Red Hill Fire Tower | Saturday, June 25th, 9:00 AM

This 3-mile out and back hike, more like a walk to Red Hill fire tower (2,990 ft) features minor steep sections, gaining about 837 vertical feet along the way but nothing that anyone who’s a hiker can’t handle. It’s a beautiful uphill stroll that ends before anybody can whine too much.Taking the Dinch Road Connector Trail (yellow), we’ll cross a small stream not far from the parking lot. From there the trail wraps around the mountain, a couple small switchbacks, and then the Red Hill Fire Tower trail (blue) will level off. At the top, there is a nice grassy area with a Ranger Station and a few picnic tables..Rain Date, Sunday, 6/26/2022Event Duration:  3 miles, 2.5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy-ModerateLeader(s): Siu Samantha YuenBring: about 2 liters of water, lunch/snacks, rain gear, bug spray, sturdy hiking bootsRegistration required by 06/23/2022 date.  Register by contacting the leader. See below.Dogs allowed:  NoAdditional Information: Pop “Red Hill Fire Tower DEC Parking” into your google device and it’ll take you there.Covid-19 Guidelines:  Wear a mask while congregated in the parking lot or at other sites.  Hike single file, following social distancing protocols.  Avoid carpooling except with members of your household. Use your own pen when signing in, or use hand sanitizer.  Note:  As vaccination rates rise, risks decrease. We will phase out these guidelines when rates improve significantly. In the meantime, please protect others and yourself by following these simple, CDC endorsed guidelines.Registration and Questions about this event can be directed to:  ssyuen@msn.comDriving Directions: From Rt 44/55 coming out off of MInnewaska State Park into Ellenville, Turn left onto US-209 S / NY-55 / Route 209 for 4.4 miles, Turn right onto NY-55 / State Route 55 for 5.3 miles, Turn right onto NY-55A / State Route 55A for 7.6 miles, Turn right onto Sundown Rd for 0.2 miles, Turn left onto Sugar Loaf Rd for 4 miles, Turn left onto Red Hill Rd, then immediately turn right onto Dinch Rd for 0.6 miles, Keep straight to get onto Old Dinch Rd for 0.3 miles and arrive at trailhead on Old Dinch Road.GPS coordinates:  N41 55.783 W74 30.426