🧭 All Rydeshare Shuttles - Firetowers
Rydeshare to Catskills Fire Towers
Rydeshare to Catskills Fire Towers
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Updated Mar 2025
This is a direct shuttle service to the famous Catskills fire towers.
Rydeshare shuttles depart rain or shine.
Get more General Trip Information below.
RYDESHARE ROUTE
- 8am Shuttle departs NYC
- 9:45am Arriving at Overlook Mountain
- 10:15am Arrives at Tremper Mountain
- 10:35am Arrives at Hunter Mountain
- 11:10am Arrives at Balsam Lake Mountain
- 12:10pm Arrives at Red Hill
- 2:10p Pickup at Overlook Mountain
- 2:40pm Pickup at Tremper Mountain
- 3pm Pickup at Hunter Mountain
- 3:45pm Pick up Balsam Lake Mountain
- 4:45p Pickup at Red Hill
- ~7:45pm Return to NYC
Destinations
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Balsam Mountain
HISTORY
In 1885, political machinations by the Ulster County delegation to the state legislature led to the Catskill counties being included in the newly created Forest Preserve along with the Adirondacks. Tax-delinquent lands, many of them abandoned by loggers and tanners who had taken all the harvestable timber, which had become the county's by default were transferred to the state as a way of settling the county's outstanding property tax obligations to the state. They were to remain "forever wild", with no timber being harvested again from them. In 1894, a more strongly worded version of the law was incorporated into the state constitution as Article 14.
RYDESHARE DROPOFF
WEATHER
Get a more detailed forecast here.
SUGGESTED TRAIL
PRO-TIP
Shorten your hike by doubling back vs. doing the loop.
Overlook Mountain
HISTORY
In 1921 was the site of a secret organizational meeting of what was to become the Communist Labor Party of America. The hotel again burned down in 1923, and architect Frank P. Amato was hired by owner Morris Newgold to redesign and rebuild it. This design was never completely built, as the hotel's elevation and lack of rail transportation made it difficult for customers to reach the site, compounding owner Newgold's financial difficulties. The State of New York acquired much of the land, and the hotel was boarded up in 1940. Further fire damage in the mid-1960s brought down a rooftop tower which had remained standing until that point. The ruins of the hotel are accessible from the main trail.
RYDESHARE DROPOFF
WEATHER
Get a more detailed forecast here.
SUGGESTED TRAIL
PRO-TIP
Bring extra layers. It's always colder at the top. There are port-a-potties at the trailhead, but in an emergency when there's a line, sometimes the Buddhist temple next door allows access to their restrooms - if you can find anyone there.
Also a day trip booked on Outerthere is a great opportunity to scout the area (i.e. Woodstock) to plan a future long-weekend stay!
Mt. Tremper
HISTORY
The mountain was first known as Timothyberg, in the vernacular of the early Dutch settlers of the Catskills. The area was first settled in the 1780s. Its location near the creeks and valleys made it ideal for barkpeeling, the first major industry of the Catskills. Bark from the many eastern hemlocks on its slopes was a rich source of tannin, and leather hides were often brought to the region to be tanned. The creek valley made it possible to easily transport them to and from the Hudson River at Kingston to the east, and the later development of the Ulster and Delaware Railroad (UDRR) made it even easier. The road up the south side of the mountain, which forest historian Michael Kudish calls the best example of an extant bark road in the Catskills, was built for this purpose. By the end of the century, since a synthetic process for creating tannin had made it less necessary to harvest large acres of forest, it was being used for quarrying instead.
RYDESHARE DROPOFF
WEATHER
Get a more detailed forecast here.
SUGGESTED TRAIL
PRO-TIP
Bring a towel. After you're done, you'll want to cool off at Esopus Creek and that alone is worth the hike up and down.
