| Phoenicia - Mt. Tobias Wild Forest · Town of Shandaken · Elevation 2,740' |
History | Restoration Update | Contact Information | Fire Tower Pictures
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The fire tower is believed to be the original structure built circa 1917, and was used for fire observation until 1971. The 47' tower was placed in its present location because of the vast sections of Forest Preserve not visible from the Hunter and/or Belleayre fire towers. Because the summit is covered with trees, the tower is not easily seen from other mountains - although the new roof can be seen from Boiceville reflecting the morning sun. The oak trees seem to hide it from the naked eye, but once you are in the tower a spectacular 360° view awaits you. The Burroughs Range seems right next to you, the Skytop Tower at Mohonk is as clear as the day, and the v-shaped Stony Clove and Deep Notches give you a glimpse of what is behind the mountains that comprise the Devil's Path. The summit of Tremper Mountain is unlike the others, mountain laurel, northern red oak, and maples dominate. While it was in use for fire observation, the tower was well maintained, but it has since fallen into a state of disrepair due to vandalism and neglect, anf the observers' cabin is now gone.
The steady climb up Tremper Mountain from the Phoenicia side offers many often over-looked rewards. About a mile in (1,495'), a large quarry dump is easily seen off to the left. An old road leads a few hundred feet to its center, where some energetic hikers have built some seats and statues. This old bark road, which the trail follows, was used as a quarry road for 38 years. (Kudish, 2000) You will also find an area where much of the bluestone was excavated. Please watch where you place your hands and feet. Timber rattlesnakes are present in the very rocky areas on Tremper (as well as Overlook) Mountain. Another great spot is the first lean-to, recently equipped with a brand new outhouse, located just off of the trail. After the lean-to, a wonderful, and dependable spring can refill your water bottles about two-thirds of the way up. There is no first-growth forest on Tremper Mountain. The entire summit has been burned-over, with a good portion of it repeatedly burnt to benefit blueberry harvests, until the tower was constructed in 1917.
The tower was re-opened on June 9, 2001 with a crowd of 40 people on hand for the dedication and ceremony. The diagonals still need to get replaced and portions of the tower still need painting. In addition, the committee is actively seeking volunteers to staff the tower during the summer months. This will allow the cab to be opened up for public enjoyment. If you would like more information on volunteering at the Tremper tower, contact The Catskill Center at (845) 586-2611 or write to: cccd@catskillcenter.org.
In other news, a trail from the hamlet of Phoenicia to the tower has also been sited. The first segment will be on private land to an overlook of the valley not far from the hamlet. This trail, named "The Tan Bark Trail", was officially opened this past Memorial Day Weekend. It is a short, 1.4-mile round-trip interpretive hike up to two overlooks, the Phoenicia Overlook, and Grand View Ledge. The second stage will continue the trail to the fire tower for more adventurous hikers, allowing people to enjoy the town, the mountains and the views without driving.
For more information or to volunteer contact:
Harry Jameson
Tremper Mountain Fire Tower Committee
PO Box 320
Phoenicia, NY 12464
(845) 688-5553
Donations should be made out to "CCCD/Tremper Fire Tower and mailed to:
The Catskill Center, Route 28, Arkville, NY 12406.