2026 Challenge Includes Two New Fire Towers in Delaware County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge has drawn participants from every region of New York, as well as 11 other states and Canadian Provinces. This challenge also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.
“The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge introduces New Yorkers and visitors to the exceptional hiking opportunities available on New York State public lands,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Each year, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts take Governor Hochul’s advice to get offline and outside by taking the Challenge and visiting the beauty of the Catskills from the heights of one of the historical fire towers. The Challenge is helping more people appreciate and enjoy all that this region has to offer, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.”
This year, the addition of Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha fire towers celebrates community partnerships and provides an even greater challenge to take with friends and family. Participation by the two towers in Delaware County is made possible by a strong partnership between DEC, local communities, and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing public recreation, tourism, and conservation.
Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower, built in 1934 and restored in 2005, is located just outside of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Bought in 2015 for $1, the fire tower is owned and maintained by the Village of Stamford. In 1900, the tower boasted views as far away as the Berkshires. Visitors to this tower have the option of hiking or driving a one-mile seasonal gravel road to the summit.
Bramley Mountain Fire Tower was recently reconstructed atop Bramley Mountain, an effort that spanned many years and completed thanks to the diligence of committed volunteers and community members. Open since May 2025, this tower offers sweeping views of the Catskills. The four-mile trail leading to the tower was built by the Catskill Mountain Club in partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower provides educational and historical information at the tower on weekends and holidays during the summer months.
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge continues to offer a unique way to encourage exploration of the region and its namesake mountains. The addition of Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha to this year's challenge will expand the program's footprint and provide more reasons for visitors to plan a Catskills getaway, complemented by one-of-a-kind experiences that can only be found in New York State."
For more information about the Catskills and to experience the easiest-to-reach fire tower in the region, visit the Catskills Visitor Center on Route 28 in the heart of the Catskill Park. Situated on 60 acres of forest, fields, and wetlands, the Catskills Visitor Center offers the tower, a visitor information center, gift shop, 1.5 miles of peaceful nature trails (including ADA-accessible trails), picnic areas, a covered pavilion, wildlife viewing, Esopus Creek access, and much more. Visitors can connect with staff and find valuable information, maps, and advice about all the activities available in the 700,000-acre forest preserve. The Catskills Visitor Center is open for the winter season Friday-Monday from 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m.
New York City Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala said, “These towers are cherished landmarks that offer extraordinary opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to learn about the history of the Catskills while taking in some truly breathtaking views. DEP remains proud of our recent work with our community partners in helping enable the recent restoration of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower and we hope the public enjoys using it for many years to come.”
To complete the challenge, participants must visit all eight fire towers in the Catskills region between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Once completed, participants submit a log of their completed hikes along with a favorite photo to CatskillsChallenge@dec.ny.gov, or via mail. Entries must be postmarked by January 5, 2027. Full details can be found at the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge page.
All participants who complete the challenge will receive a letter and a commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge patch designed with the 2026 completion year. 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. Again, this year, finishers who completed the challenge multiple times will receive an additional commemorative Catskills Fire Tower Challenge prize. Upon completion, finishers will be able to download a customizable certificate and will be eligible to win prizes after the challenge period is closed. Finishers will be entered into a grand prize drawing.
To promote responsible recreation, DEC will offer a bonus prize entry to finishers who also submit a photo of themselves being safe, respectful, and responsible when enjoying the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace™ while participating in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge. Love Our New York Lands by picking up litter, carrying out what you carried in, planning and preparing for safe hikes, staying on the trail, and finding more tips available at DEC’s website.
The 2025 challenge has more than 500 finishers to date. With DEC giving participants a full year to complete the challenge, hikers can complete it at their own pace. Hikers who would like to get a jump start on the Challenge for the new year can complete their first fire tower as part of a guided First Day Hike. The New York State Outdoor Guides Association, Catskills Visitor Center, and Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower will be leading hikes up Red Hill Fire Tower, Upper Esopus Fire Tower, and Bramley Mountain on January 1, 2026.
Stewardship of the DEC fire towers is a partnership with the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development. The Catskill Center, through the Catskill Fire Tower Project, manages six fire towers in the Catskill Park for public access and interpretation under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement?with DEC. Dedicated volunteers help maintain and staff each of the fire towers on weekends and holidays throughout the summer and fall seasons.
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