Adirondack Fire Towers: Goodnow Mountain
Parking: 43.969865, -74.214916 Newcomb, NY. 1.5 miles west of the Adirondack Visitor Interpretive Center
Miles: 4
Hours: 2 + whatever amount of time you spend hanging at the top
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| Trailhead sign as seen from Route 28N |
- small daypack
- 1.5L water
- snacks
- first aid
- tape
- knife
- hiking boots
- map - National Geographic #742
- synthetic clothing
- NO COTTON - Why no cotton? Cotton is a thicker material and isn't as breathable as synthetic materials. Once it's wet, it becomes heavier and takes longer to dry.
Built in 1922 and abandoned in 1980, this fire tower was critical to locating wildfires in the surrounding area. During the late 1800s and early 1900s there was a rash of destructive fires that burned hundreds of thousands of acres in the Adirondack region. Along with the fire tower at the mountaintop is a primitive cabin that housed the tower watchman for short periods of time. Since it was abandoned it has been maintained by the College of Environmental Science and Forestry and the town of Newcomb. It sits on private land, and camping, hunting & fires are prohibited.
The trail begins from the parking lot & register and is easily followed. Red trail markers with arrows are scattered along the way as the path rises gently then steadily towards the peak. Near the top (1.5 miles from the parking lot) is an old horse barn and well that was used by the land's private owners many years ago. Once at the top, climb the tower for beautiful views of 23 of the 46 high peaks; you can also peer into the cabin and read an actual monthly report from one of the observers.
Thank you! Next post will be even better!
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