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.
Catskills Fire Tower Challenge 2022
Everything you’ll need to complete the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge safely.
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Hadley Mountain Fire Tower
Delightful hike, sometimes steep, but a very rewarding payoff from Hadley Mountain Fire Tower.
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower from Willow
A much quieter and more interesting route to Tremper Mountain Fire Tower
Bramley Mountain Fire Tower (Kaatscast)
At Bramley Mountain, in the western Catskills, the fire tower was dismantled in the 1970s, but a local family has been keeping it safe in a nearby barn…
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (Best 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 (Loop)
Hike over Hunter’s massive, gorgeous and super-scenic summit to descend via the Devil’s Path for a rugged walk-out — with a short side-quest to Southwest Hunter.
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
You can hike up Overlook Mountain’s easy trail in about an hour. The fire tower at the end of this short trail is positioned to give one of the most dramatic views in the Catskills.
Classic Tremper Mountain Fire Tower Hike
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
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.