Hunter Mountain
HISTORY
Originally named Greenland Mountain, in the mid-19th century the mountain was renamed. Like the town and the village, Hunter takes its name from John Hunter, a somewhat despised local landlord. It is not known when the mountain was first climbed, or by whom. A popular local legend has it that Hunter, or some other later landowner, went to the summit with a hand level in order to be sure they had indeed purchased the Catskills' highest peak, and were satisfied until an "unknown" peak appeared on the southern horizon — Slide Mountain, the range's true highest peak but not identified as such until 1886 (which makes this legend unlikely to have any basis in fact, as the necessary clearing at the summit for the fire tower was made well afterwards).
RYDESHARE DROPOFF
WEATHER
Get a more detailed forecast here.
SUGGESTED TRAIL
PRO-TIP
This hike is a beast. But luckily, the famous Phoenicia Diner is just 15 minutes away and Woodstock Brewery 1 minute further. Get great food and incredible local brews at either/or before you head back home.
Red Hill
HISTORY
George Profous, a forester for what had by then become the state's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) wrote in an early 1990s planning document that the aged, deteriorating tower should be dismantled and removed, not only due to its age but because, out of use, it was no longer permitted on state-owned Forest Preserve land, which New York's constitution requires be kept forever wild. Worried residents of Denning and the nearby hamlet of Claryville contacted the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, a regional advocacy group, to see what they could do to save it, a development Profous had been hoping for.[10] DEC's guidelines governing the use of the Forest Preserve do allow the retention of otherwise incompatible structures within it if they enhance the public's understanding of the Forest Preserve, and many visitors and past observers wrote about how seeing the vastness of the Catskill wildlands at once helped them appreciate the importance of protecting it. Within a few years, the campaign had gotten all five remaining Catskill fire towers listed on the Forest Fire Lookout Association's Historic Lookout Register and later the NRHP.
RYDESHARE DROPOFF
WEATHER
Get a more detailed forecast here.
SUGGESTED TRAIL
PRO-TIP
Since this is the shortest hike on your way to completing the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge, save this hike for last and do it slow to enjoy the scenery.
Meet Al, your driver
Hi, I'm Al and I'll be your driver for this trip. I've put over 70,000 miles on my van taking my passengers from VT to MD since 2021.
As your driver, it's my job is to make sure you arrive at your destination safely and on time. Although invites to participate on your adventure are appreciated, I need to stay with my van.
Let me know how I can help make your ride even better.
General Trip Information
SAFETY FORM
Updated Mar 2025
If you haven't already, you MUST complete or update your Safety Information Form below. Please fill out BEFORE your trip.
Your trip's rating is on its reservation page. If you haven't already, learn more about how we rate trips here.
As always no matter what pace you're able to go at, no one gets left behind.
Your trip host will also take breaks as needed. Your trip host is an experienced group leader and if conditions change or are different than what we expect, they are empowered to make adjustments as needed and will have final say on continuing or aborting any activity at any time should conditions become unsafe.
In the event the weather forecast makes our trip unsafe BEFORE your trip, you will be notified approximately 12 hours prior to your trip via email, text and/or a phone call with further instructions. Please make sure you have an updated phone number below. If you do not receive any notifications, your trip will occur like normal.
In the event the weather makes your trip unsafe DURING your trip, please follow all safety guidance from your trip hosts and/or park staff.
About Trip Safety Form
Why are you being asked all this information? Because you're getting a professionally hosted experience and we want you to have an awesome time. And that means Safety First, which may require medical assistance during your experience.
As a result, and as you can imagine, there's a lot of things that need to be anticipated for your safety. This form helps keep it all together for your trip host.
Although your information is kept confidential, it may be shared with your trip host in order for them to provide the best experience for you.
Please complete this form for yourself only.
ABOUT YOUR DRIVER
Hi! My name is Al and I'll be your driver for your reservation! I have evasive driving training (same as secret service presidential drivers) by VDI and overlanding (off-road driving to get you closer to your trailhead or campsite) by OEX. I'm looking forward to making your journey safe and worry-free.
PICKUPS
Updated Mar 2025
Traffic can sometimes affect pickup and travel times and meeting times are subject to change. You will be notified of any changes via text, so please make sure your contact information is up to date here.
There may be pitstops at your driver's discretion.
