From the parking area, follow the red-blazed Overlook Spur Trail that ascends Overlook Mountain on a gravel road. You’ll be climbing about 1,300 feet in elevation in the next 2.3 miles, with many views of the surrounding mountains as you climb.
About 1.9 miles from the start, you’ll come to the ruins of the former Overlook Mountain House on the right side of the trail. First built in 1833, it was rebuilt several times before being destroyed by fire in 1923. The owners started rebuilding it, but their efforts ended with the coming of the Depression. In the meantime, though, they had constructed a shell of concrete for the new building which, a century later, remains largely intact. These ruins are one of only a few extant examples of the Catskills' luxury destination status in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A short distance beyond, after passing a communications tower on the left, you’ll reach a junction with the blue-blazed Overlook Trail, which continues ahead. Turn right, and continue to follow the red-blazed Overlook Spur Trail.
In another 0.4 mile, you pass the caretaker’s cabin and reach the base of the Overlook Fire Tower. Climb the tower to take in the sweeping views of the Catskill Escarpment. The fire tower was originally built on Gallis Hill (west of Kingston), and was moved here in 1950. After extensive rehabilitation, it was reopened to the public in 1999. On weekends in the summer and early fall, a volunteer fire tower caretaker unlocks the cabin of the fire tower for even better views. For a bonus view, a short trail to the right beyond the caretaker’s cabin leads to a ledge overlooking the Ashokan Reservoir.
After taking in the spectacular views, retrace your steps, descending the mountain to the parking area.
Publication: Submitted by Daniel Chazin on 04/02/2024
This hike climbs to the Overlook Fire Tower, with spectacular views.
From the parking area, follow the red-blazed Overlook Spur Trail that ascends Overlook Mountain on a gravel road. You’ll be climbing about 1,300 feet in elevation in the next 2.3 miles, with many views of the surrounding mountains as you climb.
About 1.9 miles from the start, you’ll come to the ruins of the former Overlook Mountain House on the right side of the trail. First built in...
Whether you are going for a day hike or backpacking overnight, it is good practice to carry what we call The Hiking Essentials. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
Water - Two quarts per person is recommended in every season. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water.
Map - Know where you are and where you are going. Many of our hiking areas feature interconnecting network of trails. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). Check out some map-reading basics here.
Food - Snacks/lunch will keep you going as you burn energy walking or climbing. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail.
Sunscreen and insect repellent
Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. So does cold. Be prepared for changing weather. Avoid cotton--it traps water against your skin and is slow to dry. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off.
Compass - A simple compass is all you need to orient you and your map to magnetic north.
Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack.
First Aid Kit - Keep it simple, compact, and weatherproof. Know how to use the basic components.
Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. A firestarter (this could be as simple as leftover birthday candles that are kept inside a waterproof container) and matches (again, make sure to keep them in a waterproof container) could save a life.
Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem.
Emergency Numbers - Know the emergency numbers for the area you're going to and realize that in many locations--especially mountainous ones, your phone will not get reception.
Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Has the weather turned rainy? Is daylight fading? Did you drink all your water? Did your companion fail to bring rain gear? Are you getting tired? Keep in mind that until you turn around you are (typically) only half-way to completing your hike--you must still get back to where you started from! (Exceptions are loop hikes.)
Check the weather forecast before you head out. Know the rules and regulations of the area.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner.
(c) Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.
Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 19 and proceed west on N.Y. Route 28 for 5.9 miles. Turn right and head north on N.Y. Route 375 for 2.9 miles, then turn right onto Mill Hill Road. In 0.5 mile, turn right onto Rock City Road. In 0.6 mile, cross Glasco Turnpike and continue on Meads Mountain Road for 2.0 miles to the parking area at the trailhead. GPS address: 334 Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY 12498.
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