Buckhorn Ridge Fire Tower

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The 360-degree views from Buckhorn Ridge Fire Tower stretch across miles of unbroken forest canopy — on a clear day, you can spot the Delaware Water Gap cutting through the ridgeline to the east. This steel sentinel offers one of the best payoffs for minimal effort in Pennsylvania’s fire tower collection.

What to Expect

The approach depends entirely on whether the forest service has locked the gate at the tower road entrance. When it’s open, you can drive right to the base — making this more of a tower climb than a hike. When locked (which happens periodically for maintenance or seasonal closures), you’re looking at a half-mile walk up a moderate incline on the gravel access road.

The tower itself stands about 60 feet tall, its steel frame showing some wear but remaining structurally sound for now. The climb up is straightforward — just mind the gaps between steps and don’t look down if heights make you queasy. Each platform offers increasingly expansive views as you ascend, building anticipation for the panorama waiting at the top.

From the cab, the Delaware State Forest rolls out in every direction like a green ocean. The Delaware Water Gap’s distinctive notch is visible to the southeast on clear days, and the forested ridges seem to continue forever. Some overgrown trees at the tower’s base partially obstruct lower-angle views, but the sight lines above the canopy remain spectacular. I couldn’t make out many specific landmarks beyond the Water Gap, but that’s part of the appeal — it’s pure wilderness as far as you can see.

Difficulty

This barely qualifies as moderate, and only because of the tower climb itself. The walk to the base (when the gate’s locked) is more of a warm-up than a workout — gentle grade on a decent gravel road. The real challenge is the tower ascent, which can be intimidating if you’re not comfortable with heights or open steel structures. The steps are solid but spaced for adult legs, so shorter hikers might find the climb more taxing.

Best Time to Go

Fall offers the obvious advantage — those endless forest views become a tapestry of color that makes the climb completely worth it. Early morning visits often provide the clearest visibility before afternoon haze builds up. Weekdays are your best bet for solitude, though this spot doesn’t draw the crowds that more famous towers attract. Winter climbs are possible but can be sketchy if ice accumulates on the steps.

Before You Go

The tower sits in Pike County within Delaware State Forest boundaries. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in this area, so download maps beforehand. No facilities exist at the trailhead — plan accordingly. The nearest town for supplies is Milford, about a 20-minute drive away. If you’re camping, the forest road leading to the tower access road has several established sites, but you’ll need permits from the state forest office. Water sources are nonexistent at the tower itself, so bring what you need.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →