For nearly 100 years, fire towers perched at the top of the tallest peaks of New York's Catskills region were used by forest service employees and volunteers to look out for early signs of forest fires. Today, thanks to restoration efforts by the Catskill Fire Tower Project, experienced hikers can visit the remaining five historic fire towers, as well as a sixth fire tower that was opened at the Catskills Visitor Center.
These thrilling hikes are unique in New York since they are a part of an ongoing effort by the state's Department of Environmental Conservation to create a challenging yet accessible way for visitors to the Catskill region to see the incredible vistas such as Slide Mountain (tallest in the Catskills), the New York reservoir system, and the awesome fall foliage. The DEC now holds an annual Fire Tower Challenge to keep the history and traditions of the Catskill Mountain fire towers alive for the next generation of outdoorsmen and women to appreciate and enjoy.
Here are a few things to know before you plan your trip. While none of these hikes are considered dangerous, a few of them are classified as difficult. And while fire tower camping is a real thing you can do in some regions, it's not allowed in the state of New York.
1. Upper Esopus Fire Tower
The Upper Esopus Fire Tower is a great way to start since it is a simple half-mile hiking loop that is accessible to virtually anyone. Out of all the hikes on this list, it's the easiest to reach and enjoy, and it has great views of the old-growth forest and the visitor center (especially in the fall), which is only about a quarter-mile away. If you want to complete the journey, you will still have to climb the 80-foot tower itself to see the view above the town of Shandaken, since it is surrounded by Burroughs Range, Stony Clove, and the Deep Notch areas of the Catskills.
Interestingly, this tower was once a staple of fire surveillance in Venice, Florida, but was completely restored and rebuilt for use on the grounds of the Catskills Visitor Center in 2019.
2. Overlook Mountain Fire Tower
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Located in the town of Woodstock (yes, that Woodstock), the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower was built in 1950, making it the newest of the five remaining fire towers in the Catskill Park. After closing for restoration, it was the first tower to reopen to the public in the Catskills back in 1999.
I originally hiked to this fire tower back in 2011 and have returned once or twice for the incredible views. With an elevation of a little over 3,100 feet of elevation and some steeper trails, you're going to need a decent amount of physical fitness to get here, but it's not a terribly hard hike either.
Just be aware: The higher elevations of Overlook Mountain are home to a decent population of timber rattlesnakes, so you'll want to keep pets on a leash. If you see one, don't panic—they aren't aggressive unless provoked.
3. Red Hill Fire Tower
The trailhead for the Red Hill Fire Tower begins at Denning Road near Claryville and runs about 2 miles by following the blue trail markers. While the elevation is listed at 2,990 feet, the round trip is about 4 miles, and the elevation gain is about 1,200 feet from the parking area. But when you get to the top, the Red Hill Fire Tower boasts some of the best views of the Catskill Mountains' high peaks including the Rondout Reservoir.
The tower was built in 1921 and is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. After closing for restoration, it reopened to visitors in 2000.
4. Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
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Many winter outdoor enthusiasts will recognize the name of Hunter Mountain as one of New York's best skiing destinations; and at the summit of the mountain, the fire tower resides as the highest in New York state at 4,040 feet. There are five trailheads listed on the map. This fire tower is listed as a moderately difficult hike for veteran hikers and difficult for novices, making it all the more important to plan your journey accordingly.
Originally built using logs, the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower was rebuilt out of steel during WWI and relocated to its current site in 1953.
5. Mount Tremper Fire Tower
Also located near the town of Shandaken, the Mount Tremper Fire Tower is around 2,700 feet in elevation. It was built around the same time as the Hunter Mountain tower in 1917 and reopened in 2001 after a major restoration effort.
This is a great hike that's open throughout the autumn for stunning views of the Catskill Mountains' fall foliage. Despite its lesser elevation, the Mount Tremper Fire Tower is listed as a moderate-to-difficult hike (a steep and rocky trail leads to the fire tower) and carries a timber rattlesnake warning similar to Overlook Mountain.
6. Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower
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Said to be the first fire tower placed on the summit of a mountain in New York state, the Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower is also one of the oldest, erected in 1887.
It's listed as a moderate, 6-mile round-trip hike with an elevation of 3,700 feet, with trailheads starting on both Mill Brook Road and Beaverkill Road. With views from the top of the Beaverkill Valley and Alder Lake, it's well worth the peace of mind that you will get looking down from this bastion of the western Catskills' high peaks.
READ MORE: I Moved 400 Miles Across New York State to Live, Hunt, and Fish
