Nestled in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is an easy-to-reach 60-foot fire tower offering expansive views of the Kittatinny Mountains, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania at an elevation of 1,555 feet. The tower is one of 21 in the state still used to detect fires. For more information on fire towers in the state, visit the New Jersey Forest Fire Service website. The fire tower is only one mile from the trailhead and features a moderate climb up the famous Appalachian Trail. Despite having to hike to the top of the mountain, nothing on this hike is particularly challenging as the trail follows a woods road used for fire watchers working the tower for much of the ascent.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Other Attractions: Mount Tammany, Sunfish Pond, Van Campens Glen, Buttermilk Falls
Hike Information
Distance: 2.3 miles
Ascent: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Catfish Fire Tower
Height: 60 feet
Tower Coordinates: 41.04758, -74.97245
Begin at the pull-off on Millbrook Road. From the parking area, walk past the gate and start the hike on the Appalachian Trail. You will soon pass a large camping area for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, and depending on the time of day, you might see a few hikers beginning or ending their day here. Stay on the woods road, and eventually, you will see the Appalachian Trail make a left off the road onto a more traditional hiking trail. The trail periodically crosses or joins the woods road as you climb up the gradual incline. If you would like a gentler climb, the woods road is a slightly longer option that leads to the same place. Once you reach the end of this uphill, you will remain on the road for the rest of the hike to the tower.
The Catfish Fire Tower is actively used and staffed during wildfire season. In the months of March-May and October/November, plus drought conditions, you will likely see a fire watcher at the top. There is a “No Trespassing” sign at the base of the tower, but no other deterrent. I assume the sign is there for liability purposes, otherwise, there would be more effort into blocking the tower. If a watcher is present and grants permission, you can enter the top cabin. If there is no watcher present, the top cabin is locked, but you can still climb most of the way up. The stairs up the tower are steep, and it is more difficult to come down than up. Those afraid of heights, or with kids or pets, may want to consider this before ascending.
Whether you choose to climb the tower or remain on the ground, the views are excellent. On clear days, you can see for miles into New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
After the exploring the fire tower, you can either retrace your steps to your car, or make a loop on the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail.
Catfish Mountain and Rattlesnake Swamp
From the Catfish Fire Tower, the Appalachian Trail continues south on the Catfish Mountain Ridgeline. The woods road ends at the fire tower, so the hike becomes much more rugged as the trail traverses many sections of exposed bedrock. Along the way, there are many views of New Jersey. These views are all very similar to those seen at the fire tower. After about a mile, you will reach the Rattlesnake Swamp Connector Trail on the right. Take this trail, where you will begin descending Catfish Mountain. After about half a mile, you will reach the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail on the right.
The Rattlesnake Swamp Trail is a two-mile trail that takes you back to the parking lot. As the trail is near a swamp (hence the name,) it can be very wet and muddy. There are many thin wooden planks to help cross particularly muddy areas, but after a lot of rain, most of the trail will become very difficult to pass and some of the plants in particularly wet areas have begun to rot. The trail itself is pleasant with a very low tree canopy creating a tunnel effect through the woods.
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS.
Additional Information
- All fire towers in New Jersey have a “No Trespassing” sign at the base. I do not believe this is enforced, but it is something to be aware of.
- The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is home to Timber Rattlesnakes. I have never seen them at the park, but they do like rocky and sunny areas, such as near the Catfish Fire Tower itself. Despite the name “Rattlesnake Swamp,” you are more likely to see them on the top of Catfish Mountain
- I cannot find any information on the reasoning behind the name “Catfish Mountain.” It is safe to say you will not see any catfish on this hike.
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