The Fire Lookout 5er Towers

The NY Downstate Fire Lookout 5er list includes five public towers in the Lower Hudson Valley, as well four additional fire lookouts located just outside of the downstate region. Lookout tower access in the region changes often, and climbing some towers for their panoramic views may not be possible (or safe) at all times. We've included 9 towers in the Fire Lookout 5er Challenge so that you can explore these historic landmarks as you see fit, whether you're chasing after the best views or simply exploring close to home. Hike to any five of the listed towers to complete the challenge and earn an official Fire Look 5er patch, or visit all nine for an additional reward! The Fire Lookout 5er is a subset of the larger NY Downstate 28er Challenge, and three tower peaks are also on the 28er list.

Mid-Hudson Valley

Ferncliff Fire Tower
Roosa Gap Fire Tower
Sky Top Tower
Stissing Fire Tower

Lower Hudson Valley

Jackie Jones Fire Tower
Mount Beacon Fire Tower *
Ninham Fire Tower *
Perkins Memorial Tower *
Sterling Fire Tower

* These towers are located on the summits of 28er List peaks.

Perkins Memorial Tower (Bear Mountain)

Bear Mountain State Park

Tower Access:

The Perkins Memorial Tower is a 40' stone lookout atop Bear Mountain. Built in 1934, it honors George W. Perkins, the visionary behind the Palisades Interstate Park system. It is still in use by the Park Commission during periods of high fire danger. It is open to the public, weather-permitting, for much of the year.

Suggested Hike:

Bear Mountain Loop Trail
(Loop, 3.8 miles, 1,148 ft gain)

Resources:

Park Website
Park Map

OPEN!

Sterling Fire Tower

Sterling Forest State Park

Tower Access:

The Sterling Fire Tower is a 60' steel frame Aermotor LS-40 tower with a 7'x7' cab atop Sterling Ridge. It was built in 1922 and renovated in 1968. It became a volunteer-run reserve lookout in 1989 when NY state ended its fire observation program, but has since fallen into disrepair. Consequently, access above the first set of steps on the tower is currently gated for safety reasons. There are no views at the base the tower, but several scenic vistas exist elsewhere along the ridge.

Suggested Hike: