Are you looking for the best hikes in the Hudson Valley in the fall? This list of Hudson Valley hikes with fire towers offers incredible views of forests full of red, yellow and orange leaves. If youโre lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the Hudson River!
Autumn is one of the best times to visit the Hudson Valley. Fall foliage blazes in vibrant hues. From up high, you can take in breathtaking fall views of forests, mountains, and rivers.
While all of these trails rank among the best hikes in the Hudson Valley for fall, some are more challenging than others. I’ve listed mileage and difficulty to help you choose the best hike for you.
Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley With Fire Towers
Overlook Mountain Fire Tower, Woodstock:
4.6 miles out and back, moderate difficulty
This beloved fire tower hike offers panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains and surrounding valleys. As you ascend the 4.6 mile out and back trail, you’ll pass through ruins of the old Overlook Mountain Hotel
This hike is moderately difficult. The trail shoots straight uphill, burning your quads and glutes. Itโs paved in asphaltโa fact that can turn some off. The hotel ruins and dramatic views more than make up for the asphalt in my opinion. However, I donโt do this trail often. It tends to be crowded, parking is annoying (see below), and there are equally great views to be had.
Its Woodstock location makes Overlook Mountain an extremely popular trail, and there is very limited parking.
Local police ticket any car that isnโt parked in the main or overflow parking lot. If youโre heading on this hike, go early and park smart to avoid an unexpected fine.
Mount Beacon Fire Tower, Beacon
4 miles out and back, moderate difficulty
Rising above the town of Beacon, this hike leads you to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower, which offers commanding views of the Hudson River, Hudson Highlands, and surrounding mountains. In the fall, the foliage transforms the scenery into a breathtaking tapestry of colors.
The trail is moderately difficult, with a mix of stairs and trail. A steep climb for the first mile levels out somewhat. As you hike, youโll pass remnants of an old funicular that carried tourists up the mountain. From the summit, youโll see a commanding view of the river with the Beacon-Newburgh bridge making a dramatic photo backdrop.
Being so close to Beacon means this trail is very crowded. Plan to go early to nab a parking spot.
Ferncliff Forest, Rhinebeck:
2.2 mile loop hike, easy difficulty
The Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower Hike is an easy 2.2 mile loop hike just minutes from the charming village of Rhinebeck. If youโre looking for hikes near Kingston, NY, add this one to your list. Itโs also a family friendly hike with the option to camp onsite.
The short, easy trail to the Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower winds through forests. Even though Rhinebeck is a 5 minutes drive away, the forest feels peaceful and quiet.
Iโve always encountered other hikersโbut nothing like the crowds at Mt. Beacon or Overlook.
The hike is quick. Youโre at the fire tower before you expect it. A couple flights of stairs and youโve reached your goal. From the tower’s top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the river valley, adorned with a mosaic of fall colors. In the background, you can see the Hudson River and Catskill peaks in the distance.
Ferncliff Forest Preserve in Rhinebeck, New York has a lot of trails. None of them are particularly long. You can merge trails together to extend your hike while ending at the fire tower.
Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower, Grahamsville:
6 miles, moderate difficulty
The Balsam Lake Mountain Fire Tower hike is a 6 mile out and back hike in Catskill Park. Views from the top rival those at other fire towers. While the hike is long, its elevation gain is spread evenly. This is why the trail has a moderate ranking.
This hike is in a more remote part of Catskill Park. This is a good thing, as the only people who trek all the way out here really want to be here. If youโre looking for a fall foliage hike that feels private, without that crowds at more popular Hudson Valley hikes, this one wonโt disappoint.
Mount Tremper Fire Tower, Phoenicia:
6.1 miles, difficult hike
IF youโre looking for a challenging day hike in the Hudson Valley, consider the Mount Tremper Fire Tower in Phoenicia, a short drive from Kingston, NY. The trail is steep and rocky, gaining almost 2,000 feet in this 6.1 mile out and back trail.
Atop Mt. Tremper, a fire tower awaits. From the tower’s top, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and a mesmerizing display of autumn colors.
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, Hunter:
4-7 miles, challenging difficulty
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is the highest fire tower in New York State, perched above 4,000 feet on the summit of ski area Hunter Mountain. This hike is rated challenging for its length and difficulty. If hiking to the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower, youโll want a good map. Several trails crisscross the mountain and a wrong turn could send you off on another trail.
The Catskills Visitor Center recommends a 7-mile round trip hike on the Spruceton Trail, accessible from a parking lot on Spruceton Road in Spruceton. The route is long and steep enough to feel like a good challenge, but still accessible for day hikers.
In the summer months, an option to use the Hunter Mountain Sky Ride (open some weekends only) cuts your hike down to 4 miles. Take the lift partway up, then look for the Colonelโs Chair trail, which leads to the fire tower.
Why Hike Catskill Fire Towers?
Fire towers offer incredible views for less effort than bagging a Catskill peak.
They make a great choice when you donโt have extended time for a hike, or when you want a big bang for your buck in terms of fall foliage scenery.
If you enjoy learning about the history and culture of places you visit, this is a great way to combine those interests with physical activity. Fire tower hikes offer a window into history from decades past.
Fire tower hikes may be less demanding than summiting peaks, but theyโre not easy. Not only do you have to complete the hike, youโll climb several flights of stairs. These stairs can be slippery when wet.
Itโs worth mentioning that some fire towers are better maintained than others.
Use your judgment and only climb as far as you feel safe.
History of New York State Fire Towers
For almost a century, fire towers in the Catskills and Adirondack mountains served as lookouts for signs of forest fires. At their peak, there were 19 fire towers in the Catskills and 52 fire towers in the Adirondacks.
The fire towers fell out of use. Many were unmaintained with rickety stairs and deteriorating observation cabins on top. The state began to take them down for safety. All of New Yorkโs fire towers were closed by 1990.
Around this time, grassroots initiatives developed to preserve the fire towers. Conservationists believed the fire towers were not only a valuable historic legacy, they had tremendous potential for adventure tourism.
The fire towers offered a unique view of nature, and could be a draw for hikers and tourists, especially during fall foliage season.
Today, some fire towers have found a second use storing equipment for the Department of Environmental Conservation. Solar panels, antennas, and radio equipment are houses in the high tower cabins.
While those fire towers are off-limits to the public, youโll find several other Hudson Valley fire tower hikes with amazing views! My favorites are listed above.
Whatโs Hudson Valley Weather in the Fall Like?
September can feel warm and humid, with temperatures as high as the 80s. As the month progresses, the weather usually cools down. Days are comfortable for hiking.
Unless fall comes really early, September wonโt bring those dazzling fall foliage colors you came to see.
October brings peak fall foliage โ and peak tourist crowds. October weather can be as high as the 60 in the day, with significantly cooler temperatures in the evening. Youโll definitely want to dress in layers for a Hudson Valley hike in October.
Come November, the trees have shed their leaves and the temperatures are much cooler. You may spot some brown oak leaves still clinging to life, but youโll have missed the peak foliage that make the best hikes in the Hudson Valley worth it.
One consolation is that trails will be much less crowded. If youโre looking to get a last active vacation in before winter comes and the region shuts down, these hikes still make excellent adventures.
Any of the Hudson Valley fire tower hikes on this list offer captivating views of fall foliage, with farm fields, lakes, and rivers in the background. These day hikes combine stunning views, crisp autumn air, and a kaleidoscope of colors that will leave you in awe of nature’s artistry.
So grab your day pack, snacks and water, and plenty of layers, and get ready for a new angle on Hudson Valley fall foliage colors!
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