UPPER ESOPUS FIRE TOWER – TOWN OF SHANDAKEN – ELEVATION 670’

• History: The Upper Esopus Fire Tower was a fire tower used for fire surveillance in Venice, Florida that was completely restored for its new home in the Catskills. It was rebuilt on the grounds at the Catskills Visitor Center in the fall of 2019. This 80-foot steel tower is a great way for visitors to enjoy a rewarding view of the area only about a quarter of a mile walk from the parking area.
• Accessing the Cab: The staircase for the Upper Esopus Fire Tower is open all year long. The cab (the top of the tower) will open in April as weather allows and remain open until November when it will be closed in preparation for Winter. If you would like to visit the cab in April or November, give the Catskills Visitor Center a call at 845-688-3369 to confirm if it is open. Please make sure all windows are closed when leaving the cab towards the end of the day.
• Hiking Directions: From the parking lot of the Catskills Visitor Center, walk about a quarter of a mile on the red-blazed Interpretive Loop Trail (trail map here).