ADIRONDACK FIRE TOWERS
The Fire Towers of the Adirondacks are quickly becoming extinct.  Due to upgrades in our technology (i.e., communications, air survellience, and budget cuts), many of these lookouts have had different fates.  Some dismantled, some taken over by private groups and restored, and some on an endangered list awaiting their fate to be determined.
It does seem ironic that their end fates are almost as secret as the legends and lores behind their exsistence.  By dismantling these lookouts, the many livelihoods and memories are also going with them.
Families recall the memories of living there, the hard times, the loneliness for some and the happiness for others, the visitors that arrived, the lightening storms, the recluse from families during their "tour of duty", the survival, the appreciation, and at one time the NEED!!!!!!!!!!  Lost yet again, due to the increase in technology.
THE BASICS AGAIN SET ASIDE TO MOVE FORWARD, SOMEHOW ALWAYS SEEM TO RESULT NOT IN JUST CUT BACKS, BUT IN TOTAL EXTINCTION OF WHAT WAS
I have attempted my best to design a page broken down by county of Adirondack Fire Towers.  I will let you know up front - I NEED HELP!
The help I am requesting is several things:
1.  If any of the information is incorrect, please let me know.
2.  If anyone has any pictures of any of the fire towers, I would love to include them.
3.  Any families that are able to send their memories or experiences from one of the towers would be the best gift for the website.  We want to hold onto what mattered.
4.  If anyone know directions to any of the towers that are not on the website, please feel free to forward them.

THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SOUTHERN ADIRONDACK AND NORTHERN ADIRONDACK FIRE TOWERS WERE OBTAINED FROM MARTY PODSKOCH'S BOOKS AND ENDEAVORS AND ENTITLED
 THE ADIRONDACK FIRE TOWERS
(SOUTHERN DISTRICT & NORTHERN DISTRICT)
THESE ARE EXCELLENT BOOKS AND I BY NO MEANS CAN GIVE YOU THE KNOWLEDGE OR INFORMATION THAT THESE BOOKS PRESENT, BUT I CAN LET YOU KNOW THAT MR. PODSKOCH DEVOTED ALOT OF TIME AND ENERGY INTO A SPECIALTY AND WE ARE THANKFUL FOR HIS ENDEAVORS.  HE HAS GRACIOUS GRANTED PERMISSION TO THE ERECTION AND DOWNFALLS OF THESE LOOKOUT TOWERS AND ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THESE TOPICS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO HIS KNOWLEDGE OR BY PURCHASING HIS BOOK DIRECTLY.
You can easily get a copy of his book, by sending $20.00 plus $2.00 shipping fee to:
Marty Podskoch
36 Waterhole Road
Colchester, CT  06415
(860) 267-2442

OR CONTACT HIM DIRECTLY BY EMAIL AT




Before we get into the individual fire towers listed below, I also want to let you know that Marty Podskoch does give numerous lectures regarding this topic and with his permission is published here.
2006 Adirondack & Catskill Fire Tower Slide Shows

January


February


March

Saturday 18 2 PM Burgundy Books, East Haddam, CT
Wednesday 29 12 noon Binghamton Public Library, Binghamton, NY
6:30 PM Sidney Memorial Library, Sidney, NY
Thursday 30 7 PM Cannon Free Library, Delhi, NY
Friday 31 10:30 AM Shenendehowa Public Library, Clifton Park, NY

April

Tuesday 4 7 PM Mayfield Library, Mayfield, NY
Tuesday 18 7 PM Little Falls Library, Little Falls, NY
Wednesday 19 7:30 PM Cobleskill Society Historical at the Zion Lutheran
Church, Cobleskill, NY
Thursday 20 6:30 PM Ballston Spa Library, Ballston Spa, NY

May

Monday 8 6:30 PM Mechanicville Public Library, Mechanicville, NY

June

July

Monday 24 Westport Historical Society at the Westport Library, Westport, NY
Tuesday 25 8:00 PM Atmospheric Sciences Center, Whiteface Mountain,
Wilmington, NY
Wednesday 26 7 PM Hepburn Library of Edwards NY
Thursday 27 12:00 St. Lawrence Historical Society, Canton, NY
7:00 PM Franklin County Historical Society’ House of History at
Congregational Church, Malone, NY

