Catskills: Red Hill Fire Tower (Denning Rd)

October 16, 2022 | Denning, NY

Region: Sundown Wild Forest (Southern Catskills)

Note: there are two different trail approaches to the summit/fire tower; the one I describe is from Denning Roa and was built more recently so may not be on all maps, directions are listed below… but speaking from experience, both are beautiful, moderately easy trails. The trails actually meet up, and the final 0.3 miles (0.48 km) to the summit is the same, no matter which trailhead you begin from. The other route is slightly shorter.

Denning Road trailhead: Once at the town of Claryville, NY, stay on route 19 (Claryville Road) which will turn into Denning Road. You will pass the fire department and then the Denning town hall. Stay on Denning Road until you see the sign and small parking lot for the Red Hill Fire Tower on your righthand side. If you reach a junction for New Road Hill, you went too far. If you stay on this road, you will hit a dead end (and another trailhead.)

The Hike: 4 miles roundtrip out-and-back (6.43 km.)

Dogs are permitted on leash, and the trail is open year-round (be prepared in winter with proper gear and footwear.) The tower cab was not open when I visited in mid-autumn, but the views are just as nice from the tower steps, which you can climb.

An ideal day and what you can pair this hike with: While this is an enjoyable hike on its own, I am always supportive of hikers wanting to make the most of their days and time spent outside - hence my recommendation to add this after one of the following hikes, if weather, time, and energy permit:

Slide Mountain, Table and/or Peekamoose, or Big Indian (these are all 3500ers, so while more difficult and lengthier, they are not too far of a driving distance from Red Hill.)