The top of Balsam Lake Mountain is a stunning one. The fire tower at the summit provides 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. There is also a ranger cabin at the summit. The trail is a steady climb for about 3 miles until you reach the summit. The forest transitions from one dominated by hardwood trees to a pine forest as you get higher in elevation.
At the fire tower in which I was greeted by an active ranger at the top! Volunteer, of course, he was kind and gave us the lay of the land. The horizon extended as far as 100 miles to Scranton and New Jersey High point. So beautiful.