August

Tuesday 1 7:00 PM Northville Public Library, Northville, NY
Wednesday 2 7:30 PM Adirondack Visitor Center (VIC) at Paul Smiths, NY
Thursday 3 7 PM Clifton Community Library, Cranberry Lake, NY
Friday 4 7 PM Colton Hepburn Library, Colton, NY
Saturday 5 1 PM Ranger School, Wanakena
Sunday 6 10-5 NY State Woodsmen Field Days Boonville, NY
Tuesday 8 7 PM Hoss’s Book Fair, Long Lake, NY
Wednesday 9 1 PM Wells Memorial Library, Upper Jay, NY
Thursday 10 7 PM Sherman Library, Port Henry, NY
Monday 14 7:30 PM Adirondack Museum, Blue Mt. NY
Tuesday 15 7:00 PM Edinburg Historical Society, Edinburg, NY
Wednesday 16 7 PM Lake Pleasant Library, Lake Pleasant, NY
Thursday 17 7 PM Johnsburg Library, North Creek, NY
Saturday 26 8 PM ADK LOJ Lake Placid
Sunday 27 8 PM Historic Beth Joseph Synagogue, Tupper Lake, NY

September

October

Wednesday 4 7 PM Crandall Library, Glens Falls, NY

November

Thurs. 2 6:30 Friends of Grafton State Park Fire Tower, Bed & Breakfast
Town Grafton

December

MARTY'S FAMILY

Martin Podskoch Book Adirondack Fire Towers is an excellent recommendation. He has also produced the Southern Adirondack Firetower book and the Northern Adirondack Firetower book along with one for the Catskill Mountains. He delivers many lectures throughout the year and he will be presenting at Caroga Lake this 2004 season in July. This picture is one of his family at Christmas, and his books and lectures just as rewarding.
Family Christmas Picture 2005

Marty currently has alot going on in his life for 2005:

FIRST GRANDCHILD ARRIVES
MEET PAPA MARTY & KIRA

"I am also doing a weekly-illustrated newspaper column called “Adirondack Stories.” I am working with Sam Glanzman who has done comic book illustrations for 60 years. My book editor, Dave Hayden edits my caption and Sam does the illustrating. Our column is now in nine newspapers and will eventually be a book."

 

Marty's Sons are also doing well with their business:


MARTY'S VISIT TO BACK TO BASICS DURING HIS 2004 CAROGA LAKE MUSEUM SLIDE SHOW PRESENTATION ON ADIRONDACK FIRETOWERS.

Marty is welcome at Back To Basics anytime to perform what he does best.  Marty's accommodation was the Crow's Nest Adirondack Yurt.
Marty came to stay a Back To Basics to talk about the Adirondack Firetowers at the Caroga Lake Muesum.

BACK TO THE BASICS
 Marty was placed in Crow's Nest Yurt for the evening.

Marty didn't seem to mind going Back To Basics. He settled into his accommodation easily.  Even remember his favorites, that fluffy pillow.
Marty seemed to enjoy his Adirondack yurt and we explained all the comforts of home.

He even wanted to check out the Adirondack Tree House prior to his presentation on the Adirondack Fire Towers.
He did want to experience the Adirondack Tree House prior to the slide show presentation.

Caroga Lake Museums Banner  The turn out was fabulous, many were interested in the historical firetowers.
It was a great turn out and many of the locals attended a wonderful show.

Marty's presentation was excellent. Not many could captive an audience.
Marty during his presentation at the Caroga Lake Historical Muesum.

  Everyone enjoyed the presentation and we look forward to learning more.
Everyone signed the guest book and more chairs were needed to accommodate the turn out.

Rachel way past bedtime, but enjoyed the presentation.  Taryn couldn't of been happier with her evening out at the Caroga Lake Museum. Zara also enjoyed the show and had her chance to participate in the role-playing events.
(Left) - Rachel at the presentation.  (Middle)- Taryn enjoys the Adirondack History.  (Right) - Zara also enjoyed the slide show presentation.

