There’s something special about a fire tower. Maybe it’s the history, standing above the treetops, or the 360° views that make the trek worth it. From the rolling peaks of the Catskills to the rugged wilderness of the Adirondacks, these towers are scattered across some of the most scenic spots in the state. Here are a few of our favorites.

Region: Southern Adirondacks (Saratoga County)
Trail Length: 3.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

This southern Adirondack favorite is often the first fire tower hike that comes to mind, and for good reason. The well-maintained trail winds through forest and rocky outcrops to a summit that feels far more remote than it actually is. From the top of the restored fire tower, you’ll get dramatic views of the Great Sacandaga Lake.

Region: Northern Adirondacks (near Tupper Lake)
Trail Length: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy

Short and sweet, Mount Arab is ideal for families or anyone short on time. A steady but gentle climb through hardwoods leads to an open summit with a fully restored fire tower and a small ranger cabin museum often open in summer. From the top: sweeping views of Tupper Lake.

Region: Eastern Catskills (near Woodstock)
Trail Length: 5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

Overlook Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the Catskills, and not just for the fire tower. The wide, gravel trail takes you past eerie ruins of an abandoned hotel before reaching the tower at 3,140 feet. From the top, you’ll see the Hudson River Valley, Ashokan Reservoir, and distant peaks like Slide Mountain. Go early! This trail gets busy, especially on weekends.

Region: Central Adirondacks (Hamilton County)
Trail Length: 4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Blue Mountain is a must-do for anyone exploring the central Adirondacks. The trail starts off moderate, then climbs steadily through forest and rocky switchbacks. The summit is wooded, but the tower climbs high above the treeline for unforgettable views of Blue Mountain Lake and Raquette Lake.

Region: Southern Catskills (Ulster County)
Trail Length: 2.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Located in one of the quieter corners of the Catskills, Red Hill offers solitude, scenery, and a short, well-maintained trail. After a gentle uphill walk, you’ll reach the tower, which was recently renovated and reopened. At the top you’ll experience peaceful views of Slide Mountain and the southern Catskills–without the crowds.

Central Adirondacks (near Indian Lake)
Trail Length: 7.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Difficult

Snowy Mountain is the tallest fire tower peak in the state at 3,899 feet. This trail is no joke– steep, rocky, and relentless in its final stretch–but the reward is one of the best views in the Adirondacks. The fire tower clears the tree line and gives you a 360° view of pure wilderness, with barely any signs of civilization in sight.

Region: Central Catskills (Greene County)
Trail Length: 8 miles round trip (via Becker Hollow)
Difficulty: Strenuous

One of the Catskills’ famed 3,500-foot peaks, Hunter Mountain is also home to the highest-elevation fire tower in New York. The Becker Hollow route is steep and rugged, but rewards you with views stretching as far as Massachusetts and Connecticut on a clear day. If you go in fall, expect stunning foliage.

Region: Western Adirondacks (near Old Forge)
Trail Length: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy

This is one of the most accessible and family-friendly fire tower hikes in the state. It’s a quick hike with views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes from the top. Because of its length and location, it can get crowded in peak summer.

Region: Central Adirondacks (near Long Lake)
Trail Length: 6.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate

Not to be confused with the short Owls Head near Lake Placid, this Owls Head Mountain is a quiet, under-the-radar gem. The trail winds through beautiful wilderness and eventually climbs to a fire tower with views of Long Lake. If you want a classic Adirondack experience without crowds, Owl’s Head Mountain is your hike.

Region: Western Adirondacks (near Cranberry Lake)
Trail Length: 2.5–3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

One of the more unique towers on the list, Cathedral Rock’s fire tower was relocated from another site and rebuilt by students at the nearby New York State Ranger School. The trail is fairly easy and scenic, winding through forest and rocky outcrops before reaching the tower. Views are astounding, and the sense of local history adds extra depth to the hike.

Region: Northeastern Adirondacks (near Keeseville, Essex County)
Trail Length: 4.6 miles round trip (via Ranger Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate

Dating back to 1917, Poke-O-Moonshine is one of the oldest fire towers in New York State. The Ranger Trail is the longer and more scenic of two routes, offering a quieter, steadier climb through a beautiful hardwood forest and past interpretive signs highlighting natural and cultural history. At the summit, you’ll find a fully restored fire tower with stunning views of Lake Champlain, the Green Mountains of Vermont, and even Montreal’s skyline on a super clear day.

In 2021, we awarded Adirondack Architectural Heritage $30,000 in Park & Trail Partnership Grant funding to complete a five-year rehabilitation of Poke-O-Moonshine’s Ranger Trail as a model of a sustainable interpretive trail to the top of the mountain. Go check it out!

Region: Hudson Valley (Putnam County)
Trail Length: 1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Tucked within Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam County, the trail winds through a quiet section of the Hudson Valley before culminating at the historic Ninham Mountain Fire Tower. Once at the top, hikers can climb the restored 82-foot tower for panoramic views of the surrounding forests and distant ridgelines–a truly stunning vantage point!

Want to earn your fire tower patch?

You can participate in the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge, Catskill Fire Tower Challenge, or even combine both!

Quick tips before you go:

• Check the DEC website or local trail orgs for closures and updates.
• Bring water, snacks, a map, and a jacket–towers can be windy even in August.
• Respect the towers: climb only if they’re open and stay safe on those top steps.
• Some towers are staffed seasonally with stewards. Say hi and ask questions!