridge and Cathedral Glen trails all connect with the Pine
Hill-West Branch Trail near the east summit of Belleayre Mountain. The Mine
Hollow Trail connects with the Pine Hill-West Branch Trail along the ridge
between the two mountains, and makes for a fine loop route from the west in
conjunction with the Rider Hollow side of the Oliverea - Mapledale Trail.
Links for Balsam Mountain
NYSDEC Interactive Locator Map
Big Indian Wilderness - NYSDEC
Photo credit: Catskill 3500 Club