"My first hike in the Catskills, excluding a short walk to Kaaterskill Falls ten years ago. This was also my first time wearing my new microspikes. They functioned extremely well on this hike and the others I did. Neither the ascent nor the descent were too challenging -- even on a cold winter morning in the predawn hours. Exploring the abandoned Overlook Mountain House ruins in the dark was a pretty cool experience and the views from the tower were glorious in all directions. The scariest part of the morning was standing on top of the firetower, waiting patiently for the sun to rise, while battling relentless wind gusts that were equally fierce and frigid. If the windchill in Buffalo was -30F to -40F at the tail end of January, than it must have felt no warmer than -50F atop that firetower. My new winter clothes (balaclava, thermal gloves, winter hiking pants, and wool socks) kept me reasonably warm until I idiotically took off my gloves to take photos and videos with my phone. Even leaving my hands exposed for a few seconds at a time, in those extreme conditions, put me at great risk of frostbite. My hands became so dangerously cold that I instinctively ran down the windy ..." — theascent • Feb 9, 2019

"It was a windy and snowy day in which to tackle a Belleayre, Balsam, and Eagle "Loop" from Rider Hollow. First I hiked over to the summit of Belleayre, acting like I belonged as several skiers gave curiously looks. Then to Balsam, where it seemed everyone and their uncle was out snagging the required winter 35 while the snowpack is low, and finally I battled several snow squalls over to a desolate Eagle, enjoying the solitude along the way." — Right-On • Jan 6, 2019

" Beautiful blue sky day with no clouds or wind. Parked in the winter lot then bare-booted down the road to the summer lot walking in tire tracks from a large truck that continued past the trailhead. Broke out a snowshoe track through the crust covered snow up to the tower and cabin. The thermometer on the cabin was registering 19*. Climbed to the upper most landing just under the cab of the tower to take in the fabulously clear view." — Nimblefoot • Nov 23, 2018

"Hiked all 5 Catskill Towers in 2 days to complete the Fire Tower Challenge. This one was hiked in total darkness. It was the easiest of the 3 Today, so not too bad. Ran into a Bear on the way up ! Staring at us in the darkness !" — UK-Ranger • Oct 21, 2018

"Hiked all 5 Catskill Towers in 2 days to complete the Fire Tower Challenge. This was by far my favourite. A nice easy trail, historical ruins, a Buddhist temple, and awesome views with some pretty neat cloud inversion." — UK-Ranger • Oct 20, 2018