by: Kathi and Tim Noble

For those of you wishing to hike the recently opened Loon Lake Mt Tower to your list of accomplishments but are having a difficult time finding directions here's some guidance that should get you there.

Head North on Route 3 out of Saranac Lake past Vermontville, after several miles take a left onto County Rt 26/Old Route 99 (it may also show on maps as Port Kent-Hopkinton Turnpike). Continue towards Loon Lake(s). Go past Loon Lake(s) and you will come to a DEC sign and parking area for Grass Pond on the right side of the road. Less than 500 feet on the left you will notice a gate barring access to a dirt road. There isn’t much room to park there so it is probably best to park at Grass Pond parking area. When I was there in mid February, the only sign was a yellow DEC Trail Marker on a post next to the gate. This is the access to the trail where the DEC has a small sign about 3/4 mile up the dirt road directing you to the tower. Sorry I can't provide mileage markers as it took me few trips up and down the road before I was able to locate the trail. Enjoy and if anyone has up to date info on signs and/or mileage let us know. Thanks!

We’re happy to report three new members of the Fire Tower Challenge

• Jeff Patterson, Rochester
• Travis Graig, Cherry Valley
• Jim Weeks, Oriskany Falls