The Fire Lookout 5er Towers
The NY Downstate Fire Lookout 5er list includes six public towers in the Lower Hudson Valley, as well as 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 10 towers in the Fire Lookout 5er Challenge so that you can explore these historic landmarks as you see fit, whether you're chasing after big views or simply exploring close to home.
Hike to any five of the listed towers to complete the challenge and earn an official Fire Lookout 5er patch, or visit all ten for an additional reward! You do NOT need to climb the fire lookout structures for your visits to count.
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 Lookouts
* These towers are located on the summits of 28er List peaks.
Cross River Mountain Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The original Cross River Mountain Fire Tower was constructed in 1922, but decommissioned by the DEC in 1971 and removed from the mountain several years later without county approval, despite being a popular historical landmark. Thanks to the joint efforts from Westchester County officials, area non-profits, and local residents, a new fire tower is currently being resurrected at the historic tower's location, with completion expected by the end of 2026. Once rebuilt, the tower will be the highest point in Westchester County and boast views spanning from the Catskills and the Berkshires to NYC and Long Island.
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Ferncliff Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The 80' Derrick International Fire Tower was placed atop Mount Rutsen for public recreation in 2007, a sturdy replacement of the wooden World War II era watch tower which once stood on the mountain. It is a highlight of the not-for-profit Ferncliff Forest Game Refuge & Preserve, which is open to the public for hiking, biking, camping and fishing year-road. The observation tower offers exceptional views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. Please note that permits are required for camping in the park or visiting after-hours, and the preserve is gated closed each evening.
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Jackie Jones Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The Jackie Jones Fire Tower is a 60' steel frame Aermotor LS-40 tower with a 7'x7' cab atop Jackie Jones Mountain, built in 1928 and used for fire detection operations until 1988. The tower has undergone several cycles of degradation and restoration since. In 2021 the tower was fenced off and access was forbidden, but that fence has also subsequently fallen into disrepair. The tower remains officially closed and is unsafe to climb, but visitors continue to do so. We DO NOT recommending climbing the tower in its current state, but we do hope to bring awareness and a renewed effort towards its rejuvenation.
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Mount Beacon Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The Mount Beacon Fire Tower is a 60' steel frame Aermotor LS-40 tower with a 7'x7' cab atop South Beacon Mountain, built in 1931 and decommissioned in 1987. The tower received major renovations spanning several years thanks to the joint efforts of many area non-profit organizations, outdoor clubs, local businesses, and even the US military before re-opening to the public in 2013. It is open year-round, and offers a range of view that is 75 miles or greater, from Albany to Manhattan, on a clear day.
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Nimham Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The Nimham Fire Tower is a 82'6" steel frame LS-40 tower with a 7'x7' cab. It was built atop Nimham Mountain in 1940 and was used for fire detection until 1988. The mountain and tower are named after Chief Daniel Nimham of the Wappinger Tribe, a prominent diplomat and officer who gave his life for the American cause during the Revolutionary War. The tower was renovated and made open to the public in 2005. The park offers multi-use trails and is also open to primitive dispersed camping.
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Perkins Memorial Tower (Bear Mountain)
Tower Access:
The Perkins Memorial Tower is a 40' tall stone lookout with a 20'x20' cab 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. The tower is open to the public, weather-permitting, from April 1st through November 30th. Excellent vistas abound on Bear Mountain regardless of whether or not you climb the tower.
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Roosa Gap Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The Roosa Gap Fire Tower is a 35' steel frame Aermotor LS-40 tower with a 7'x7' cab. It was erected in 1948 and used for fire detection until being decommissioned in 1972. Sitting atop the rocky backbone of Shawangunk Ridge among mostly stunted pines and blueberry bushes, the fire tower offers exceptional 360 degree views of the Shawangunks, Catskills, and Hudson Valley with little effort. Please note that this fire tower may not actively be receiving regular maintenance or integrity checks, so use caution and good judgement if you decide to climb it.
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Sky Top Tower
Tower Access:
The 60ft tall stone Sky Top Tower was erected as a memorial to Mohonk Mountain House founder Albert K. Smiley in 1923 atop Shawangunk Ridge for use as a regional fire lookout station, and it served that purpose until 1971. Today, the tower remains an iconic part of the landscape and a highlight for visitors of Mohonk Mountain House Resort. Because the tower is on private property, access is granted only to individuals staying at the resort or who've purchased a day-hiking pass online ahead of their visit. Timed entry hiking passes are released 72 hours ahead of time and may sell out on weekends and holidays. Passes are $35/person for adults, and $30/person for children. Trails are open year-round, weather permitting.
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Sterling Fire Tower
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 the state ended its fire observation program, but has since fallen into disrepair. Consequently, access above the first set of steps on the tower is forbidden for safety reasons, and it is unknown if renovation efforts are planned. There are no views at the base the tower, but a bench and picnic table welcome visitors here, and several scenic vistas exist elsewhere along the ridge.
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Stissing Fire Tower
Tower Access:
The Stissing Fire Tower is an 86' Derrick Model steel frame tower. It was built on the northern shoulder of Stissing Mountain in 1934 and was used for fire detection until 1973. Threatened with removal, concerned citizens formed Friends of Stissing Landmarks (FOSL) in 1986 to take over responsibility of the tower from the state and keep it open to the public. It was transferred to FOSL and renovated in 1994, and it has been maintained for free public use year-round since. The tall tower offers expansive views all the way to Vermont and Pennsylvania in clear conditions.
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NY Downstate 28er Challenge
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Challenge yourself to hike 28 scenic peaks in the beautiful Lower Hudson Valley region of New York and earn an exclusive finisher patch!
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