Pillsbury Mountain (Fire Tower)
GPS Coordinates: ( 43.5869583, -74.4852919 )
Distance (miles round trip): 3.2
Elevation Gain (feet): 1200
Lake Pleasant
Constructed from wood by the Champlain Realty Company in 1918. By agreement, the landowner would provide an observer during periods of dry weather. It was considered a "secondary tower" by the State. The Pillsbury fire tower was changed to steel in 1924. The 60' Aermotor Model LS-40 tower, with a 9' high cab, is typical of the "heavier type" tower with integral staircase built by the Conservation Commission between 1917 and 1950. The structure consists of a square steel and glass cab with a hip roof enclosing the observation platform atop a riveted and bolted frame of angular steel. The Pillsbury fire tower was closed around 1985 and awaits restoration.
Status: Open to the topmost landing, but the cab is closed to the public. Plans for restoring the tower and observer cabin are dependant on funds, but are planned for the future.
Tower: 60' high Aermotor steel LS40 tower
Trail Description: Pillsbury Mountain is a moderately difficult climb to reach the summit at 3,597 feet. The 1.5 mile trail climbs almost 1200 ft from the trail head, where views of Lake Pleasant and Sacandaga Lakes can be seen to the south, and Snowy Mountain fire tower to the north, with the High Peaks towards the North.
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
