Hadley Mountain Fire Tower

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower is a quick, moderate hike with amazing views. This is, very understandably, one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Adirondacks.

At the summit of this modest peak, at an elevation that affords breath-taking vistas, stands the Hadley Mountain Fire Tower, an enduring sentinel and a tribute to the legacy of forest conservation.

The original wooden tower was erected in 1916 and the current steel tower was built in 1920. Hadley Mountain Fire Tower is one of the few remaining fire towers in New York State that has weathered the elements and the test of time. These structures, once pivotal for spotting forest fires across the vast timberlands, now serve as beacons for hikers and history enthusiasts alike.

The Hadley Tower, in particular, has been meticulously restored, ensuring that its rugged structure continues to offer safe passage to those eager to survey the Adirondacks from an eagle’s vantage point.

The hike is a little steep, especially for new mountain hikers. But there are no rock scrambles or difficult technical sections. It’s a moderate hike, accessible to beginners yet satisfying for seasoned trailblazers, offering a variety of terrains that speak to the geological richness of the region. Just take your time, and make sure you have proper footwear and traction.

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower is more than a lookout—it’s a link to the past and a place of present wonder.

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower Trail

The Hadley Mountain fire tower trail includes…

• Ample parking
• Beautiful moderate hiking trails
• Stream crossing
• Hadley Mountain Tree (the toughest little tree in the ADKs)
• The world’s smallest fire tower hatch?
• Fantastic 360° view

Allow 2-3 hours for this hike. A full breakdown is provided in the trail notes below, with 15 gorgeous photos.

Hadley Mountain Fire Tower Parking

Tower Road, where the trailhead is located, is a dirt road. I’m not sure of the status during winter and if this last section of road gets plowed or not. Check ahead/online after snow. However, it’s a generous parking lot. There’s enough room for 20 cars.

Hadley Fire Tower Trail Notes & Gallery

This hike does include a stream crossing — really, more of a brook. There is lots of open rock face on the lower sections of trail so, when it’s wet and slippery, make sure you’ve got on your best hiking boots. Any kind of ice will necessitate spikes.

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Similar Hikes

If you like short hikes, check out this list of short hikes.

And here’s a list of the fire tower hikes I’ve completed so far.

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The parent mountain for this hike is Hadley.

If you do this hike, LMK how it went…