Catskill Fire Tower Project

Catskill Fire Tower Project Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Catskill Fire Tower Project, National Park, Arkville, NY.

Volunteers staff the Catskill Park's five fire towers (Balsam Lake Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Red Hill and Tremper Mountain) as part of the Catskill Fire Tower Project, a program of the Catskill Center. The Catskill Fire Tower Project is a program of the Catskill Center who is responsible for the management and oversight of the volunteer Fire Tower stewardship program in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Have you been to the Upper Esopus Fire Tower?
09/04/2026

Have you been to the Upper Esopus Fire Tower?

09/04/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | September 4- September 6

Make the most of the unofficial last weekend of summer with a Labor Day adventure in the Catskills! The forecast is looking beautiful for hiking, camping, and exploring, with partly cloudy skies Friday and plenty of sunshine through the weekend. Expect highs near 79°F Friday, 75°F Saturday, and 71°F Sunday, with crisp overnight temperatures dipping into the 50s. Keep in mind that rain earlier this week may leave trails wet and muddy and some streams running higher than usual, so use extra caution at water crossings.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive $100 off any stay at Wilderkaat.

Trail Tips:
• Expect popular trailheads and destinations to be busier than usual over the holiday weekend. Have a backup hike in mind and never park illegally or block roadways.
• Rain earlier this week may mean higher water levels and more challenging stream crossings. Use extra caution around moving water, never attempt a crossing that feels unsafe, and be prepared to turn around or choose an alternate route.
• Heading out early or staying overnight? Temperatures could dip into the low to mid-50s, so pack an extra layer and an appropriate sleep system.
• Never transport firewood long distances. Buy it locally to help prevent the spread of invasive forest pests.
• Whether hiking or camping, follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out everything you bring into the forest.

Weather Forecast:

🌤 Friday: Partly cloudy. High near 79°F, low 58°F.

🌤 Saturday: Mostly Sunny . High near 75°F, low 55 °F.

🌤 Sunday: Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 73°F, low 52°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

08/21/2026

Fall is right around the corner in the Catskills, and now is a great time to start planning for the season ahead!

As autumn color begins to make its way across the region, make the Catskills Visitor Center your gateway to fall in the Catskills.

Stop in for maps, current trail conditions, local knowledge, and personalized recommendations to help you plan scenic drives, hikes, overlooks, and other ways to make the most of leaf peeping season.

We’re located at 5096 NY-28 in Mount Tremper and open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Remember, when you plan well and explore thoughtfully, you experience more!

08/21/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | August 21 - August 23

A wet weekend is ahead in the Catskills, with Friday offering the best opportunity to hit the trails. Expect mostly sunshine on Friday, followed by cloudy skies during the day and occasional rain Saturday night and the potential for thunderstorms Sunday afternoon. Rain may leave trails muddy and stream crossings higher or faster-moving than usual, so never attempt a crossing that feels unsafe. If you hear thunder while hiking, move away from exposed summits, ridgelines, and fire towers, and seek lower ground.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by .When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% off dining at the Phoenicia Diner.

Trail Tips:
• Friday may offer the best hiking window, but pack rain gear even if skies look clear when you start.
• If thunderstorms are in the forecast, avoid exposed summits, ridgelines, fire towers, and other high points.
• Expect muddy sections and potentially higher water at stream crossings following rainfall.
• Use extra caution on wet rocks, roots, wooden bridges, and other slick sections of trail.
• Carry a map, headlamp, and basic safety gear, even on shorter hikes.

Weather Forecast:

🌤 Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 76°F, low 59°F.

⛅ Saturday: Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers at night. High near 74°F, low 63 °F.

🌩 Sunday: Rain showers in the morning with thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. High 76°F, low 58°F.
🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

08/07/2026

Catskill Trail Conditions | August 7 - August 9

Summer heat and unsettled weather are in the forecast this weekend. Friday and Saturday both bring warm temperatures, variable clouds, and the chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms, while Sunday looks to offer a mix of clouds and sunshine with the driest conditions of the weekend. If you're planning a longer hike, Sunday will likely provide the best opportunity, but keep an eye on the forecast before heading out. With recent rainfall across the region, streams and water crossings will likely remain higher than normal, and additional thunderstorms could keep trails muddy and slippery, especially around rocks, roots, and stream crossings.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by Camp Catskill. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% off all purchases at Camp Catskill.

