The fire tower on Black Mountain, in the Lake George Wild Forest on the lake’s eastern side in Washington County, NY, was constructed in 1916 and has been maintained by New York State Police since 1996 when a 39-foot extension was added. The 80-foot-tall structure supports several antennas, a microwave dish and an aerial beacon, the only one of its kind in New York state. [Read more…] about The Black Mountain Fire Tower on Lake George Is One of Kind
Fire Towers
10th Annual Fire Tower Lighting Sept 2nd: Where To See Them
The NYS Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association will hold the 10th Annual Fire Towers Lighting on Saturday, September 2nd at 9 pm. Last year volunteers were able to light 33 firetowers across New York State. Nearly 40 towers are already registered to participate this year. [Read more…] about 10th Annual Fire Tower Lighting Sept 2nd: Where To See Them
Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Vandalized; Table Map Stolen
On April 10th, the Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine was notified of serious vandalism to the Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower in Essex County, NY, near Keeseville. New York State Forest Rangers were notified and began an investigation. [Read more…] about Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Vandalized; Table Map Stolen
Take the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge is now open, and will run through December 31st, 2023. [Read more…] about Take the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge to highlight the region’s world-class tourism destinations and recreational opportunities. [Read more…] about 2023 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge
The Old Trail: A Lyon Mountain History
Many years ago, a new trail replaced the old trail on Lyon Mountain in the town of Dannemora in Clinton County, NY, which had degraded with sections ranging from grassy to rocky to bouldery to muddy to extremely steep, muddy, and slippery.
It was a mess compared to paths built by modern trail crews. In 2006, ADK’s Algonquin Chapter completed the plans for a new trail, which was built in the summer of 2008. [Read more…] about The Old Trail: A Lyon Mountain History
Recreation Highlight: Lyon Mountain Fire Tower
With a rich history of mining, Lyon Mountain is a towering peak in the Chazy Highlands Wild Forest in Clinton County, NY.
The mining started in the 1860s and continued until 1967. It produced some of the purest iron ore in the world, and some of that ore was even used to build the Golden Gate Bridge. [Read more…] about Recreation Highlight: Lyon Mountain Fire Tower
Peter Bauer: It’s Time For A Cathead Mountain Amendment
Hamilton County has been trying to expand its emergency communications network for years. The county has dead spots for not only cell service but for its emergency communications system too, especially in the southern part of the county.
The only viable option for the county, given the widely and most commonly used emergency communications equipment in New York State, is to expand its network of line-of-sight towers powered through utility lines, with emergency backups, and are accessible by motor vehicle for servicing. The south end of Hamilton County has limited police and EMT communications service. [Read more…] about Peter Bauer: It’s Time For A Cathead Mountain Amendment
Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors
Berry Hill fire tower in the town of McDonough, Chenango County, is open for recreation after the completion of interior and exterior upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility. Berry Hill is the only fire tower on public lands in Central New York open to the public, and at an elevation of 1,960 feet, is one of the highest points in Chenango County.
Off-road parking is available for approximately eight vehicles at the base of the fire tower’s driveway. The driveway is about 1,000 feet long and open for pedestrian access with a moderate uphill climb. Through an agreement with DEC, the New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association will provide volunteer stewardship services at Berry Hill. Volunteers will help maintain the facility and provide educational information to visitors. On days when a steward is on site, motor vehicle access to the upper parking area may be permitted. [Read more…] about Central NY’s Berry Hill Fire Tower is Now Open to Visitors
2022 Catskills Fire Tower Hiking Challenge Getting Underway
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.
Starting January 1st, 2022, visitors are challenged to hike each of the six historic fire towers in the Catskill Park and submit information about their visit at any time during the year to earn recognition and prizes. [Read more…] about 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Hiking Challenge Getting Underway