Taryn demonstrates the old time fire fighting equipment.  Marty assists Taryn with here new appearal.
Taryn demonstrates the old Adirondack way of putting out a fire.

Rachel getting sleeping, but Marty instantly brought her back.  The audience loved the role playing events from actual stories of the Adirondack Fire Towers.
(Left) - Rachel at one point needed to be aroused.  Marty did a great job of bring her back with some role-playing.  Definately a late night for Rach.

The roles were played well and everyone enjoyed their new part.
Role-playing was a excellent part to the presentation.  It told of old Adirondack Tales of the Fire Towers.

Rachel however was fading fast.  Marty selected many to perform during the presentation.
The actors were great and the audience found humor in the event.

It sounded easy enough, Shoot the Bear.  Emily and the
One of our favorites - THE BEAR

Maybe not that easy, Marty had more to the story.
Even Emily our guest at Back To Basics got a starring role.

Marty lets the cast know their roles and the change in circumstance.
It sounded easy enough, kill the bear.

The participation of the audience was great, they really got into their new roles.  Emily was finally able to kill the bear, and found humor in the whole situation.
Emily gave it a great shot, but the gun didn't want to seem to work, she found great humor in the situation.

GIVE IT ANOTHER SHOT.  All the children had a wonderful time.
The bear kept coming, but Marty made them determined they could get the job done.

Firetower life was definately different and exciting at times.  An old photo of one of the fire tower watchers.
Alas, they conquered their objective.  but the story remains of the men that did endure these sceneros.  

The historical past of the firetowers
Just one of the Adirondack Watchers!

  A MIDNIGHT TOAST TO A WONDERFUL EVENING.
After the presentation, we all returned to Back To Basics for a midnight BBQ and a little champagne.

Eventhough everyone was tired, everyone ate well. The BBQ consisted of cheeseburgers and shrimp. We did learn that Emily was a vegetarian.
Everyone had a wonderful evening, but was tired from the days events.

 
Taryn & Rachel were loving their first Midnight Hour!

"Great to stay with such a nice generous family who loves nature.  This was a great experience.  A delicious almost midnight grilled dinner of hamburgers & shrimp.  Rachel & Taryn entertained me with Go Fish and War.  

Crows greeted me at 5:50am with their rockist calls while a woodpecker knocked on a nearby tree.  The domed window was filled with a fog shrowded forest.  I was ready for my trip to PA.

Thanks for a great visit to the ADK."

MARTY

Below I have broken down the fire towers by county.  The color key was built to let you know the fire towers current status.

RED - CURRENTLY IN DANGER!!!!!!!!
PURPLE - CURRENTLY IN THE FIRE TOWER CHALLENGE
GREEN - NO LONGER WITH US - HAVE BEEN DISMANTLED
BLACK - STILL STANDING

PLEASE NOTE, PER MARTY'S AND BACK TO BASICS REQUEST THAT THE PRIVATELY OWNED FIRE TOWERS ARE PRIVATELY OWNED, PLEASE RESPECT THEIR INDIVIDUAL WISHES.

CLINTON COUNTY


Lyon
1910 erected
1988 abandoned
Privately Owned
Picture taken by oztrip

Palmer Hill
1930 erected
1988 closed
Private owned and used for communications


ESSEX COUNTY

Adams
1917 erected
1971 closed
Privately Owned and local group trying to get land classified as Wild Forest

Belfry
1912 erected
1988 closed
Privately Owned used as communications tower

Boreas
1911 erected
1971 closed
Removed in 1988

Goodnow
1922 erected
1979-82? closed
Privately Owned and currently begin restored by SUNY Syracuse-Huntington Forest
Goodnow Firetower is located in the Northern Adirondacks.

Directions:  the trail starts on Route 28N, 1.5 miles west of the entrance to the Visitor Interpretive Center west of Newcomb or 11.4 miles east of Long Lake.

Hurricane
1910 erected
1982 closed
To Be Removed and reerected at Washington County Fairgrounds
Picture taken by j_esper.

