MOVED TO SATURDAY 4/18: Bramley Mtn & Mt Utsayantha Fire Towers B2B

RESCHEDULED TO SATURDAY APRIL 18 DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST.

DEC's Catskill Fire Tower Challenge 2026 added two more towers: Mount Utsayantha & Bramley Mountain, with trailheads about 20 minutes drive apart. We'll start at the Bramley Mtn trailhead and head up the trail to Bramley Mtn tower, about 3.5 miles & 905 feet elevation gain, expected to take 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Mount Utsayantha's trail is 2 miles out and back, with 679 feet in elevation gain.
Bring snacks, lunch, water, tick repellant and gear for the weather - appropriate foot gear and hiking gear. Hiking is expected to take about 4 or 5 hours, and we will stop for views and lunch
https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/76620.html
Here's the list of fire towers (Finish all the fire tower hikes, fill out a little paper work and get a commemorative patch and certificate of completion.)

• Overlook Mountain - Woodstock, NY
• Hunter Mountain - Hunter, NY
• Red Hill Mountain - Denning, NY
• Balsam Lake Mountain - Hardenburgh, NY
• Tremper Mountain - Shandaken, NY
• Upper Esopus - Mt. Tremper, NY
• Mount Utsayantha - Stamford, NY
• Bramley Mountain - Bloomville, NY

***Meet at Trailhead***
8:30AM: Bramley Mtn, Bloomville, NY. Rated as moderate on AllTrails, 3.5 miles round trip with 905 ft elevation gain; this should take about 3 hours to complete.
Next is Mt Utsayantha, 1 mile and 679 ft up along a dirt road and back the same way. Along the way, you will see a granite marker for the alleged burial location of the local Indian maiden, Utsayantha. There are several viewpoints at summits, including from a wooden platform used by hang-gliding enthusiasts. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/mount-utsayantha

Bring water, snacks, lunch, bug spray/net. Please check yourself for ticks after the hike. Well-behaved dogs on leash allowed, but please let us know.

Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity. By attending, you agree you are responsible for yourself and are hiking at your own risk. My cell is 518-231-7319 if needed.
Hiking Mates Difficulty Rating System:
(Length-Pace-Difficulty)
Length: A+=13 Miles or More; A=8 to 12 mi, B=5 to 8 Miles, C=Under 5 Miles
Pace: 1=Fast, 2=Moderate, 3=Slow
Difficulty: A=Very Difficult, B=Strenuous, C=Average, D=Easy
SOCIAL: Social event only... not a hiking activity.
Example Ratings: B2C (5-8 Miles, Moderate Pace, Average Terrain)