Red Hill Fire Observation Station

Red Hill Fire Observation Station is a fire lookout tower in Ulster County situated at an elevation of 2,980 feet (908 meters). The structure with its attached observer cabin provides views across the Catskill Mountains region.

The tower was built in 1920 by the Aermotor Windmill Company and served as a key tool for forest fire detection for decades. Monitoring operations ended in 1990 when regular patrols were discontinued.

The station represents an era when forest protection was new, with its observer cabin from 1931 being among New York's oldest. People came here to spot fires early and protect the surrounding woods.

A marked hiking trail of about 1.5 miles leads to the tower and is accessible year-round. Volunteer guides are present on weekends from late June through early October.

The tower is the southernmost fire observation point in Catskill Park and operated longer than any other in the region. Its elevation and location made it a valuable early-warning system for forest fires.

Location: Ulster County

Inception: 1920

Architects: Aermotor Windmill Company

GPS coordinates: 41.92375,-74.51713

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:09