Red Hill Fire Tower Winter Hike from Denning Road: Snowshoe Guide, Trail Stats, and Catskills Views
Red Hill Fire Tower is a great introduction to Catskills winter hikes and a wonderful start to the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge in the winter
We snowshoed up Red Hill Fire Tower from Denning Road via the Red Hill Trail on a bluebird winter day, and this Catskills hike delivered deep snow, a solid climb, and some great fire tower views! In this guide we’ll let you know what to expect when hiking including trail information, gear that we used, and the great views you’ll get at the top of the mountain.
Red Hill Trail Facts
🌎 Location: Catskills, New York (Catskill Park)
🧭 Trailhead: Red Hill Fire Tower Trailhead, Claryville, NY (Google Maps)
🗺️ Route: Trailhead → Red Hill Trail → Red Hill Fire Tower → Red Hill Trail → Trailhead
🥾 Distance: 4 miles round trip
📈 Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate
📱AllTrails Information: Trail Route and Information in AllTrails
Highlights: Part of Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, fire tower views, and a hike that feels adventurous without being difficult.
Red Hill Trail Overview
The Red Hill Trail starts from a small trailhead on Denning Road in Claryville, New York. From the trailhead, you’ll follow the Red Hill Trail approximately 2 miles, while ascending about 1,300 feet to the summit of Red Hill where the Red Hill Fire Tower is located. While there are no views from the ground at the summit, by climbing the fire tower you’ll get great views of the Catskills high peaks (Slide, Cornell and Wittenberg) in one direction and the ridges of the Shawangunks in another. In the summer months there are volunteers from the Catskill Fire Tower Project present on weekends who are available to answer questions. From the Red Hill Fire Tower, you’ll hike back down the way you came to the trailhead for a total hike of 4 miles.
Red Hill Trail Description
The blue marked Red Hill Trail starts off mellow from the trailhead parking lot off Denning Road (road and trailhead plowed in winter), climbing steadily, but gently while winding through open hardwood forest on a well-graded path with switchbacks that makes the climb feel manageable. In the winter with good snow depths, the trail looks and feels smooth, as the snow covers all but the largest of obstacles. In the summer months you’ll find a good treadway and a generally smooth path with stone steps in the steepest spots.
At 1.4 miles from the Red Hill Fire Tower Trailhead, you’ll intersect with the yellow marked trail that goes to the Dinch Road trailhead. Bear right at this junction and stay on the blue marked Red Hill Trail. The climb distinctly changes character here. After a bit of flat walking, the trail turns slightly to the left and begins to steeply climb the 0.6 miles to the summit of Red Hill.
For us, this was all covered in deep snow when we did the hike, but in the summer months the trail becomes rockier and more eroded in this final ascent. Near the top of the steeper ascent you’ll pass a spring to your right, which is accessible in snow-free months during moderately wet times. The trail starts to flatten out just before the summit and soon approaches the Red Hill Fire Tower cabin and then the fire tower itself just beyond.
Spend some time at the summit. You can climb the fire tower year round, but the small cab at the top of the fire tower is only open when Catskill Fire Tower Project volunteers are present in the summer months. Even without the cab though, the views from the top of the stairs, just below the cab are spectacular and well worth the effort. Note that if you are visiting in the winter, these steps are often icy and you’ll need microspikes or other traction devices to safely ascend and descend the tower.
From the summit and the fire tower, you’ll return the way you came. Make sure to stay to the left on the blue marked Red Hill Trail at the trail junction with the Dinch Road Trail, otherwise you’ll end up on the other side of the mountain!
What’s up with the Dinch Road Trailhead: The original trail up Red Hill to the Red Hill Fire Tower began at Dinch Road, which is a lightly maintained seasonal road (closed in the winter month). A few years ago a new Red Hill Trail was built from the Red Hill Fire Tower Trailhead on Denning Road. That’s why you can see such a difference in trail layout and construction. The first 1.4 miles from Denning Road are built using sustainable trail design standards, while the original trail was built before those standards were generally used.
Red Hill Snowshoeing Essentials
Snowshoeing to the Red Hill Fire Tower is a great way to get introduced to winter hiking and snowshoeing in the Catskills. The hike is a moderate climb that lets you practice your skills on snowshoes in a forgiving area. Here are some of the key ways to stay prepared for a safe, enjoyable trip and be sure to check out our full Snowshoeing Essentials Guide:
Know your snowshoes: The trailhead isn’t the place to learn how to put on snowshoes. Practice at home because it’ll be cold and you’ll be wearing gloves at the trailhead.
Dress the part: Multiple layers (wool or synthetic base, fleece, windproof shell); expect wind at tower, pack spares.
Pace yourself: snow shoeing is generally slow going; plan for 3–4hrs round trip, bring fuel/hot drink for energy dips.
Keep your liquids warm: Water bottles freeze in temperatures below 32 degrees. Have an insulated bottle. Even better, pack a backpacking stove and make yourself some hot chocolate at the summit!
For More Information on hiking the Red Hill Trail in the Catskills
Catskill Park information is available at the Catskills Visitor Center located at 5096 Route 28 in Mt. Tremper.
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Gear we had on the Red Hill Trail hike:
Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!
Important Hiking Considerations:
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions.
Safety: Some sections of trail can be steep and rocky, others can be muddy, so use caution and always watch your footing.
Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
