Kick off the new year outdoors with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s 13th Annual First Day Hikes program. Visit Dec.ny.gov for details.

Please check our events page for information on the two hikes available.

Start the new year enjoying great views while completing one of the six fire towers in the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge!  

Loop Trail and Upper Esopus Fire Tower at the Catskills Visitor Center, 5096 State Rt 28, Mt. Tremper, NY 12457

Please meet your hike leader at the entrance to the Catskills Visitor Center at 11am.

The 0.5 mile loop trail provides an accessible hike for everyone. Walk the trail with Catskill Center Board Chair Peg DiBenedetto while she shares tips for enjoying nature. For those interested, the Upper Esopus Fire Tower will be open and available to climb. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. 

To register for the hike, please call the Catskills Visitor Center at (845) 688-3369 or email info@catskillcenter.org. Provide your name, phone number, and email so we can reach you about any changes or cancellations. Advance registration is required and the hike is limited to 15 people. Space is limited.