Balsam Mountain (Siu S. Yuen)
Join Marv Freedman for this one-way, 10-mile hike over Eagle (3583') and Balsam (3607'). The adventure will also include the ascent of Shandaken Hollow and the descent of Rider Hollow. Note, the stream crossing over the Shandaken Brook may be challenging. The pace will be moderate (about 1-1/2 mph moving speed), and this moderate-to-difficult rated hike is expected to take eight hours. Fit beginners are welcome.
Participants should bring lunch, hiking poles (recommended), headlamp, water/sports drink, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, two contractor trash bags, and two six-foot lengths of twine. Hikers must register for this hike by May 9. To register, contact Marv Freedman at marvfreedman@gmail.com. The hike is limited to 12 people. Dogs are permitted with the permission of the hike leader.
Directions: We'll meet at the Rider Hollow Trailhead, at the end of Rider Hollow Road, off of Todd Mountain / Galli Curci Road. This is where our hike will end. We'll leave cars here, and will shuttle to the Seager trailhead, at the end of Dry Brook Road, to start our hike.
To reach the Rider Hollow Trailhead from the east, take State Route 28 39 miles west from the traffic circle at Exit 19 (Kingston) of the NYS Thruway to Galli Curci Road at Highmount and turn left. (This is the same turn for the Belleayre Ski Center.) Proceed 4.95 miles on Galli Curci Road (Ulster Co. Hwy 49A) (becomes Todd Mtn. Rd.) and turn left onto Rider Hollow Road. Continue to the end of the road (2.1 mi.) to the trailhead.
From the west, take State Route 28 to Dry Brook Road (1.2 miles east of Margaretville) and turn right, following the signs for Dry Brook Ridge. Take Dry Brook Rd. 4.7 miles and turn left (following signs for Rider Hollow) onto Todd Mountain Road. Continue less than a half mile and turn right onto Rider Hollow Rd. Continue 2.1 miles to the end of the road/ trailhead.
GPS Coordinates for Rider Hollow Trailhead: 42.10212, -74.51734
Additional Information: Meeting place and time, route details, and required gear are subject to change based on weather forecast, trail conditions, etc. Updated information will be provided via email, usually about four days before the hike.