|
DISTANCE: 8.3 miles TYPE: Out and back TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN: 1,285 feet MAXIMUM ELEVATION: 3,870 feet DIFFICULTY: Moderate HIKING TIME: 4 hours |
Graham Mountain has the unique distinction of being the highest privately owned peak in the Catskills. While this is not much of a selling point to hikers, it is made up for by the interesting ruins that can be found on the summit. In the 1960s, a predecessor to the Public Broadcasting Service constructed a relay station on Graham Mountain’s peak. The station was abandoned after only a few years, but its remains can still be found there today.
The trail to Graham Mountain splits off from the Dry Brook Ridge Trail, which brings hikers to Balsam Lake Mountain (Guide #39) as well. The two peaks can be done as one hike in a single day, if desired.
GETTING THERE
Take Exit 19 (Kingston) from the New York State Thruway. Turn right onto NY-28, then continue west on NY-28 for about 33 miles. At the Belleayre Ski Center, turn left onto NY-49A. Drive 5 miles until NY-49A ends, then take a left onto Dry Brook Road (NY-49/NY-7A). Drive for 1.4 miles until you come to Mill Brook Road, then take a right. Continue for another 2 miles. The parking area will be on the right side of the road. This is also the parking area for Balsam Lake Mountain and fire tower, which can be done as an extension of this hike.
GPS SHORTCUT
Search Google Maps for “Balsam Lake Mountain, Hardenburgh, NY” and your GPS will navigate you to the appropriate trailhead.
THE TRAIL
From the DEC parking area, walk down the road a short distance to the trailhead. Take the blue-blazed trail heading south—the same Dry Brook Ridge Trail also heads north, toward the Dry Brook Ridge Wild Forest. The beginning of the trail follows an old woods road on private land. You will pass the trail register after a short distance.
Follow the blue blazes as the trail climbs gently. After hiking for a few minutes, you will pass a spring on the right side of the trail. Continue for another mile. Around 2 miles into the hike, you will reach a fork in the trail, with an unmaintained trail heading east toward Graham Mountain. Staying straight on the blue trail would bring you to Balsam Lake Mountain—it is a relatively easy addition, and both peaks are often tackled in the same hike.
Take the trail branching off to the left toward Graham Mountain. Over the next mile, you will climb at a moderate grade toward the summit. The trail is not maintained, and while still easy to follow, it is generally fairly overgrown by late summer.
At the 4-mile mark, you will reach the summit of Graham Mountain. The remains of an old tower can be found in disrepair here. Enjoy the views—Balsam Lake Mountain and the fire tower on its peak can be seen nearby. Looking southeast you can see Doubletop Mountain, the tallest peak in the Catskills without an established trail leading to the summit.
When you are ready to return, retrace your steps to your car.
VIEW OF GRAHAM MOUNTAIN FROM NEARBY BALSAM LAKE MOUNTAIN
