Balsam Mountain Loop Hike From Rider Hollow

Balsam Mountain (3,607’) is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Its evergreen summit rises high above the central Catskills and offers a great view to the northeast from just below the summit along the Pine Hill West Branch Trail. Balsam Mountain is also one of the Catskill peaks above 3,500' in elevation and is part of the Catskill 3500 challenge.

We began at the trailhead located at the end of Rider Hollow Road, where the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail begins.

After signing in at the trailhead trail register, we followed the Oliverea-Mapledale (Rider Hollow) Trail 1.8 miles to its intersection with the Pine Hill West Branch Trail at the notch between Haynes Mountain and Balsam Mountain. From there we followed the Pine Hill West Branch Trail 0.8 miles northward to the summit of Balsam Mountain. After the summit we continued northward on the Pine Hill West Branch Trail for 1.3 miles to the trail junction with the Mine Hollow Trail. We then followed by the Mine Hollow Trail down 1 mile to its intersection with the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail, and then 0.3 miles out to the trailhead we started. 

This is a roughly 5.2 mile moderate hike with just over 1,700 feet of elevation gain along the way. There are a few steep stretches of trail descending Balsam Mountain towards the Mine Hollow Trail and in places the Mine Hollow Trail descends steeply, but in neither case are the descents difficult.

We would suggest following this loop in a counterclockwise fashion as shown in this video. The ascent is more gradual via the Oliverea-Mapledale Trail and Pine Hill West Branch Trail from this direction and the more steep sections are left for descents.

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For more information

You can find this hike on: 

• The NYNJ Trail Conference's Catskill Trails Map Set

• National Geographic's Trails Illustrated Map for the Catskill Park

• Catskill Trails Guidebook from ADK

• Hiking the Catskills Guidebook

Additional Catskill Park information available at the Catskills Visitor Center (5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper)

• On the Web

• Facebook & Instagram

Hike On Guides: Need help on a hike like this? Moe is a NYS licensed hiking and backpacking guide. You can hire him for Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services at Hike On Guides for hikes in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Gear we used and/or carried on this hike:

• Goodr Sunglasses

• Osprey Talon 22 Pack

• Altra Lone Peak Shoes

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks

• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles

• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts

• EMS Men's Essential Peak Tank

• Hiker Trash Husbands Trucker Hat

• Energizer LED Headlamp

• NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad

• Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

• CNOC Vecto Water Container

• Garmin Instinct Watches

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

(Product links are affiliate links, so if you purchase something through them, it helps us out)

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Important Hiking Considerations:

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

• Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.

• Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.