Balsam Lake Mountain - (Red Markers, 3.5 mi or Blue Markers 6 mi)

The most direct route is from the Balsam Lake Mountain Trailhead on Beaverkill Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail north 0.9 miles to its junction with the red-marked Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn left and follow it northwest .85 miles, passing a lean-to before reaching the summit. Total distance: 1.75 miles (3.5 miles round-trip). Elevation gain: 1,200 feet.

The most popular route begins at the Dry Brook Ridge Trailhead on Mill Brook Road. Follow the blue-marked Dry Brook Ridge Trail south 2.25 miles to its junction with the Balsam Lake Mountain Trail, turn right and follow this red-marked trail southwest 0.75 miles to the summit. Total distance: 3.0 miles (6.0 miles round trip). Elevation gain: 1120 feet.

The most ambitious route begins at the Alder Lake Trailhead and follows the Alder Lake Loop and Mill Brook Ridge Trails eastward to the summit. Total distance: 6.7 miles (13.4 miles round trip). Elevation gain: 1520 feet.

(Click for Larger Map)