Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter Fire Tower Challenge

Fire Tower ChallengeFire Tower Fever
Whether it's the view from the summit or the tower--or the experiences en route--"fire tower fever" grips you right away and there's no turning back. Sound familiar? Then you're a person for whom the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) has created The Fire Tower Challenge.

Consider the spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Consider the wildlife you may see along the way and the botanically interesting vegetation on the summits. And consider that for some 50-70 years the cabs atop these towers were the outlooks of "fire spotters," observers whose lonesome vigil was broken only occasionally by visits from the public.

2006 Fire Tower Update

For an example of a fire tower with great local support, here is some information on the Mt. Arab fire tower.

The Fire Tower Challenge begins with the publication of the guidebook, Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, by John P. (Jack) Freeman. The Challenge hikes are described in detail, along with a fascinating essay describing the history of Forest Preserve fire towers by noted historic preservationist Wesley H. Haynes. Published by ADK, the book is available from the club (see below), bookstores, and outdoor retailers.

Hike Descriptions to a Few of the Towers

You don't need to be a member of ADK to take part in the Challenge. If you do wish to join, ADK chapters plan a wide variety of activities to help you learn more about nature, the protection of our environment, and outdoor skills. To join ADK or purchase Views from on High, call 800-395-8080 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Mon.-Sat.), join ADK on-line, or visit our Lake George and Heart Lake facilities.

Rules of the Fire Tower Challenge

1. The Challenge begins with the publication of Views from on High.

2. To complete the Challenge and receive the official full-color patch (pictured on the front), hikers must climb and document, by date, ascents of at least twenty-three fire tower summits: eighteen of twenty-three Adirondack Park summits and all five Catskill Park summits. Climbing each tower itself is not required, nor in fact recommended, especially for those towers that have not been restored for safe public use.

3. The mountain should have a standing fire tower on the date of your ascent. Several of the Adirondack towers described in Views from on High may eventually be removed. (A list of these towers can be found on the official challenge form.)

4. When registering the dates of your climb on the official challenge form (pdf) available from ADK, be sure to use extra sheets of paper to describe details of interest, such as weather, wildlife sightings, your impressions, your companions -- and whatever else caught your attention. We really want you to share your experiences with us, so please be expressive.

5. Send the attached list and additional pages--with name and address on each--along with a check for $3.00 per patch. (Kids 15 and under are free.) Make the check payable to "ADK Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter" and send to:

Fire Tower Challenge
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club
P.O. Box 2314
Glens Falls, NY 12801

For more information -
Fire Tower Challenge
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter