Ready for an unforgettable adventure that takes you high above the trees?
This New York fire tower road trip is packed with jaw-dropping views, awesome hikes, and hidden gems you’ve probably never heard of.
From quiet mountain trails to towers with 360-degree panoramas that’ll blow your mind, each stop on this trip has its own special kind of magic.
Grab your hiking boots, charge your camera, and get ready, because these fire towers are calling your name!
1. Sterling Forest Fire Tower
Built in: 1922
Height: 60 feet
Sterling Forest Fire Tower sits on Sterling Mountain in Sterling Forest State Park, near Tuxedo, and offers gorgeous views of Greenwood Lake.
The hike to the tower is a challenging but rewarding.
It winds through shady woods and gentle hills as well as sections that require scrambling too, making it a great option for those looking to work up a sweat.
Once you climb the tower’s steep metal steps, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, surrounded by endless forest stretching in every direction.
Note: At the time of writing some trails in the area are closed due to the Jennings Creek Fire of 2024 so check online or contact the local DEC office before visiting for details.
2. Overlook Fire Tower
Built in: 1950 (originally constructed in 1927 and later relocated)
Height: 60 feet
Next is the legendary Overlook Fire Tower, perched high above Woodstock, with views stretching across the Catskills to the Hudson River.
The 4.6-mile round-trip hike to the tower is a bit of a workout, climbing up a gravel road and past the spooky ruins of an old mountain hotel, but it’s worth every step.
At the top, the fire tower rises above the trees, and climbing it feels like floating above the clouds.
(The Overlook Fire Tower staircase is open daily, while the top cab is open on weekends, holidays (from Memorial Day through Columbus Day), and Thursdays through mid-October.)
3. Hunter Mountain Fire Tower
Built in: 1917
Height: 60 feet
Hunter Mountain Fire Tower is the highest fire tower in the state, sitting proudly at 4,040 feet above sea level and offering insane views of the entire Catskill range.
The steep and rugged 6.8-mile round-trip hike begins on Spruceton Road and winds through dense forest to a small spring where you can rest for a while.
When you finally reach the top and climb the tower, you’re treated to an epic panorama of rolling green mountains.
(Hunter Mountain Fire Tower’s top cab is open on weekends from May through October.)
4. Hadley Mountain Fire Observation Station
Built in: 1917
Height: 40 feet
Hadley Mountain Fire Observation Station brings a different vibe with its wide-open summit and stunning views of the southern Adirondacks and Great Sacandaga Lake.
The 3.2-mile round-trip hike is short but steep, climbing over exposed rock slabs and through the forest, making it a moderately challenging hike.
At the top, the fire tower stands on a bald peak, and climbing it rewards you with endless lakes, mountains, and a few birds.
5. Snowy Mountain Fire Tower
Built in: 1917
Height: 45 feet
Snowy Mountain Fire Tower is a wild and remote stop, towering above the tallest mountain in the southern Adirondacks.
The 7.8-mile round-trip hike is tough, with a steady climb that turns very steep near the top, where you’ll scramble over rocks and roots through a thick forest.
Once you conquer the summit and climb the tower, you’ll take in miles of untouched forest, blue lakes, and the true feeling of being on top of the world.
6. Blue Mountain Fire Tower/Hiking Trail
Built in: 1917
Height: 35 feet
Blue Mountain Fire Tower is a classic Adirondack gem located near the village of Blue Mountain Lake and offers one of the most iconic views in the entire park.
This 4.2-mile round-trip hike winds uphill through peaceful hardwoods, where deer or red squirrels are sometimes seen darting across the trail.
When you climb the tower, the view opens up to a postcard-perfect scene of lakes, mountains, and islands!
7. Goodnow Mountain Watch Tower
Built in: 1922
Height: 60 feet
Goodnow Mountain Watch Tower is located near the small town of Newcomb in the Adirondacks, offering one of the most peaceful fire tower experiences around.
The 3.8-mile round-trip hike is scenic, passing through an old forest with interpretive signs and giant trees that make it feel like a nature museum.
At the summit, you’ll see the restored fire tower that rises above a rocky clearing.
While the cab is currently closed to the public, you can still climb the stairs to view the distant High Peaks and a sea of treetops.
8. Mount Arab Fire Tower
Built in: 1918
Height: 35 feet
Mount Arab Fire Tower is the perfect last stop on your road trip, delivering big views with minimal effort just outside the village of Tupper Lake.
The 2-mile round-trip hike is short and sweet, climbing gently through a pretty forest, making it great for families or a relaxed morning hike.
At the top, the fire tower sits next to a cozy ranger cabin, giving you a sweeping view of nearby lakes, rolling hills, and the endless green of the Adirondacks.
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