The Bramley Mountain Trail, designed and built by the Catskill Mountain Club in partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection and opened in 2016, is one of the most popular hiking options in the western Catskills. This popularity has only increased since the restoration and reopening of the historical fire tower in 2025 at the top of the 2817’ summit – a multi-year effort led the Friends of the Bramley Mountain Fire Tower. The cabin at the top of the tower is opened by volunteers, generally from late May through mid-October.

Located on a NYCDEP parcel in the town of Delhi, the loop trails are about four miles in length. The complete loop visits the restored fire tower, an abandoned bluestone quarry, and the impressive cliffs and caves that lie between. The hike to the quarry is on a woods road with little elevation gain, making an easy hike of about .9 miles. After the quarry, the trail continues as a foot path designed to gradually ascend about 1.2 miles through mixed hardwoods while passing stone walls and many impressive rock outcroppings and cliffs, some with caves. The 1.8-mile Summit Trail is a more direct hike to the top; and most hikers elect to complete the whole loop.

There are two trailheads, both located near the high point Glen Burnie Road in Delhi, seven-tenths of a mile from the intersection with County Rt 18, or 3.3 miles from the intersection with State Rt. 28.

In early 2020 the CMC formed the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower. This tax-exempt organization has successfully raised the funds and managed the work that has returned the fire tower to the summit of the mountain. 

Google Maps Link to Lower Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y8z35T2ztYorqPGK9