• instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • about
  • |
  • participate
  • |
  • Contact
  • |
Menu
Search
  • Eat
    • Local Eatery Articles
    • Farms + Markets
    • Restaurants + Cafes
    • Wine + Spirits
  • Play
    • Winter Fun Articles
    • Outdoors
    • Art + Entertainment
  • Stay
    • Eat/Stay/Play Articles
    • Bed and Breakfasts
    • Hotels + Motels
  • Live
    • Home Articles
    • Home + Garden
    • Services
    • Shopping Locally
    • Wellness
  • Business Profiles
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Magazine
Close Menu

Fire Tower Views

Outdoors

by Stephanie Whatton

August 21, 2018

With each step, you get a little higher and the feeling of exposure and air becomes slightly more real. As wind whips through the rickety staircase, you begin to wonder, “How long has this tower been here, enduring the changing seasons?”

 

Historically, there were over 100 fire towers scattered throughout the mountains of New York State. Over time, new technologies expanded in the region and the years of scouting for forest fires from high above the mountain peaks slowly fizzled out. Lucky for us recreationists, we are fortunate enough to still be able to visit the select few that remain in the region.

If you’re seeking to gain a bit more elevation than just the summit of the mountain, here are three climbable fire towers you don’t want to miss out on:

OVERLOOK MOUNTAIN

Just on the outskirts of Woodstock, Overlook Mountain is an ideal hike for a view of the Ashokan Reservoir and surrounding Hudson River Valley. The trail going up Overlook is an old carriage road that leads to an abandoned 19thcentury hotel, so the path is wide and well-worn, but is entirely uphill. The tower itself is located about two miles up from the trailhead and is one of the newest in Catskill Park it was erected there in 1950. It rises an additional 60 feet from the elevation of 3,140 feet, and is open most weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.

 

View from Hunter Fire Tower Photo by Thomas First @thomas_first

hunter mountain

Talk about really working hard for a view. Towering 4,040 feet above sea level, this hike is not for the faint of heart. The steep and unforgiving trails will keep you on your toes for the entirety of your adventure. The payoff is incredible, however: 360-degree views of the rolling mountains that extend into the Berkshires, Connecticut, and, on clear days, even southern Vermont. This fire tower is the tallest among all the remaining fire towers in New York, and is the second highest in the entire Northeast region.

mohonk mountain house fire tower

If a treacherous hike is not your idea of fun, this option could be for you. From top to bottom, this historic stone fire tower will not disappoint. You can choose to stroll up to the base of the “Sky Top Tower” on an easygoing carriage road, or take the hiking trail through the rocky caves of the “lemon squeeze.” Views of the historic castle sitting on Mohonk Lake below are like something out of a fairytale. Note: A day fee is required to gain access, as this is private property.

"Historically, there were over 100 fire towers scattered throughout the mountains of New York State."

As you enjoy the gorgeous views that our region has to offer, please remember to practice Leave No Trace! nything you wouldn’t find out in nature shouldn’t be left there.

This includes banana peels, orange peels, all food waste, and certainly all types of packaging. Pack essential gear for the mountains: plenty of water, snacks, and a flashlight.

You never know when you will need a first aid kit, and you surely don’t want to get stuck in a storm without your rain jacket. See you out there!

RELATED ARTICLES

WINTER SPORTS and outdoor fun

WILD EARTH

WATERFALLS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY

THE HUDSON RIVER

HIKING WITH YOUR PUP

Gravity Kids

The Local Food Movement Hudson Valley

Hike the Hudson Valley Rail Trail

Getting Out on The Hudson River

HISTORIC GARDENS

RECEIVE EPOSTS

WHATS HAPPENING

ADD YOUR BUSINESS

SEE WEDDING SITE

  • Rhinebeck Artists Shop

    Rhinebeck, New Paltz, Kingston
    www.rhinebeckartistsshop.com...

  • Halter Associates Realty

    Kingston & Woodstock
    www.halterassociatesrealty.c...

  • Ulster Tourism

    Kingston, (800) 342-5826
    www.ulstercountyalive.com/?u...

  • 7 MIles to Kingston

    Kingston, 9173558554
    www.7milestokingston.com/eve...

  • Ole Savannah Southern Table and...

    Kingston, (845) 331-4283
    www.olesavannah.com/

  • Saunderskill Farm


    www.saunderskill.com/

  • Blue Mountain Guest House

    Saugerties, 3233138426
    www.vrbo.com/560528

  • Emerson Resort & Spa, Mt. Tremp...

    Mt. Tremper, 845-688-2828
    www.emersonresort.com

  • The Art Effect

    Poughkeepsie
    https://feelthearteffect.org...

  • Winter Clove Inn & Resort

    Round Top, 5186223267
    www.winterclove.com/?utm_sou...

FAQ

ADD EVENT

ADD BUSINESS

  • instagram
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
CONTACT

CALL: 845-687-3470
EMAIL: VISITVORTEX@GMAIL.COM

VISITVORTEX
PO BOX 82
HIGH FALLS, NY 12440
SIGN UP

SIGN UP FOR EPOSTS OF EVENTS,
THINGS TO DO AND SEE NEW
HUDSON VALLEY VIDEOS!

SEE OUR WEDDING SITE


© VISITVORTEX.COM 2019.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS