Mount Adams Fire Tower — Adirondack Mountains
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Mount Adams Fire Tower — Adirondack Mountains

Moderate Lake
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC via Wikimedia)
Distance
4.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1600 ft
Hike Time
3.5 hours
Difficulty
Moderate
State
New York
Weather This Week
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What to bring
Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

The Mount Adams Fire Tower in the Adirondacks is one of the best preserved fire towers in the region and delivers a 360-degree view from the cab that the summit itself — largely wooded — doesn’t offer from the ground.

What to Expect

The 4.5-mile out-and-back starts off Route 3 and climbs through mixed hardwood and conifer forest. The trail is well-maintained but unremarkable until you break out near the summit. The fire tower is open and climbable — the cab at the top puts you above the surrounding trees with views over the St. Regis Wilderness, the High Peaks to the south, and the St. Lawrence River valley to the north on clear days. The tower is staffed by volunteer stewards on weekends during summer.

At 3.5 hours round trip it’s a half-day hike — short enough to combine with another trail or an afternoon on one of the nearby lakes.

Difficulty

Moderate. About 1,600 feet of gain over 2.25 miles each way — a steady climb but nothing steep. The footing is typical ADK forest trail, rooty in sections. Most reasonably fit hikers handle it without issue.

Best Time to Go

The tower is staffed on weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day — worth timing your visit to coincide if you want the full experience. Fall foliage from the tower cab is outstanding. Spring is fine but buggy through June in the northern Adirondacks.

Before You Go

Free parking off Route 3. Nearest services in Malone or Saranac Lake. Remote enough that cell service is spotty. About 7.5 hours from DC — northern Adirondacks are their own destination trip.

Best Hiking Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Mount Adams Fire Tower hike?
The trail is 4.5 miles with feet of elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in 3.5 hours.
Where do you park for Mount Adams Fire Tower?
Before You GonFree parking off Route 3.
What is the best time to hike Mount Adams Fire Tower?
Best Time to GonThe tower is staffed on weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day u2014 worth timing your visit to coincide if you want the full experience.
Is there an entrance fee for Mount Adams Fire Tower?
About 1,600 feet of gain over 2.25 miles each way u2014 a steady climb but nothing steep.
Plan Your Visit
Always check current conditions before heading out — trails close, roads wash out, and fees change.
Get Directions
Gear for this hike
Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidLOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozHydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-RBlack Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L JacketPatagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew MidweightDarn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking PolesBlack Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water FilterSawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent SpraySawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyMountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →
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Trail Map

44.087, -74.025

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