Fire Tower Hikes
Read 5½ Catskills Fire Tower Hikes You Can Absolutely Do — everything you need to know about the five classic Catskills fire towers, plus the newest (sixth) addition. Get the gear and maps you’ll need to hike safely.
Hunter Mountain, Quick Route
This moderate and very scenic hike can be completed in 4-5 hrs. This is the easiest route to climb Hunter Mountain.
Hunter Mountain (Full Loop)
An absolutely wonderful loop over Hunter’s massive, gorgeous and super-scenic summit. Descend via the Devil’s Path for a rugged walk-out, with a short side-quest to visit Southwest Hunter.
Catskills Fire Towers
Everything you need to know about the five classic Catskills towers — plus the newest (sixth) addition. Includes links to the gear and maps you’ll need to hike safely.
Red Hill Fire Tower Classic Hiking Trail
This short, easy hike up beautifully-maintained trail in bucolic New York leads to dramatic views of the Southern and Western Catskills.
Overlook Mountain Trail
One of the most popular hikes in the Catskills can be completed in 2-3 hours. Overlook’s fire tower is 60 ft tall and is placed for one of the best views in the Catskills. An excellent view from a large ledge near the summit trail caps an insanely scenic hike.
Mount Tremper Fire Tower Hiking Trail
This short, moderate hike to one of the most popular fire towers in the Catskills ends with an incredible 360° view of dozens of classic Catskill mountains.
Thru-Hike Doubletop, Graham & Balsam Lake
This hike really has it all: stream crossings, herd paths, bear prints, a canister, a memorably steep descent, a true bushwhack, a rugged ascent, an ice grotto, some old ruins and, to top it all off, a fire tower with amazing sunset views.
Balsam Lake Fire Tower Trail
Even light snow cover turns Balsam Lake into a glittering winter wonderland. And it’s a cinch to hike. A cold fall morning is the perfect time to take in the fire tower’s incredible 360° view. Winter hikes to the tower are absolutely spectacular.
Hike Hunter & Southwest Hunter from Stony Clove Notch
This hike tackles two routes on Hunter’s eastern side: the rugged Devil’s Path, and the relentlessly steep Becker Hollow. Hunter itself is an immense mountain, but the 360° view from its fire tower will charge your batteries for weeks.
Graham Mountain & Balsam Lake Hiking Trail
This long day-hike combines Graham and a loop around Balsam Lake’s summit. Permission is required to hike on Graham Mountain.
