There are 3 ways to access Balsam Lake Mountain's Fire Tower by trails. The shortest and steepest way is from the Beaverkill Road approach. The trail starts out on a old road and then turns left at a junction marked for the fire tower. This route passes the lean-to and the Spring where the volunteers get water. The total distance is about 2.3 miles. Most visitors from the South take this trail.

This Google map will show you how to drive to the Beaverkill trailhead.

The 2nd shortest and most gradual approach is from the Mill Brook Road approach. The trail leaves the parking lot and starts up the same old road mentioned above. After about 2 miles, the trail leaves the road, turns right, passes a steel gate, and proceeds up series of short steep hills on an old keep road that leads to the tower. The total distance is about 2.8 miles. Most visitors from the East and North take this trail.

This Google map will show you how to drive to the Mill Brook Road trailhead.

 The third and longest approach is from Alder Lake. The trail leaves the parking lot, goes around the lake and then proceeds about 6.6 miles over rolling terrain to the tower, ascending steeply at the end.

This Google map will show you how to drive to the Alder Lake trailhead.

Directions from Kingston to the Mill Brook Trail head: Take Route 28 West. Turn left at the turn for the Belleayre Ski Center. Some of the names of this road are County Rt. 49, and Galli Curci Road. Follow the road to the end, twisting and turning, (sometimes sharply!), for about 5 miles. Turn Left on to Dry Brook Road. After about 1.5 miles, turn Right onto Mill Brook Road. There will be an old wooden garage at a triangular intersection. Mill Brook Road winds sharply up hill and after 1.7 miles you arrive at the trail head, on the right. You are now at the highest official trail head in all of New York State! Enjoy your hike!