Background Information
Whether it's the view from the summit or from the tower--or the experiences enroute--"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.
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2006 Fire Tower Update
In preparing a new printing of "Views from on High"
, there are several important changes in the status of 5 fire towers in the section "Adirondack Fire Towers That May Not Last."
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What is the Fire Tower Challenge?
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 the ADK, the book is available from the Club, bookstores, and outdoor retailers.
To join ADK or purchase Views from on High
call 1-800-395-8080 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Mon through Sat.), or
purchase online,
or visit our Lake George and Heart Lake facilities.
You don't need to be a member of ADK to take part in the Challenge.
Rules of the Fire Tower Challenge:
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To complete the Challenge and receive the official full-color patch, hikers must climb and document, by
date, ascents of at least 23 fire tower summits: 18 of 23 Adirondack Park summits and all 5 Catskill Park summits.
Climbing each tower itself is not required, nor in
fact recommended, for those towers that have not been restored for safe public use.
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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. (See summit list below, or
print the brochure
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When registering the dates of your climb, be sure to use extra sheets of paper to describe details of
interest: 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.
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Send the summit list and additional
pages - name and address on each - along with a check for $3.00 per patch. (Kids 15 and under are free.)
Make checks payable to "ADK Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter" and send to:
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Fire Tower Challenge
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club
P.O. Box 2314
Glens Falls, NY 12801
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