And finally, If you think you will be late to the destination or not able to make it for any reason, kindly notify us via text, chat or replying to this email.
Astoria Queens
Washington Heights, Manhattan
No Pickup?
If you think you will be late, kindly notify us via text, chat box on the site or replying to your trip confirmation email. Remember, other fam will be waiting, too.
ABOUT YOUR SHUTTLE
Updated Mar 2025
The vehicle for your trip will be a rented, privately-insured 15-seat passenger van with up to 460 cubic feet of interior space.
On occasion, your vehicle may be a rented, privately-insured 7-seat minivans with up to 144 cubic feet of interior space.
Your vehicle suitable for your trip and all associated rental and insurance fees are included as part of your reservation.
The interiors of your vehicle are cleaned and sanitized before every trip by your driver.
If you have any questions or concerns about your riding experience, don't hesitate to ask using the chat box below.
FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I cancel my shuttle ride after I've reserved it? As you may already know, we have an awesome refund & cancellation policy and your shuttle fee can be refunded with advanced notice.
However, if you change your mind on the day of your pickup; or you appear physically unable to ride in our vehicle (i.e. you're sick or intoxicated); or if your behavior is threatening or harmful to other passengers and you are not permitted to enter the vehicle by your driver, we unfortunately will not be able to refund you.
And hey, it's OK if you do not feel comfortable for any reason, and we won't take offense.
Is eating permitted in my shuttle? Yes. Please remember to take all your belongings and trash with you when you exit your vehicle.
Can I leave my stuff in my shuttle? Yes, however your driver may be making additional dropoffs, so please ask your driver.
Are pets allowed? Pets are allowed on most trips at the discretion of your trip host. Please make sure your pet is on a leash and not disturbing other passengers. Service stops will be included on most long trips.
AFTER YOU BOOK
Updated Mar 2025
All the details about your trip - including pickups, weather, itinerary and more - is already featured on the reservation page you booked from.
You will also receive a confirmation for your reservation and a separate Thank You email with the subject, "You've reserved a trip on Outerthere!" from us.
The sender will be "Al at Outerthere" and the subject of the Welcome email will be "Welcome to [name of trip]" and is only sent from info@ outerthere.com.
Here's what it'll look like in your inbox:
Please make sure you let your Gmail/iPhone know that this sender and email address are important.
If your trip is within 72 hours and you still haven't seen any emails from us, please check your spam folder or "newsletters" folder in Gmail.
In the meantime, if you have any questions, ask us in the chatbox here or reply to any email you've received from us.
SAFE SPACE REMINDER
Updated Mar 2025
We know we don't have to say this because you're all extremely mature and responsible, but this trip is a safe space. Please keep pets on leashes, don't smoke near crowds and don't drink to excess. Also, aggressive, unwelcome or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, period.
NEED TO CANCEL?
Updated Dec 2024
To cancel or reschedule your trip, please reply to the confirmation email you received after you booked your trip. That's it.
Don't forget to check your spam folder if you don't see it within a few minutes of making your reservation.
Learn what you're eligible for below:
UNDERSTANDING OUR NO QUESTIONS ASKED CANCELLATIONS POLICY
From the moment you make a reservation on Outerthere.com, there are a lot of people and processes involved to provide you with a safe, awesome experience and everything depends on reliable logistics and scheduling.
Occasionally, reservations sell out or need to be canceled. In such cases, we immediately notify you and offer you options, including rescheduling, credit towards other trips, donating your credit, gift cards or an immediate and full refund. That’s our policy.
In other cases, you may be running late, need to cancel, reschedule or switch your reservation. Here's how that breaks down for different types of trips:
ALL TRIPS
You have 24 hours (Members, 48 hours) after you've made your reservation to cancel a trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked. (See How Credits & Refunds Work below.)
In the event an unexpected circumstance causes you to cancel with less than 72 hours before your trip, any eligible refund or credit minus a 10% service fee will be processed within 21 business days upon request (Members will be processed next business day). Additionally, any add-on reservations for accommodations, camp sites, rentals and/or demonstrations are not eligible for refund or credit.
