The Old-Timey Balsam Babel: Hangin' Out in Yore & Gawk at the View

Plant your feet atop the Balsam Lake Mountain, home to this 50-foot tower since 1887, making it the Catskill Forest Preserve's vintage heartthrob. Hosted by the Balsam Lake Mountain Club in its early days, it's now cared for by the state's Forest, Fish, Game Commission. Not shy when it comes to hard work, this tower kept infernos at bay with its top-notch peepers, capable of spotting flames up to 18 miles away. 3 miles of hiking trail will take you to this rustic belle, where you'll come across pitstops like an observer’s cabin, a privy, and other bric-a-brac, each unfolding a slice of its riveting history.

Along the journey, you'll stumble upon remnants of an old foundation and some old-fashioned phone poles that once linked it to the outside world. Atop, sit a spell at the picnic table, catch your breath, and admire the jaw-dropping view. For history buffs, join a local hike to partake in wealthy tales of the Tower's golden era and its ongoing restoration.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons