Conquer the Peaks: Taking on the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
What Is the Fire Tower Challenge?
The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit all eight Catskill Fire Towers between January 1 and December 31.
What Is the Fire Tower Challenge?
The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit all eight Catskill Fire Towers between January 1 and December 31. The challenge historically consisted of five towers: Balsam Lake Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Red Hill, and Mount Tremper. Recently, the Upper Esopus tower was added at the Catskills Visitor Center, and Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha in Delaware County joined the lineup, bringing the total to eight.
Launched in 2019, the Challenge has drawn participants from every region of New York, as well as 11 other states and Canadian provinces. It's more than a checklist: it's an invitation to explore some of the most scenic corners of the Catskill Park.
A Little History Up High
Each tower sits on its own summit and tells its own story about how rangers once kept watch over these forests, spotting smoke before small fires could turn into disasters. More than a hundred towers, some built nearly a century ago, were historically used for early detection of forest fires throughout New York State because of their extensive views of the surrounding countryside. Today, the survivors stand as beloved hiking destinations and living pieces of Catskills history.
Something for Every Skill Level
One of the best parts of the challenge is its accessibility. Some trails are relatively gentle, while others will definitely make you earn those views. Mount Tremper and the full hike up Hunter off Spruceton Road trailhead are considered two of the hardest in the group, so pace yourself and pack plenty of water on those routes.
The towers are open to the public up to the tops of the staircases, which offer great views to visitors even when a cab is closed. Many fire towers have stewards working during summer weekends who share the history of the towers and can help identify the mountains, lakes, and communities visible from the top.
How to Take Part
Log your completed hikes along with a favorite photo via SurveyMonkey or by emailing the challenge form to the DEC. All finishers receive a commemorative patch and are entered into a grand prize drawing, and the first 1,000 finishers each year also receive a one-year subscription to the DEC's Conservationist magazine plus a gift subscription for a second person. Hikers who complete the challenge in multiple years earn an additional commemorative prize.
There's also a bonus incentive for responsible recreation: submitting a photo of yourself practicing Leave No Trace principles, like picking up litter or staying on trail, earns an extra prize entry.
Why It's Worth the Climb
The real reward is in the journey itself: the quiet morning trails, unexpected wildlife sightings, and those perfect summit moments when you realize why the Catskills captivate<./p>
Whether you're chasing a patch, a workout, or just an excuse to explore eight incredible corners of the Catskill Park, the Fire Tower Challenge is the perfect framework for a season of adventure. Lace up your boots, fill your water bottle, and start planning your route to the top.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or a Catskills regular, there is always something new to discover. We hope to see you at the Barnhouse soon.