The Great Catskill Fire Tower Challenge North

Conquer all five fire towers in two days

What We Love

Back to back Saturdays in the Catskills

Summit all five fire tower peaks

Challenge yourself

Get a cool patch for completing both days

Your Day

The Catskill fire towers were constructed to facilitate forest fire prevention and control in the Catskill Mountains. Out of 23 towers originally built between 1908 and 1950, only five remain. Some people will take a full day to hike to just one fire tower, but we’ve super-charged these trips to reach all five in only two days. Upon completion of both days, each participant will earn the official Catskill Fire Tower patch. Embark on an ambitious, historical adventure when you take on The Great Catskill Fire Tower Challenge! Today you'll embark to finish the final two towers - Hunter and Overlook.

This challenge consists of back to back Saturdays. Make sure you register for Day 1 on September 14 here!

Note: You do not have to do the entire challenge or have to have completed Part 1 of this challenge in order to do this hike.

Perfect for: Experienced hikers, fit adventurers up for a challenge

Planning

Bring

Essential Gear

Lunch
Ample snacks
At least three liters of water
Backpack pack Need a recommendation? Check out Deuter!
Weather-appropriate clothing. For a great selection and discounts, visit our partners
Sunscreen
Headlamp

Recommended Gear

Hiking poles
Gaiters

Wear

Essential Clothing

Comfortable athletic clothing
Hiking boots with non-cotton socks (required)
Hat
Jacket
Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures

What's Included

Included

Expert guides
Transportation
Park permits

Not Included

Meals
Gratuity for your guide

Drive to Meet

Have your own transportation? Select the "drive to meet" option at check out. You'll meet your guide at the Plattekill Travel Plaza at 8:15 AM. From there you'll follow the van about an hour to the trailhead.

Intensity

Level 8

Strenuous - For advanced and very fit hikers only

If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, a Level 8 trip is what you’re looking for. You will be called upon to prove you belong among the best. Only inner fortitude and perseverance will get you and your team to the top and back safely.

Activity

You should be ready for up to ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon, and keeping up your hiking skills.

Distances

You should expect to be hiking twelve to thirty miles per day.

Surfaces

On Level 8 trips you will be trekking in rugged mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

Elevation Change

There could be elevation change of 10,000+ feet per day with some altitude travel likely.

Altitude

Up to 17,000 feet.

Weather

Weather conditions can be quite different from the city in the mountainous regions we visit. Temperatures can be quite cooler as we head north or to higher elevations. Keep your eyes out for an email from our team a few days in advance of your trip. That email will provide updated weather conditions and will alert you to anything additional you should put in your pack to prepare. We head outside in any weather, as long as we know it's safe, and we don't let a little rain or wind ruin a chance for an adventure. You can contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about preparing for trail conditions.