By Liz Page
HOBART – No one disputes the popularity of the summit of Mount Utsayantha and its breathtaking views. Its recent inclusion in the Fire Tower Challenge is about to make it an even bigger attraction. Jim Kopp, deputy mayor for the village of Stamford, and a longtime advocate for preserving the village-owned mountaintop, attended the Stamford Town Board meeting last Wednesday to appeal to the town board to help repair the roadway that gets many to the top of the majestic mountain.
The 2026 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge highlights the world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities in the Catskill Park. Launched in 2019, the Challenge has drawn participants from every region of New York, as well as 11 other states and Canadian Provinces. This challenge also complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to promote physical and mental health by encouraging kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, and enjoy recreation and the outdoors.
While Mt. U, as the locals refer to it, and Bramley Mountain, lie just outside Catskill Park, they have now been included in the challenge. The addition of Bramley Mountain and Mount Utsayantha fire towers celebrates community partnerships and provides an even greater challenge to take with friends and family. Participation by the two towers in Delaware County is made possible by a strong partnership between the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), local communities, and not-for-profit organizations dedicated to enhancing public recreation, tourism, and conservation. The Bramley Mountain tower was completed just last year.
Mount Utsayantha Fire Tower, built in 1934 and restored in 2005, is located just outside of the Catskill Forest Preserve. Bought in 2015 for $1, the fire tower is owned and maintained by the village of Stamford. In 1900, the tower boasted views as far away as the Berkshires. Visitors to this tower have the option of hiking or driving a one-mile seasonal gravel road to the summit.
“The Catskills Fire Tower Challenge introduces New Yorkers and visitors to the exceptional hiking opportunities available on New York State public lands,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
"We expect quite a surge in the number of people visiting the mountain. With the local trails, we already have a large number of people using the roadway, which has been getting progressively worse,” said Kopp.
He said the road needs a total rebuild and Jesse Calia, village street superintendent, said it is a big project. Kopp said he also got an estimate from private contractor Joe Dianich and is now working to apply for grants to help with the costs. "The grants won't be awarded until May or June and we need to get the road in shape before the season begins.
He explained the fire tower started as a stewardship, with volunteers. The village has managed to maintain the road as passable, but now he believes it must be rebuilt. "We have the material. In the spring we could begin the work, which will be a major undertaking and we won't know yet if we can get a grant," he said.
Town resident Laurie Betz suggested that people like to hike and they could hike to the summit rather than driving. However, Kopp pointed out that Mt. U is the only mountain with vehicle access and is ADA compliant in the park, which is one of its drawing points over the other fire towers.
"We need to start over, get it in shape and then resume regular maintenance."
He was given other ideas of who to ask for help to help with the engineering aspects along with other grant possibilities. "It is an opportunity for the northern end of the county to get some tourism money," said Kopp. "Now is our chance to bring some tourism here."
He was asked to report back to the board.
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