Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail Hiking Guide
Overlook Mountain is Woodstock's home summit and the southern end of the Catskill Escarpment. The trail is an old hotel road that climbs at a steady grade, with no tricky footing, to the roofless shell of the Overlook Mountain House and then a 60-foot fire tower near the top of the 3,140-foot peak. On a clear day the tower view takes in the Hudson River, the Ashokan Reservoir and the central Catskills.
Up the Old Road
From the DEC trailhead on Meads Mountain Road, follow the red-marked Overlook Spur Trail, a wide gravel road built for the hotel, uphill the whole way. The ruins appear about 2 miles in, and the tower is a short walk farther. DEC gives 2.4 miles each way and 1,370 feet of gain; mapping apps list 4.7 miles round trip and about 1,390 feet. It is a sustained climb rather than a steep one, and most people take about three hours.
The Ruins and the Tower
The Overlook Mountain House opened in 1871, burned in 1875, was rebuilt, burned again and was boarded up in 1940; the state now owns the concrete shell. DEC asks visitors to look at the ruins from outside for safety. The tower was first built in 1927 on another hill and moved here in 1950. It closed in 1988 and reopened in 1999 after repairs, and DEC says the view reaches up to five states. A privately owned tower stands nearby, so respect the posted property.
Rattlesnakes
Overlook is known timber rattlesnake habitat, and DEC notes snakes have been seen on the paths. They like the sunny rocks around the tower and the open ledges in warm weather. Watch where you put your hands and feet, give any snake a wide berth, and keep dogs close.
Parking and Fees
There is no fee, and the Overlook Mountain Wild Forest is open year-round. The main trailhead lot on Meads Mountain Road, about 2 miles from the Woodstock village green, holds only about 15 cars and fills quickly on summer and fall weekends. DEC's Meads Meadow trailhead lot is about half a mile away on Macdaniel Road. The Karma Triyana Dharmachakra monastery sits across from the trailhead access road.
Dogs
Dogs are a common sight on this trail. DEC's Forest Preserve guidance asks owners to keep a dog controlled at all times and to clip on the leash whenever other hikers come near, which on Overlook is most of the time. With rattlesnakes around the summit, a short leash near the tower is the safe call.
Hiking tips for Overlook Mountain Fire Tower Trail
- Arrive early or head straight to the Meads Meadow lot; the trailhead lot is tiny.
- Admire the hotel ruins from outside, as DEC asks.
- Watch the sunny rocks near the tower for rattlesnakes in warm months.
- Pick a clear, dry day for the tower; haze limits the long views.
- Bring a layer for the top; the tower cab is often windy and cool.
Nearby trails to explore
- Kaaterskill Falls from Laurel House Road
- Gertrude's Nose and Millbrook Mountain Loop
- Mount Beacon Fire Tower Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Overlook is an easy-grade climb with ruins and a fire tower at the top. Use TrailMates to find Hudson Valley hikers heading to Overlook Mountain. Download the TrailMates app to connect.