Discover historic fire towers

Historic fire tower hikes are a great way to go hiking in the Adirondacks while also exploring the history of our region. Fire tower hikes are especially fun for families and children, adding a unique element of discovery to your day of hiking. Once upon a time, the towers were used as lookouts to watch for forest fires. A number are still intact and offer great views for eager hikers. You can even get creative and have fun by challenging yourself to visit all of the fire towers in the Adirondacks! Do it in one vacation or keep coming back!

Each hike is different, but one thing is consistent: being prepared is encouraged on every hike!

a fire tower on top of a mountain in the summer.

Take the Fire Tower Challenge

There are six Hamilton County fire towers:

Blue Mountain (Blue Mountain Lake)
Owls Head (Long Lake)
Pillsbury Mountain (Speculator)
Snowy Mountain (Indian Lake)
Wakely Mountain (Indian Lake)
Makomis (Speculator)
Bonus tower: visit The Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake and ascend the historic Whiteface Mountain Fire Tower! This one is a fun bonus without a strenuous hike!

All six towers are open to the public (though the ADX requires paid admission). Please be careful when ascending the stairs.

To complete the challenge, you must climb these seven mountains, document the date, and fill out the online registration form to receive your patch. Climbing every tower is not required in order to receive your patch.

[insert firetower challenge here]

Download the Fire Tower Challenge Guide and Instructions.

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If you are searching for summit hikes or paths to lakes and ponds, don't worry; we have plenty of those too!

Leave No Trace and Love Your ADK

By taking the Love Your Adirondacks Pledge and practicing Leave No Trace ethics you can help ensure that the forests, waterways, and communities of the Adirondacks remain beautiful and unique for generations to come.

Consider donating to the Hamilton County Trail Improvement Fund! This partnership with the DEC is an opportunity to improve trail conditions, possibly to some of our favorite fire tower peaks!

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Wakely Mountain

Cedar River Road

Indian Lake, NY 12842

Wakely Mountain’s 70-foot tower is one of the highest in New York state, and the tower stairs afford an excellent view of the West Canada Lakes Wilderness to the south and great views of the High Peaks to the north on clear days.

The Wakely Mountain Firetower offers the best views from the wooded summit.

Blue Mountain

Route 30

Blue Mountain Lake, NY 12812

For the better part of the last century, Blue Mountain has been one of the most frequently climbed Adirondack mountains. And for good reason! The striking view, with Blue Mountain Lake below, is very popular among locals and visitors alike.

Blue Mountain is near the center of many lakes.

Bald Mountain

Rondaxe Road

Inlet, NY 13360

While not part of the Hamilton County Fire Tower Challenge, Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and is a great “bang for your buck” outing.

This is a fire tower hikes with an extra rocky ridge to walk on.

Makomis Fire Tower

State Route 30

Speculator, NY 12164

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!

Take a lovely stroll around Speculator and see the newly restored fire tower.

Owls Head Mountain

Endion Road

Long Lake, NY 12847

Owls Head Mountain is part of the Sargent Ponds Wild Forest, which covers an impressive approximate 45,000 acres. This rather prominent peak in the Long Lake area is made up of four separate summits, two of which are referred to as the horns.

The fire tower adds more scenic possibilities.

Snowy Mountain

Route 30

Indian Lake, NY 12842

Snowy is one of the more demanding hikes in Hamilton County and is also one of the 100 highest highest peaks in the Adirondacks. Its steep trail and rugged terrain will make you earn every bit of this mountain's elevation.

A wonderfully framed sunrise is the reward for a winter campout.

Kane Mountain

Green Lake Road

Arietta, NY ‎12139

In a quiet corner of the Adirondacks sits Kane Mountain. A 60-foot fire tower was constructed here in 1925, making it a very attractive destination.

Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower

Lake Pleasant, NY 12108

Pillsbury Mountain is one of those peaks that has a spectacular, remote, backcountry feel. A maze of scenic backroads will get you there, but you need to take it slow as they can be very rough at times.