Catfish Fire Tower
US 247, NJ 9
May 2022 photo
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 247, NJ 9 (view other lookouts in United States, New Jersey) |
| Date Registered | December 15, 1997 |
| Nominated by | Forest Fire Lookout Association |
| Location |
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Warren County, New Jersey |
| Coordinates |
N 41° 02.855' W 074° 58.347' (view using Google Maps) N 41° 02' 51" W 074° 58' 21" N 41.047583° W 074.972450° |
| Elevation | 1,555 ft (474 m) |
| Built | 1922 |
| Administered by | New Jersey Forest Fire Service |
Description
Located on the Appalachian Trail in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Catfish Fire Tower was constructed in 1922, replacing a wooden tower. In 1993 the 7’ x 7’ cab was rebuilt on this 60’ Aermotor LS-40 tower.
The tower was repainted in May 2022, with other repairs planned, in recognition of its 100th anniversary.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
June 6, 2022: Eric Weber
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | Not Applicable |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | The tower was painted in May of 2022 for its 100th anniversary. The cab's interior is scheduled for minor repairs and updates shortly. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | A fire road is combined with access to the tower on the Appalachian Trail from Millbrook Road. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? |
Sometimes
The tower is staffed during periods of elevated fire danger (moderate +) or whenever the forest is dry enough to burn, by a Forest Fire Observer. The full time Forest Fire Observer position for this tower is currently vacant, however a steady part-time Fire Observer is available for this station.
|
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No |
July 28, 2018: David Lemmo
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | Not Applicable |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | Warped angle iron on first and fifth Landings, but otherwise steel seems to be in good structural condition. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | Following the Appalachian Trail, in either the northbound or southbound directions, there does not appear to be any signage, however the tower is visible from the AT within a hundred feet of his clearing in both directions. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? |
Sometimes
No staff were present, however, the tower does appear to still be in commission.
|
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Unsure |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Unsure |
July 14, 2018: Anthony Diehl
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No |
| Shutters OK? | Yes |
| Condition of wood OK? | Not Applicable |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | The tower has awesome views spanning into NJ, PA and NY. If you go during the night, the skies are super dark if you go on a moonless night. Amazing night views of the stars |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No Response |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | About a 2 mile hike to the tower, nice and easy. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? |
Sometimes
When I went there during the day there was a guy in the tower. He invited me up and we talked for about 45 minutes about his job and various other things. Such a nice guy.
|
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Unsure |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Unsure |
Photos |
|
Photo courtesy of Anthony Diehl |
|