Balsam Lake Mountain, in the Catskill Mountains of New York’s town of Hardenburgh, is the westernmost of the region’s 35 High Peaks and rises to about 3,720 feet. Its broad summit plateau, intact forests, and rare sphagnum bog make it ecologically important, with the bog possibly the deepest in the Catskills and about 5,500 years old. The mountain also holds a significant place in New York forest conservation history: in 1887 the first fire tower in the state was built on its summit, and the surviving steel tower remained staffed until 1988. Its accessible route, wide views, and status in the Catskill Mountain 3500 Club have made it a popular hiking destination.