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 2.5 miles.

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 2.5 miles, the trail leaves the road, turns right, passes a steel gate, and proceeds steeply up a trail that leads to the tower.   The total distance is about 3 miles.

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 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.