Red Hill Fire Tower(Catskills)

Took advantage of a gorgeous summer evening by heading south into the Catskills to hike 2990 foot Red Hill, yet another Catskill Hundred Highest peak.

 On the drive down, I stopped off to check out some of the beautiful views along Peekamoose Road.

 A short scramble from the road leads to a beautiful set of falls.

 The water looked so enticing.

 After a few minutes at the falls, I continued on to the Red Hill Fire Tower parking area along gravel Dinch Road.  The Fire Tower is located in the Sundown Wild Forest and is so far off the beaten path that there was no one there when I arrived.

 The trail head has an elevation of 2100 feet, a fairly high elevation, meaning that a short 1.4 mile hike with an elevation gain under 900 feet leads to the summit.  This allows you to really take your time and enjoy the hike.   Crossing over a small stream as the hike begins by heading west.

Passing by a large fern glade just off the trail.

Most of the trail is very well maintained and follows easy grades up the mountain as it swings south.

 

A sharp bend in the trail is well marked.

 One of the last steeper pushes to the top.

 After only 1.4 miles the trail emerges into a large clearing where a cabin and the fire tower are located. 

 The 60 foot Red Hill Fire Tower, located at the 2990 foot summit.  Red Hill just barely makes the Hundred Highest list at a tie for 100th.

I climbed all the way up to the top steps just below the cab, which unfortunately was locked.  The views from the top step were still spectacular with 360 degree views. 

 The view south allows for a glimpse of the Rondout Reservoir just beyond the tree tops.

 A soft breeze and a temperature just over 60 degrees made for a drop dead gorgeous summer evening.

 Neighboring 3053 foot Denman Mountain sits southwest.

The view north towards Doubletop and Graham.

The east view down into the valley.

 The view northeast towards the Denning Road valley.

The west view towards the rolling hills of the Western Castkills was a bit obscured due to the late afternoon sun glare.

Dropping down off the mountain, the trail passes more open hardwoods.

 An easy descent lead down off the mountain back to the car.  Round trip was 2.8 miles with 890 feet elevation gain.
On the way home, I stopped by the peaceful Rondout Reservoir as the evening set in.

 A small bay on the reservoir with scattered row boats all around.