🌲 Explore Blairstown: Catfish Fire Tower
Searching for Beautiful Views? Look No Further!
Two Ways to Reach the Tower
There are two popular ways to begin your hike, depending on how much time and distance you’re looking for.
Option 1: Start at Camp Mohican Outdoor Center
For a longer, more scenic adventure, begin at the Mohican Outdoor Center. From the center, hikers can follow the Rattlesnake Swamp Trail toward the Appalachian Trail and continue toward the fire tower.
The Rattlesnake Swamp Trail is approximately 2.6 miles one way, while the complete loop from Mohican Outdoor Center is approximately 5 miles.
This route takes you through forest and wetland environments and provides the opportunity to experience Catfish Pond along the way.
Approximate distance: 5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated hiking time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Option 2: Start at the Millbrook Road Access Point
For a shorter hike, you can access the Appalachian Trail from the Millbrook Road trailhead. From the access point, follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail toward the Catfish Fire Tower.
The tower is approximately 1 mile from the Millbrook Road access point, making the hike approximately 2 miles round trip.
While considerably shorter than the Mohican route, the trail includes rocky and steeper sections as it climbs toward the ridge.
Approximate distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting point: Millbrook Road access point
Take in the View
Once you reach the Catfish Fire Tower, take a moment to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Located high along Kittatinny Ridge, the tower provides impressive views across the valleys and mountains surrounding the Delaware Water Gap.
Whether you choose the longer route from Camp Mohican Outdoor Center or the shorter hike from Millbrook Road, Catfish Fire Tower is a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty surrounding Blairstown.
Before You Go
Come prepared with plenty of water, appropriate footwear, and weather-appropriate clothing. Sections of the trail can be rocky, wet, or muddy depending on recent weather.
If starting from Millbrook Road, parking is limited. Be sure to park only in designated areas and never block gates or roadways.
As always, Leave No Trace, stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and pack out what you pack in.
Take some time this season to get outside, explore our local trails, and Explore Blairstown!