Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
What:
Every year the NYS DEP organizes a Fire Tower Challenge in the Catskills. The point is to visit all six remaining fire towers during the year. (The sixth tower is at the visitor center so not really a hike that’s why it’s not included here).
If you go on the weekends the towers have volunteers working there and apparently we can go up to the top of the tower. Those towers were built to look out for forest fires, so the view is amazing.
I’m proposing that we try to visit the five towers still in place this spring and early fall. These hikes are open to anyone interested. Kids who love hiking and are up to the challenge are always welcome.
Hike Details:
Ratings and time estimates based on AllTrails.
• From Danbury they are each about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive.
• Each hike takes from about 2:30 to 4 hours (up and down, not counting time spent at the top)
• The trails are about 4.5 to 5.5 miles long; one is 7.2 miles.
• Looking at the trails in AllTrails four are rated Moderate and one is rated Hard.
• The vertical climb is impressive, anywhere from 1,200 feet to about 1,800 feet. One is 2,200 feet!
Post hike we could go for a late lunch at one of the many breweries or restaurants in the area. We’ll plan as we get closer to each hike.
When:
I’m thinking we could try to do three on weekends in April and May starting with the easiest when it’s still cooler outside and then the other two in September and October when everyone is back from summer vacations. Early October might be leaf season in the Catskills and be spectacular.
Practical Info:
These are not really long hikes but they are real hikes on a mountain. It’s going to climb probably for the entire hike, I expect we may have to scramble across some rocks here and there. We’ll set out slow and pace ourselves. We’ll stop to rest and take in the scenery. We can hike as a group or break up and re-group periodically, we’ll decide what works best.
I expect no cell service, so we need to coordinate carefully so everyone knows how to get to the trailhead parking. We’ll meet there, wait for everyone and set off at a predetermined time.
We’ll determine a “halfway point”—hopefully with a view—if people are not confident that they can do the entire hike. Aiming for the halfway point can be the goal. Once you are there, determine if you want to keep going. You will have already reached your goal.
Some Gear Recommendations:
I would recommend bringing bug spray, sunblock and a hat. Additionally, you should bring:
Rain Gear. At least a hooded poncho if we get caught in a downpour. Choose something large enough to cover you and your backpack. Likewise, a sweatshirt or windbreaker in case it’s chilly at the top.
A water bottle. Does not have to be huge, just enough for the hike. I have a regular bottle on the trail and leave more water in a cooler in my car for when I’m done.
Food. Trail mix, peanuts, anything with a lot of calories. The first sign of hunger is getting very tired all of a sudden. I stop for a few minutes, wolf down some food and water. Makes a huge difference.
Hiking boots or shoes. You can hike in sneakers, I’ve done it, but your foot moves around and gets sore quickly. A good set of hiking boots (and hiking socks) makes a world of difference. Plus the aggressive tread helps with mud. I got mine at REI where I could try them on.
A small backpack. You can wear it when you need your arms for balance or carry it if it gets too uncomfortable.
For details and to RSVP, please contact DSC Delegate at Large and hike leader Andre Benoit at andregbenoit@hotmail.com
Comments:
If it looks like rain a few days out we can decide then based on people's availability and interest on a rain date. Interested but can't make a certain date? Contact Andre!
Updated 3/14/2023