Alexis and I met a crew of other hikers (Alan, Ralph, Maddy, Heather, Tom, Melissa, Tom, Matthew) at the Mill Brook Parking Area. Our plan for the day was to hike Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower, and then hike over to Graham Mtn. Then we were going to hike down the North ridge line to the Seager Parking Area. We had several cars there. Unfortunately Alan and Matthew never made it, so the 8 of us headed up the easy grade road to BLM Fire Tower.
There were about 2" of snow in the parking lot from the snow last night. It was nice and fresh. Easy walking, but some icy spots here-and-there. We didn't bring snowshoes, and we didn't put our microspikes on. As we approached BLM Fire tower, the snow had increased to around 4-6" of snow. It was cloudy and a little windy.
At the BLM Fire Tower we stopped for a while to take pictures. We then headed to Graham Mtn. We had hoped to see some bear tracks, but apparently they had moved into the winter dens. In fact, we didn't see many tracks at all during the hike. Normally, there are a lot of animals. As we hiked up Graham, one of the dogs actually caught a Grouse hiding in the snow. Never seen that happen before.
When we got to the top of Graham, it was windy, so we moved inside the Radio building while we waited for everyone to get to the top. We then headed down the mountain. When we got to the location to break off onto the North ridge. But, we decided to scrap that idea, and headed back down to the Mill Brook parking lot.
We hiked about 10.10 miles. Overall it was a good day of hiking with great friends.
The final grade up to the BLM Fire Tower
Just below the BLM Fire Tower
BLM Fire Tower
Conifer Trees with icicles.
Radio Transmitter Building on Graham Mountain
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BLM & Graham Mtn
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- Posts: 496
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Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
Looks like Winter has arrived. You can snowshoe on all the snow.
I can barely get a glimpse of a grouse when they fly off. And, this dog caught one? Wow!
I can barely get a glimpse of a grouse when they fly off. And, this dog caught one? Wow!
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- Posts: 134
- Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 5:53 pm
Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
I have heard of this hike. Can you bike it? I am always looking for new places to go. Pictures sure do look nice. The story of the Grouse was incredible. Never heard of a dog catching one.
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- Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2011 3:30 pm
Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
"BLM Fire tower" and "Conifer trees with icicles" are fantastic photos! Looks like a really fun hike!
- mike
- Posts: 1444
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
- Location: Ravena, NY
Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
Yup, the dog actually caught it.
No, you can't bike it. But, it would make a nice bike trail. I think the trail goes over private property with an easement. So, there are probably conditions to the easement.
Yes, it is a fun hike. Real easy hiking because the incline is so mellow most of the way. Good views on top too.
No, you can't bike it. But, it would make a nice bike trail. I think the trail goes over private property with an easement. So, there are probably conditions to the easement.
Yes, it is a fun hike. Real easy hiking because the incline is so mellow most of the way. Good views on top too.
- Jon
- Posts: 324
- Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2011 9:43 pm
- Location: Bangor, PA
Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
I like the snow! Why is there so much snow some places and none other places? It's like twilight zone. Just wish there would be 1 good dumping all over and it'd be done with.
Still no snow in Jersey (i don't count 10/29)
P.s. How do you post the pictures to the forum like that?
Still no snow in Jersey (i don't count 10/29)
P.s. How do you post the pictures to the forum like that?
- mike
- Posts: 1444
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 9:20 pm
- Location: Ravena, NY
Re: BLM & Graham Mtn
Winter is a little late in arriving in the Catskills. We usually get weather change at the beginning of January. So hopefully, we will get some snow soon!
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