The historic Makomis fire tower has been relocated to the Sacandaga River Community Park in Speculator NY, and is now open to visitors. The tower will be open from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (weather permitting). And it's free!
Getting there
The newly restored Makomis fire tower can be found within the family-friendly, accessible Sacandaga River Community Park in Speculator NY. Access the park from Route 30, just before entering Speculator from the south, opposite the shores of Lake Pleasant. In addition to the fire tower, you will find picnic tables, a ball field, mini Route 66, and the Sacandaga Pathway within the park. No hike is necessary to reach the tower!
History
The Makomis fire tower was originally erected in 1911 as a wooden structure on Makomis Mountain in Essex County, NY. Just a few years later, in 1916, the original structure was replaced, standing as one of the first steel fire towers in the State of New York. The upgraded structure was in operation until the end of the 1970 fire season, and in 1978, the structure was dismantled and removed from Makomis Mountain. The fire tower remained disassembled and in private ownership until 2019, at which time an effort was made to restore the tower in Hamilton County.
The restored and relocated Makomis fire tower now stands in Speculator, it's presence a tribute to the importance of fire towers in Adirondack history.
Views
Climbing the fire tower will enable spectacular views of Lake Pleasant and the surrounding Adirondack wilderness. In the colder months when there are no leaves on the trees, visitors will enjoy grand views of the Sacandaga River.