Trail Tips:
• Check the weather before you head out and have a backup plan if thunderstorms are in the forecast.
• Start your hike early to avoid the hottest part of the day and reduce your chances of getting caught in afternoon storms.
• Be prepared for higher-than-normal stream crossings and use extra caution around fast-moving water. When in doubt, turn around.
• Head below treeline immediately if you hear thunder, lightning can strike well before rain begins.
• Use extra caution on wet rocks, roots, wooden bridges, and other slick sections of trail after rain.
• Carry a map, headlamp, and basic safety gear, even on shorter hikes.

Weather Forecast:

🌩️ Friday: Variable clouds and scattered thunderstorms. High near 84°F, low 68°F.

🌩️ Saturday: Variable clouds and scattered thunderstorms. High near 86°F, low 68°F.

⛅️ Sunday: Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a stray storm possible. High 85°F, low 64°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

07/25/2026

Catskill Park Trail Conditions for the weekend of July 24, 25, and 26.

Blue skies and comfortable summer temperatures are on tap for a beautiful weekend in the Catskills. Expect mostly sunny skies on Friday and Saturday, with a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. With highs around 81°F each day and cooler mornings, it’s shaping up to be an ideal weekend for hiking, paddling, and exploring the region.

This week’s trail conditions are sponsored by Garden Cafe at Woodstock. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% of dining at the Garden Cafe Woodstock.

Weather Forecast:

☀️ Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 80°F, low 58°F.

☀️ Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 81°F, low 61°F.

🌤 Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 82°F, low 62°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

Catskill Park conditions and information for the weekend! Stay safe and recreate responsibly.
07/23/2026

Catskill Park conditions and information for the weekend! Stay safe and recreate responsibly.

Catskill Trail Conditions | July 24 - July 26

Blue skies and comfortable summer temperatures are on tap for a beautiful weekend in the Catskills. Expect mostly sunny skies on Friday and Saturday, with a mix of sun and clouds on Sunday. With highs around 81°F each day and cooler mornings, it's shaping up to be an ideal weekend for hiking, paddling, and exploring the region.

This week's trail conditions are sponsored by Garden Cafe Woodstock. When you join the Catskill Center as a member, you will receive 10% of dining at the Garden Cafe Woodstock.

Trail Tips:
• Start your hike early to enjoy cooler temperatures, quieter trails, and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes or routes with limited shade.
• Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as exposed summits and overlooks can be sunny even on mild days.
• Check yourself and your pets for ticks after your hike and stay on marked trails to help protect sensitive habitats.
• Carry a map, headlamp, and basic safety gear, even on shorter hikes.
• Practice Leave No Trace by packing out everything you bring in and respecting wildlife from a distance.

Weather Forecast:

🌞 Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 80°F, low 58°F.

🌞 Saturday: Mostly sunny. High near 81°F, low 61°F.

🌤 Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 82°F, low 62°F.

🔗 To learn more about this week’s trail conditions, visit catskillstrailconditions.com.

Looking for outdoor gear to rent? Stop by our Visitor Center or check out rentals online at catskillsvisitorcenter.org/rentals!

Thanks for hiking responsibly and helping protect the Catskills!

📸 Tag us in your Catskills hikes!

06/17/2026
This weekend!
06/17/2026

This weekend!

How’s your woodlore?

Can you identify the trees around you? Explain why they grow where they do? Recognize the ways they’ve shaped our landscapes, communities, and daily lives?

Join the Catskill Center and Levi O’Brien of Levi O'Brien Tree School for a deep dive into the world of trees and the stories they hold.

🗓️ Sunday, June 21, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Catskills Visitor Center
🎟️ $30 per person

Part tree identification workshop, part natural history walk, and part exploration of our relationship with forests, this program will examine the trees of the Catskills through a mix of biology, ecology, history, and culture. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize common species, understand their place in the forest ecosystem, and uncover the many ways people have relied on, worked with, and learned from trees for generations.

This is a unique opportunity to learn from one of the region’s most knowledgeable and engaging tree educators.

Advance registration is required at catskillcenter.org/events

06/17/2026

Address

Arkville, NY
12406

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18455862611

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