Kick off the new year outdoors with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s 14th 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 2024 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge!  

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

Join us at the Catskills Visitor Center for a nice stroll along our Interpretive Loop Trail with interpretive signage focusing on the ecology and history of the area along with a view of the Upper Esopus Fire Tower, located on the grounds. Please meet your hike leader David Hans inside of the Catskills Visitor Center approximately 10-15 mins prior to the hike start time of 1pm.

For those interested, the Upper Esopus Fire Tower will be open and available to climb. Please bring gear for both cold weather and snowy weather. Gloves, footwear, and coats should be insulating, and potentially water-resistant/proof. Snowshoes and/or crampons may be necessary, items will be available for rent on location if needed.

To register for the hike, please call the Catskills Visitor Center at (845) 688-3369 or email info@catskillcenter.org by December 25, 2023. 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.

WHEN

Monday, January 1st, 2024

1:00 pm