11 Trails In New York That Will Lead You To The Most Incredible Fire Tower Views
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Lea Monroe
Author
A couple of weeks ago you might remember us featuring a list of incredible short and sweet fall hikes that you should absolutely check out before the season is over. In an effort to continue elevating your views of our gorgeous fall foliage, we’ve compiled another list of hikes that all feature fire towers on their summit to help you obtain even more unforgettable sights. The perfect trails to take an adventure to right now and over the upcoming weeks, you’ll want to go explore at least one of these hikes while New York’s scenery is colorful and vibrant.
A popular hike to explore up in this area of the Adirondacks, Bald Mountain (also known as Rondaxe Mountain) features a fire tower that will give you a stunning view. The 1.7-mile out-and-back trail is considered by most to be moderate, with an easier start that eventually becomes a bit steeper as you reach closer to the top. The rewarding hike is also one that's great for adventurers who plan on bringing their furry friends with them to go exploring.
With the trailhead right alone Route 28N, those interested in getting sweeping views of the Adirondacks and our High Peaks are encouraged to go hike up Goodnow Mountain. The out-and-back trail is just under 4-miles long round trip, a hike that's beautiful to experience while our fall foliage is at its peak. The trail is considered to be moderate, with most hikers being able to reach the top in roughly one hour.
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A perfect half-day hike, Poke-O-Moonshine Mountain's trail comes in at just over 2-miles long round trip. Depending on who you ask you'll either hear that this hike is easy or a bit more on the difficult side of moderate. Either way, with a hike that's this short in length any pain you'll be feeling will be over before you know it. Make your way up to the top of the fire tower once you reach the summit and you'll have panoramic views that include the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain.
A great hike to take down in the Catskills if you aren't looking for a trail that's too strenuous, Overlook Mountain comes in at just under 5-miles long round trip. While the fact that the summit features a fire tower is a big appeal for hikers, another reason you'll find adventurers coming to explore this trail is because it also has the ruins of an old hotel roughly half way up the mountain! A unique hike we highly encourage you to cross off of your bucket list, Overlook Mountain is a moderate hike.
Lea Monroe/Only In Your State
Taking you up north to a gorgeous area of the Adirondacks, Hadley Mountain is a roughly 3-mile round trip trail that you won't regret hiking. From the top you'll have views of Great Sacandaga Lake and the surrounding scenic areas, with most people labeling this hike as one that's moderate.
One of the longer hikes you'll find on this list, a round-trip hike on Saint Regis Mountain will have you clocking in just over 6-miles. Even with its length, the trail is one that most everyone will tell you is a moderate hike. Accessible all throughout the year, you'll have great views from the top and get the chance to climb up the recently renovated fire tower at the summit.
While Lyon Mountain may be the highest point in Clinton County, a lot of New Yorkers aren't aware of this hidden gem of a hike. Beautiful to experience during the fall and winter, Lyon Mountain has a 6-mile round trip trail with a wonderful fire tower at the summit. This particular hike is one that's a bit more strenuous and labeled as hard, with length and steepness contributing to its difficulty. But don't let this deter you from trying out this hike! Once you reach the top and climb up the fire tower you'll get the chance to have views of the Green Mountains and even Montreal.
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Right near the Adirondack Experience in Blue Mountain Lake, the out-and-back trail on Blue Mountain is 4-miles long round trip. A moderate trail that's well-marked, this hike is popular due to the never-ending views you'll have from the summit and fire tower. A more rocky climb than others on our list, you'll want to make sure you have your good pair of hiking boots on for this hike.
Another hard hike that's worth all the effort, Hurricane Mountain is a 6-mile round trip trail right in the heart of the Adirondacks. The large summit at the top of the mountain will bring out the explorer in you, giving you panoramic views of the area and a chance to even further elevate your views by climbing the fire tower.
Tucked between the Northway and Lake Champlain, right near the town of Moriah is where you can find the easy trail that takes you to the top of Belfry Mountain. Less than one mile-long round trip, the trail will take you right up to the top of the mountain. The uphill hike is short and sweet, making for a great snowshoeing spot during New York's winter months.
Another hike that falls on the longer side, the over 6-mile long round trip trail takes you to a beautiful and secluded area of New York State. Near the town of Livingston Manor in Sullivan County, this Catskills mountain makes for a wonderful hike and is considered to be moderate. The summit itself doesn't have much of a view, but climb your way up to the top of the fire tower and you'll have a unique look at this area of our state.
How many of New York’s fire towers have you crossed off of your list? To keep the adventures going, check out why Every Explorer Should Add These 7 New York Hiking Challenges To Their Bucket List!
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