I've got another project. I'm trying to help the Keene Valley and Elizabethtown area people try to save their tower.  Here is a petition to save the fire tower on Hurricane Mt.  If you could please ask your friends to sign it and send it to:

Gretna Longware
Friends of Hurricane
Box 426
Elizabethtown, NY 12932

THANKS, MARTY

THE FRIENDS OF HURRICANE MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER HAVE BUILT A WONDERFUL WEBSITE FOR ITS SUPPORT, PLEASE VISIT THEM AT:


ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE PETITION - PLEASE EMAIL US AND WE WILL FORWARD IT TO YOU IMMEDIATELY, ONCE COMPLETED; PLEASE SEND TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS. THE EMAIL TO ASK FOR A COPY OF THE PETITION IS:  borntobeoutdoors@gmail.com

Directions:  3.6 miles east of the junction of route 9N and 73.  

Makomis
1911 erected
1970 closed
Removed

Pharaoh
1910 erected
1987 closed
Removed

Poke-O-Moonshine
1912 erected
1988 closed
Adopted and restoration in progress

Directions:  the trail starts at the state campground on Rt 9.  Follow the red trail markers.

Vanderwacker
1911 erected
1988 closed
Restoration in progress

Whiteface
1909 erected
Removed & re-erected at Blue Mountain Lake Museum 1973


FRANKLIN COUNTY

Ampersand
1911 erected
1970 closed
Removed 1977

Azure
1914 erected
1978 closed
Adopted and restoration completed September 2003

Azure Mountain fire tower has finished its restoration. The picture depicts the hard work done to restore this tower. Photo courtesy of Sandra Hildreth - Adirondack Wilderness Landscapes & Mandales.

The Azure Mountain fire tower restoration project has been completed and a celebration was held on Sept. 27, 2003.  The Azure Mountain Friends will continue to conduct a volunteer "fire tower interpreter" program on weekends during the summer and maintain the tower and trail.  Here's a picture of the tower, before and after.

Azure Firetower photo courtesy of:

Sandra Hildreth
Adirondack Wilderness Landscapes & Mandalas
Exhibiting at the Adirondack Artists' Guild
52 Main Street
Saranac Lake, New York 12983
518-891-2615

Debar
1912 erected
1970 closed
Removed in 1984

Loon Lake
1912 erected
1971 closed
Privately Owned and local group trying to restore

Meenahga
1927 erected
1950's closed
Privately Owned

Mt Morris
1909 erected
1971 closed
Privately Owned

St Regis
1910 erected
1990 closed
To Be Removed but local groups trying to save


FULTON COUNTY

Kane
1925 erected 60' steel tower
1988 abandoned by the state
2000 Canada Lakes Protective Association adopted the tower

Kane Mountain fire tower taken from the base of Kane Mountain with black and white film.


Directions:  Three miles north of the junction of NY Routes 10 and 29A in Caroga Lake.  Turn right onto Green Lake Road and drive along the lake.  Take the fork to the left.  Follow the trail markers .9 miles to the tower.


HAMILTON COUNTY

Blue Mt
1911 erected
1917 35' steel tower erected
1990 closed by DEC
1994 reopened after restoration

Blue Mountain Fire Tower Vintage Fire Wardens Tower Postcard  Blue Mountain Fire Tower

Directions:  1.4 miles north of the village of Blue Mountain Lake on Route 30 and 28N.  Two miles to tower.

Buck Mt
1930's erected
Privately Owned

Cathead
1910 erected
1916 50' steel tower erected
1988 closed and abandoned by the state
CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO LAND DISPUTE

Dunn Brook
1911 erected
1920 closed
(lookout site moved to Goodenow)

Fort Noble
1910 erected
1916 50' steel tower erected
1978 closed 1985 dismantled

Hamilton
1909 erected
1916 50'  steel tower erected
1971 closed by DEC
1977 dismantled

Kempshall
1911 erected
1918 35' steel tower erected
1971 closed
1977 dismantled

Owl's Head
1911 erected
1919 35' steel tower erected
1970 closed
2004 reopened

Directions:  Take Route 30 north from the center of the village of Long Lake.  After going over the bridge, turn left onto Endion Road.  Proceed 1.6 miles to the trailhead.  Follow the red markers for 3.1 miles to the fire tower.

