Disclosure: This content may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
New route.
Hiking Trail Description
This new, very popular route to the Red Hill Fire Tower is spectacular.
The new trail, which opened in February 2021, greatly improves access to the Red Hill Fire Tower — one of the six towers currently featured in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
This is one of the best short hikes in The Catskills. It’s also a good choice for your first sunrise hike.
The New York DEC opening announcement outlines: “Tahawus Trails built the new blue-blazed trail that traverses both city and State Forest Preserve lands through rocky outcroppings and hemlock-laden forests. The 1.4 miles of trail intersects with the existing trail, leading up to the 60-foot tall Red Hill Fire Tower that was constructed in 1920. Hikers can climb nine flights of stairs to the top for unsurpassed views of the Catskill peaks and Rondout Reservoir.”
The tower itself was re-opened to the public in 2000 by the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development and NYSDEC.
Red Hill Fire Tower Hiking Trail
The new blue-blazed 1.4 mile hiking trail includes…
- Much better parking in a large lot
- A fun winding route
- Hemlock stands, fern groves, and rocky outcroppings
- Many beautiful sections of stone steps to ease your ascent
- A junction that connects to the existing summit trail that leaves out none of the fun stuff
This trail guide is free to all readers thanks to my Patreon subscribers who kindly support this content — get full access now and unlock this website.
Red Hill Trail Fire Tower Trail Notes & Gallery
This new trail starts at a lower elevation than the classic trail to Red Hill — which is still a lovely hike to this fantastic tower. The two routes converge at a junction at 2500’ and continue to the summit at 2979’ via the same trail.
The new trailhead also includes a portable toilet, which I was very grateful for on this hike.
Follow the blue blazes and enjoy the best of what modern sustainable trail design can do for a hike…
The forest is a mix of hemlock stands, open deciduous woods, and sweet fern glades like this…
I loved the new route and its charming details…
Blue/Yellow Junction
Just below 2500’ the blue trail ends at a junction. Turn right and continue the remainder of the route uphill along the classic yellow trail.
You can stop along the way at apx 2700’ to visit the Red Hill spring. On this day it had all but run dry — but, after rainfall, it’s a really lovely spot.
Red Hill Summit & Fire Tower
The section above the spring is the steepest part of this hike, but it’s pretty short. In a few minutes, you’ll find yourself on the incredibly sweet summit of Red Hill.
An observer’s cabin, outhouse, two picnic tables and a seemingly manicured stretch of grassy lawn make this maybe the most delightful mountain peak in the Catskills. (Please treat it kindly.)
The 360° view from the Red Hill fire tower is so lovely. The large mountains to the east are Slide, Table and Peekamoose.
To the north, you can see Graham Mountian and Doubletop — both now off-limits to public hiking.
Red Hill Fire Tower Sunrises & Sunsets
Red Hill is a short hike no matter how you do it. This new route only took me two hours for the full out-and-back. This makes Red Hill an especially appealing destination for sunrise hikes and sunset hikes.
I’ve been there at both times. At sunrise, the sun rises directly behind Table & Peekamoose, and it’s truly spectacular.
I left around sunset and still only needed my headlamp for the last half-a-mile of my descent. (But remember, for headlamps: “Two is one, and one is none” — i.e. always carry a spare.)
Similar Hikes
The Classic Route to Red Hill is also super enjoyable — and it’s also a little shorter and easier.
Red Hill is one of The Catskills’ six amazing Fire Towers — but a seventh is on the way.
Get full access…
Get instant access to the full version of this site and enjoy great supporter benefits: full galleries, full trail notes, early access to the latest content, and more.
Hot on the website right now…
Follow for more…
Follow my @TotalCatskills content on Instagram for regular hiking inspo and safe, inclusive community.
The parent mountain for this hike is Red Hill.
If you do this hike, LMK how it went…
Trailhead Info for this Hike
Large new lot. Please check the ground around your car before you leave.
Google Maps Location: 41.935107, -74.529417
The map below shows the exact topographic location of the trailhead
Cell Service
Very good LTE signal up high. I lost signal on the way down just above the junction. My network is Verizon. YMMV.
