The 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is here! We’re excited to announce the addition of two new towers to the 2026 Challenge: Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower in Stamford, and Bramley Mountain Fire Tower in Delhi. The two towers are located in Delaware County and offer a great opportunity to experience the history, culture, and forests of the Catskills region.
To complete the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge:
• Visit all eight Fire Towers on Balsam Lake Mountain (Hardenburgh), Hunter Mountain (Hunter), Overlook Mountain (Woodstock), Red Hill Mountain (Denning), Tremper Mountain (Shandaken), Upper Esopus (Catskills Visitor Center), Mount Utsayantha, and Bramley Mountain between January 1-December 31, 2026.
• Fill out a log of your hikes either online or by mail (both are available on the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge webpage) by January 5, 2027.
Once you complete the challenge, you’ll receive a commemorative patch and be entered to win prizes. The first 1,000 finishers will also receive a one-year subscription to DEC’s Conservationist magazine AND a gift subscription for a second person of their choice. Finishers who have completed the challenge in multiple years will receive an additional commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge prize!
To receive an extra entry to receive a bonus prize, submit a photo of you or your hiking group practicing Leave No Trace while taking the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
for more information visit: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/catskills-fire-tower-challenge