Pillsbury
1924 erected
1984 closed by DEC
Pillsbury Mountain Fire Tower.

Directions:  From Speculator take Route 30 north for 8.1 miles or from Indian Lake go 4 miles south of Lewey Lake outlet bridge and turn onto Perkins Clearing Road.  Drive 3.3 miles past Mason pond to the road junction at Perkins Clearing.  Then turn right at the Perkins Clearing DEC trail sign and go about 3 miles to the parking area.  The trail to the tower is 1.6 miles.  

Salmon Lake Mt
1930's erected
Privately Owned

Snowy
1909 erected
1917 22' steel tower erected
1933 20' extension added
1971 closed by DEC
2001 restored

Directions:  17.4 miles north of Speculator or 7.3 miles south of the Indian Lake town center.  Trail to the tower is 3.9 miles long.

T Lake
1916 erected
1977 removed by DEC

Tomany
1912 erected
1916 50' steel tower erected
1970 closed by the state
1987 dismantled by DEC

Wakely
1911 erected
1916 70' steel tower erected
1988 closed by DEC
2002 awaiting whether to keep it or remove it
Picture taken by dickcov

Directions:  Take Route 28/30 west from Indian Lake Village for 2.2 miles to Cedar River Road on the left.  Drive 11.6 miles on Cedar River Road to the trailhead on the right.  Park at the turnoff before Wakely Dam and follow the trail makers for three miles to the tower.

West
1909 erected
1920 70' steel tower erected
1970 closed
1977 dismantled


HERKIMER COUNTY

Bald (Rondaxe)
1912 erected
1917 35' steel tower erected
1990 abandoned

Antique postcard of Bald Mountain Fire Lookout Tower near Inlet, NY
Picture taken by daffy1106

Directions:  From Old Forge, drive north on Route 28 for 4.5 miles, turn left on Rondaxe Road and go 0.2 miles.  The parking area is to the left and the trail is one mile to the tower.  

Beaver Lake
1910 erected
1945 temporarily closed
1950 restored
Late 1950's abandoned
1977 dismantled

Fort Noble
1910 erected
1916 50' steel tower erected
1978 closed 1985 dismantled

Moose River Mt
1911 erected
1977 dismantled

Stillwater
1912 erected
1919 47' steel tower erected
1988 closed by DEC

Woodhull
1911 erected
1916 50' steel tower erected
1970 tower was abandoned

Directions:  The trail begins just south of the McKeever Bridge on Rt 28 south of Old Forge.  Turn right on McKeever Road.  Go 0.3 miles to a junction.  Don't run left - go straight.  You will pass an old railroad station and go over the tracks.  Proceed to the second parking lot.  You will have traveled 0.8 miles from the highway to the trailhead.  The trail follows the old Moose River Company Railroad right-of-way and goes for about 5 miles.  Follow the red DEC markers 2.6 miles to the fire tower.


LEWIS COUNTY

Bald
1911 erected
1919 47' steel tower erected
Closed 1970 due to air surveillance
Taken down 1975

Number 4
1928 erected
1928 privately built
1945 state took over operation
1958 sold to the state
1975 standby status
1986 dismantled


SARATOGA COUNTY

Hadley
1917 erected
1916 Ohmer Tower moved to Hadley
1917 began operating
1990 closed by DEC
1995-1996 restored
Picture taken by daffey1106
Directions:  From I-87, take exit 21 and go southwest on NY Route 9N to the village of Lake Luzerne.  At the traffic light, go west toward the Hudson River.  Continue for 0.4 miles along the River to the business district.  Turn left  and go across the Hudson into Hadley and go 0.4 miles.  Turn right on Stony Creek Road.  After traveling 3 miles, bear left on Hadley Hill Road and proceed 1.5 miles to the trailhead.  Follow the red trail markers for 1.8 miles to the fire tower.