Any reservations made with any Pass are not eligible for refunds/credits if canceled less than 72 hours before your trip.
See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your confirmation email for faster service.
LATENESS
Your trip host and/or driver will notify you if they are running late to your meeting location and/or pickup. And if you are running late to a trip or pickup, please notify us and/or your trip host that you're running late, too. Your trip host may be able to wait at their discretion. Thank you.
If you are not able to make it to the meeting destination at the meeting time and miss your trip host and the group, we're sincerely sorry. That sucks. Especially after everything you went through to get there. And we know you don't need any more bad news, but you are unfortunately not eligible to reschedule or receive a credit* or refund for that trip, regardless of the circumstances. This includes Members.
DIRECT SHUTTLES AND MULTI-DAY TRIPS
You have 14 DAYS (Members, 10 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.
You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a direct shuttle ride or multi-day trip in order to receive credit for that trip.
- You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass.
Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.
HOSTED/GUIDED DAY TRIPS
You have 10 DAYS (Members, 5 days) before your trip to cancel a day trip by any trip host in order to be eligible to receive a full refund or credit, no questions asked.
You have 3 DAYS (Members, 1 day) before your trip to cancel a trip by any trip host in order to receive credit for that trip.
- You are not able to book the same or different trip to replace any trip booked with a Sampler Pass.
See How Credits & Refunds Work below. Reply to your trip confirmation email for faster service.
HOW CREDITS & REFUNDS WORK
Your credit is usable to reschedule the same trip, book a different trip, add on an amenity for a current or future trip and/or to purchase a Membership, Pass or Gift Card. But please note that your credit will expire after 90 days if not used. So, use it! Most credits are issued within 1 business day. Most refunds are processed within 5 business days (1 business days for Members).
DISCLAIMERS
The owner and operator of this website and its affiliates, partners and listed hosts reserve the right to change or cancel any itinerary or service at any time due to insufficient enrollment, bad weather conditions or other reasons without penalty.
a. If your reservation is cancelled due to inclement weather, dangerous conditions, a catastrophic disruption to a tour operator’s business, and/or public health emergencies, your reservation can be rescheduled, or your deposit will be credited or refunded, no questions asked. Weather-related cancellations are at the sole discretion of your trip host, not you or your weather app. And unless otherwise communicated, all trips occur rain or shine. That said, inclement weather, dangerous conditions, and/or public health emergencies are always a possibility on any outdoor activity, so there is no rescheduling or refunds during your trip or after you've been checked in.
b. In the unlikely event of a life-threatening emergency, participants may be liable for any rescue or evacuation costs incurred either on their behalf or as a result of their actions - depending upon trip location.
c. The participation of any person on any trip/program is continually subject to the discretion of your tour operator, Guides and/or Hosts.
d. No guarantees are made that you will enjoy your experience, including transportation, equipment rentals, destinations, schedules, accommodations, meals and/or trip host. The role of the hosts, guides and other operators is to use their judgement and experience to share with you a rewarding experience. If inclement weather, dangerous conditions and/or public health emergencies creates an unsafe experience - including any unexpected delays - a trip host/guide is empowered to change your schedule, itinerary and/or over planned experience. If time allows and your experience is deemed safe again, your host/guide is empowered to continue with the original experience schedule/itinerary. There will be no refunds, credits or rescheduling if any part of your experience is changed to accommodate safety.
e. If you believe your host/guide to be unprepared, exercising poor judgement or behaving in an unsafe or inappropriate manner, please contact us by replying to your Welcome email at any time to discuss available options.
DISCLAIMER
Updated Mar 2025
TIME, DATE & DESCRIPTIONS POSTED HERE ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR ANY REASON. Any changes regarding your trip will be emailed and texted to you.
Be aware that your trip may contain "side missions". Learn more about Side Missions here.
And remember, that sh_t does sometimes happen, so please don't panic if your trip host doesn't stick to a schedule exactly. Think of it as everything happening for a reason, even if you don't know what the reason is right away 🙂
