50 Mile Trek
Balsam Trek Program at Onteora Scout Reservation
Experience a whole new level of hiking at Onteora this summer
Program Status
No staff run Trek in 2022 - BUT you can do one on your own! See details below for self-led trek opportunities.
Photo Gallery
Scenic mountain landscape with lake
Mountain lake surrounded by forest
Fire tower on mountain peak
Hiking trail through the mountains
Program Overview
Earn the 50-Miler Award and partials in Hiking and Backpacking Merit Badges. Climb the Catskills and see the region from one of the last fire towers standing. Camp overnight on the trail and alongside mountain lakes. Fish at Big Pond. Take on a conservation project. Explore the rich history of Onteora, "Land in the Sky," and its surrounding region, from the legacy of the Lenape Indians, supplying Union troops during the Civil War, the pioneering of a world-class fisherman's paradise, and more!
Program Details
- • Limited to 8 scouts per trek
- • Scouts must be 14+ or 13+ with 8th grade completion
- • Qualified Trek Guides accompany scouts
- • Designed for older youth seeking pinnacle experience
- • More challenging than typical week at camp
Awards & Advancement
- • BSA 50-Miler Award
- • Partial completion of Hiking Merit Badge
- • Partial completion of Backpacking Merit Badge
- • Partial completion of Nature Merit Badge
- • Core scouting skills integration
Hiking Destinations
Catskill Mountains
Willowemoc Wild Forest
Balsam Fire Tower
First fire tower in NY State (1887)
Mongaup Pond
State campground & swimming
Big Pond
Primitive area & fishing
Detailed Trek Itinerary
Sunday - Arrival & Preparation
Set up camp. Trek training and shakedown for hike. Pack for tomorrow's 10-mile hike along the OSR White trail. Eat dinner at the Long House.
Monday - 10 Mile Hike in Camp
Eat breakfast at the Long House and pack a trail lunch. From the Long House, take the power line trail and road out to Al Nassau. Take the Red trail to the White trail and continue along the perimeter of camp.
Follow a series of ridges along our northern border and the slopes of Rattle Hill, pass by scenic hemlock groves, old growth forests, swamps, and bear caves. Cross Old Hunter Road, hike through the Lemon Squeeze, and traverse the reforested area.
Climb to the highest point in camp (2540 ft.). Continue downhill joining with the Red trail toward the lowest point in camp at Sprague Brook (1950 ft.). Travel up the original camp entrance road to the dam, hike to the ranger's house, and take the Blue trail for a short distance to reconnect with the White trail.
Look for signs of coyote, deer, bear and birds of prey along this section. Cross the Yellow trail and continue along the White trail. At the intersection of the Yellow Bar trail the White trail follows the northern border of the swamp. Join with the Red trail and hike downhill past Wildcat Falls and toward the campsite. At the end of the day, dinner is at the Long House.
Tuesday - 10 Mile Hike to Mongaup Pond
Eat breakfast in dining hall and pack a trail lunch. Cross into state land hike to Mongaup Pond via Hodge Pond (10 mi.). Hike along the OSR Blue trail, starting in the camp parking lot.
Take the Yellow trail to the end of camp property, continue ahead and join with the NYS Orange snowmobile trail. Hike uphill passed Coyote Junction. Take the Red Quick Lake trail around Hodge Pond Mountain at 2750 ft. Join with the Blue Flynn trail to Hodge Pond.
After lunch at Hodge Pond, continue along the Blue trail to the Orange snowmobile trail to Mongaup Pond. Meet the supply truck and setup camp. Swim or fish at the pond, or participate in ranger lead program. Last hot shower along the trek is here.
Wednesday - Hike to Balsam Fire Tower
Enjoy breakfast at Mongaup Pond and pack a trail lunch. Take the Blue trail over Beaver Kill Ridge, through the Big Indian Wilderness, and over Beaver Kill River.
Intersect with the Red trail and hike to the fire tower at Balsam Mountain. Learn from a NYS forest ranger about the historic fire tower and climb to the top. Camp at the lean too on Balsam Mountain. Have dinner at the campsite.
Thursday - Hike to Big Pond
Eat breakfast atop Balsam Mountain and pack a trail lunch. Hike to Big Pond primitive campsite via Alder Lake. Explore the Coykendall mansion ruins and learn the history of the region's fishing operation and of the camp at Alder Lake, formerly part of TRC.
Fish, eat dinner, and camp at Big Pond.
Friday - Return to OSR
Enjoy breakfast at Big Pond campsite and pack a trail lunch. Hike to the parking lot at Little Spring Brook Road. Return to OSR via camp transport van.
Saturday - Departure
Have breakfast at the Long House. Pack up and depart OSR.
Preparation & Requirements
Physical Preparation
This 50-mile trek is more physically demanding than your typical week at OSR. However, scouts who are in good health, meet the age requirement, and are of an adequate maturity level should be able to meet the challenge.
Scouts are encouraged to build up their stamina by going on weekend hikes with their troops and even adding weight to their packs. Scouts may also participate in weekend hikes and local conservation projects in preparation for the trek by contacting Trek Staff.
Medical Considerations
Given the strenuous nature of a backpacking trek, consult your doctor if you have any concerns or if you have:
- Heart trouble
- Asthma
- Allergy to insect bites
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
All participants are required to complete and submit the same medical form required for all summer campers at OSR.
Logistics & Accommodations
Meals & Cooking
All food and cooking gear is provided by OSR. Scouts pick up and prepare food at stop-overs along the trail.
Since food is supplied at locations along the trail, generally only lunch needs to be packed while hiking.
Generally, scouts will eat trail meals prepared over a camp stove for dinner.
Water
As you hike, your body sheds water rapidly, which can lead to dehydration.
Scouts should be able to carry at least 3 liters of water while backpacking.
Your Trek Guide will provide water purification equipment as needed and teach scouts about different methods.
Sleeping Arrangements
Scouts are encouraged to bring their own 2-person tent (3-5 lbs).
Tents will be transported by vehicle and dropped off at stop-overs.
Tents must be carried between Balsam Mountain and Alder Lake.
Clothing & Gear Requirements
Clothing Strategy
Scouts are required to bring 3 sets of clothing:
- Two sets for hiking: Two T-shirts, one pair of shorts, and one hybrid pair of zip-off pants/shorts. Two pairs of wool socks and two pairs of underwear.
- One set for sleeping: Gym shorts and a T-shirt or tank top, plus underwear and socks just for sleeping.
Fabric should be quick-drying (not cotton) whenever possible. Nylon sock liners are strongly recommended to protect against blisters.
Also bring: long-sleeve outer layer, rain jacket and pants, and a brimmed hat for sun protection.
Essential Personal Gear
Contact Information
General Inquiries
Thinking about doing the trek?
Dave Swartz
dave.swartz@scouting.org
Self-Lead Trek Info
Information about doing a self-lead trek or staff run trek
James Van Tassell
james.vantassell@osrtrails.org
Trek & Merit Badge Info
Trek & Gear and Merit badge Information
Charlie Ruiz
osrhiker1876@gmail.com
Important Notes
- • Trek size is limited to 8 scouts per trek
- • Scouts must be 14+ or 13+ with 8th grade completion
- • Qualified Trek Guides accompany scouts for safety
- • All food and cooking gear provided by OSR
- • Water purification equipment provided by Trek Guides
- • Medical forms required for all participants
- • Fishing license may be required for Big Pond
- • Trek itinerary subject to variation based on conditions