Spruce
1928 erected
1988 closed due to dispute between NYS and Saratoga County
Picture taken by jan_mac11

Directions:  Take Route 9N from Saratoga Springs and drive 10 miles to South Corinth.  Turn left on Miner Road and go about 1.5 miles to Wells Road.  Turn right and when the road forks to the right, continue straight on Spruce Mountain Road to the trailhead.  Follow trail signs for 1.1 miles to the summit.


ST LAWRENCE COUNTY

Arab
1911 erected
1988 closed
Adopted and restored

Cat
1910 erected
1970 closed
Removed

Catamount
1911 erected
1971 closed
Removed in 1975

Moosehead
1910 erected
1968/68 closed
Removed

Tooley Pond
1913 erected
1971 closed
Removed in 1983 and re-erected at Cathedral Rocks

Whites Hill
1950 erected
1970 closed
Removed 1978



WARREN COUNTY

Crane
1911 erected
1919 35' steel tower erected
1970 closed by DEC
1987 dismantled

Gore
1909 erected
1918 60' steel tower erected
1919 destroyed
1920 reconstructed
1988 closed by DEC

Directions:  Follow Route 28 to the village of North Creek.  At the intersection of Routes 28 and 28N, go 0.3 miles north and look by the North Creek Center for a sign to North Creek Ski Bowl.  Turn left on Ski Bowl Road and travel 0.3 moles to the DEC Trailhead.  Follow the blue DEC trail markers for 4.5 miles to the fire tower.

Prospect
1910 erected
1925 turn over to the state
1932 47' steel tower erected
1970 closed by the state
1984 dismantled

Swede
1912 erected
1918 47' steel tower erected
1968 closed by DEC for budget cuts



WASHINGTON COUNTY


Black
1910 erected
1918 35' steel tower erected
1988 closed

Directions:  Take Route 22 north from Whitehall for seven miles - or 17 miles from Ticonderoga.  Then go west on County Route 6 for 2.7 miles toward Hulett's Landing.  Turn left onto Pike Brook Road and go .8 miles to the trailhead on the right.  It is 2.5 miles to the summit.

FIRE TOWER CHALLENGE

The Fire Tower Challenge is offered by the Adirondack Mountain Club.   

The Rules

Hikers must climb and document
 (by date, ascent of at least 23 of the fire tower summits)

18 of the 23 in the Adirondack Park and all 5 of the Catskill Park summits

THE FIVE CATSKILL PARK SUMMITS ARE:
BALSAM LAKE
HUNTER
OVERLOOK
RED HILL
TREMPER

You do not have to actual climb each tower only the summit upon which it stands (some have not been restored for safe use).

THEY ALSO WANT DETAILED INFORMATION REGARDING:  WEATHER CONDITIONS - WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS - YOUR IMPRESSIONS - COMPANIONS - AND WHAT EVER ELSE CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION.

When you submit your application and list it needs to contain a check for $3.00 per patch.  (Kids 15 and under are free).  The check should be made to ADK Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter.

The address is:
 Fire Tower Challenge
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club
PO Box 2314
Glens Falls, NY  12801

ADDITIONAL FOREST FIRE LOOKOUT TOWERS

FIRE TOWERS ARE NOT ONLY ENDANGERED IN NYS.  THEY ARE BEING LOST AT THE RATE OF ONE EACH WEEK IN AMERICA.

I HAVE INCLUDED SOME LINKS TO THE FOREST FIRE LOOKOUT ASSOCIATION FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

 PLEASE BOOKMARK BACK TO BASICS PRIOR TO LINKING OR YOU WILL BE LOST.





KANE MOUNTAIN

The fire tower closest to Back to Basics is Kane Mountain.  It is the only tower located in Fulton County and does currently stand due to the restoration efforts of Canada Lake Protection Association.  

If you would like to make a $5.00 donation, you can receive a Kane Mountain Patch and help keep the restoration alive on Kane Mountain. These patches are available at Canada Lake Store and Marina located on Route 29A around the corner from the trailhead.

Kane Mountain Adirondack Fire Tower patches are available in Canada Lake


Additional Adirondack County Links

Please bookmark Back To Basics prior to linking our you will be lost.












© Back To Basics Adirondack Wilderness Adventures 2004