Rugged, scenic, and rich with history, Delaware County invites adventurers to explore its skyward sentinels: the Bramley Mountain and Mt. Utsayantha fire towers. Once part of a statewide fire detection system, these towers now offer hikers and wanderers panoramic views, rich local lore, and a deep breath of Catskills air.
From 1908 to 1950, New York State built nearly 100 fire towers atop peaks in the Catskills and beyond, placing human eyes at key vantage points to spot forest fires before they could spread. While satellites and other technologies have largely replaced them, the towers remain—repurposed as hiking destinations that reward a climb with sweeping views and a glimpse into the past.
Bramley Mountain Fire Tower
Originally erected in 1950, the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower once stood on private land, keeping watch over the forest. Decommissioned in 1970, it was sold for 50 dollars to fifth-generation dairy farm, Clark Farms—with the odd caveat that the buyer had to move it themselves. After years in limbo, the tower was restored and reopened on January 4 of this year, thanks to a dedicated community effort.
The Bramley Mountain Trail, a popular four-mile loop of moderate difficulty, leads to the tower’s summit. The path winds through hardwood forests, past rocky outcrops, and along an abandoned bluestone quarry before arriving at the 80-foot tower. From the top, hikers are treated to uninterrupted 360-degree views of the western Catskills.
After a hike, head to nearby Delhi to refuel. Grab a comforting meal at Blue Bee Café or savor a refined dinner at EightyMain. For browsing and treasure hunting, visit Rabbit Boy Vintage, The Lost Bookshop, and The Stonehouse—each brimming with local charm and one-of-a-kind finds.
Mt. Utsayantha Fire Tower
Set above the village of Stamford, Mt. Utsayantha rises to 3,214 feet and offers one of the region’s most accessible fire-tower experiences. The mountain is named after an Indigenous woman whose story is woven into local legend, and the views from its summit are as memorable as the mythology.
A 2.3-mile trail leads hikers through fields and woodlands, lined with wildflowers in spring and summer. For those less inclined to hoof it, there’s a drive-up road to the summit. There, visitors will find a wooden platform used for hang-gliding launches, picnic areas, and the historic fire tower—still standing tall and offering jaw-dropping views of the northern Catskills.
Stamford, once called the “Queen of the Catskills,” remains a charming outpost with big personality. Warm up with a cup of coffee from Stamford Coffee or settle in for a satisfying lunch at T. P.’s Cafe. Shoppers can explore Catskill Outpost, Tandem Antiques, and Catskill Junction, all filled with regional goods and antiques that reflect the area’s history and style.
Beyond the Towers
Want to make a day of any fire-tower excursion? There’s plenty more to enjoy nearby. Just a short drive from either tower is the West Kortright Center, a cultural hub in East Meredith that hosts concerts, performances, and an annual film festival. In the nearby hamlet of Meredith, dine on locally sourced fare at Stonewall at the Meredith Inn, then swing by cookbook author Alison Roman’s First Bloom Corner Store in Bloomville for a curated selection of high-end pantry items, local produce, baked goods, and giftable small-batch goods to bring back home.
With 19 towns spread across its hills and valleys, Delaware County offers more than just views. It’s a place to slow down, breathe deep, and wander well—whether summiting a fire tower, browsing antique shops, or kicking back with a cup of coffee in a Catskills cafe.
This article appears in Spring/Summer 2025.
