Bramley Mountain Trail (photo by Catskill Mountain Club)

A Perfect Reason to Plan a Trip to the Delhi Area

Exciting news for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Catskills explorers: the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower has officially been added to the 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Bramley Mountain now joins a celebrated list of historic fire towers, including Mount Utsayantha in Stamford, inviting visitors to experience sweeping Catskills views while exploring the natural beauty of Delaware County.

The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages experienced hikers to visit the region’s remaining fire towers, including Balsam Lake Mountain, Hunter Mountain, Overlook Mountain, Red Hill, Tremper Mountain, the Upper Esopus Fire Tower at the Catskills Visitor Center—and now Bramley Mountain right here in Delhi. According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, the challenge inspires New Yorkers and visitors alike to “get offline and outside,” discover the Catskills from new heights, and foster a deeper appreciation for New York’s public lands.

The tower’s first staffed season was a tremendous success. Volunteer stewards welcomed visitors every weekend and holiday from Memorial Day Weekend through Indigenous Peoples’ Day, with only two rainouts despite a wet start to the season. Visitor numbers were strong throughout the year, with more than 100 people visiting on multiple days and a peak of 113 visitors on October 11 alone. Feedback from hikers consistently highlighted how informative, welcoming, and enthusiastic the volunteer stewards were.

The impact has been clear: trail counters recorded 2,217 hikers between June and August 2025—nearly triple the number from the same period in 2024. With inclusion in the 2026 Fire Tower Challenge, interest is expected to grow even more.

For those looking ahead to 2026, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Delhi area. Pair your hike with local dining, shopping, lodging, and cultural experiences, and make a weekend—or longer—out of your Catskills adventure. The Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower are also seeking additional volunteer stewards for the upcoming season; those interested can learn more by contacting info@bramleymountainfiretower.org.

Whether you’re checking off fire towers, chasing fall foliage, or simply looking for fresh air and unforgettable views, Bramley Mountain’s inclusion in the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge makes Delhi an even more compelling destination for 2026. You can learn more about Friends of Bramley Mountain here.