I had an incredible hiking experience on the trail leading to the Stillwater Fire Tower. This trail provided a great opportunity to challenge myself while enjoying breathtaking views and a well-maintained, easy-to-follow path.
The hike to the Stillwater Fire Tower was a nonstop ascent from the trailhead to the tower, offering a steady climb that added a sense of accomplishment to the journey. The moderate intensity of the hike ensured a good workout without being overly strenuous, making it accessible to a wide range of hikers. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone looking to push their limits, this trail strikes a balance between effort and enjoyment.
One of the standout features of the trail was its cleanliness and overall condition. The trail was well-maintained, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable hiking experience. The absence of obstacles or overgrown vegetation made it easy to navigate, ensuring that hikers could focus on the breathtaking surroundings rather than worrying about the trail itself.
Following the trail was a breeze, thanks to its clear markings and easy-to-follow path. The route was well-defined, with visible signs and markers guiding the way. I appreciated the effort put into maintaining the trail's integrity, as it instilled a sense of confidence and eliminated any worries about getting lost.
However, it's worth noting that parking at the trailhead is limited. Only three parking spots were available, with one designated for handicap parking and two for others. While this limited parking may pose a challenge during busy periods, I observed that parking on the side of the road seemed to be a viable alternative without any apparent issues. It's essential to exercise caution and ensure that your vehicle is safely parked to avoid any inconvenience or obstruction.
The hike to the Stillwater Fire Tower was approximately 1 mile each way, providing a manageable distance that can be easily accomplished within a few hours. The relatively short length of the trail allows for flexibility, whether you're looking to embark on a quick adventure or have limited time available. The reward of reaching the fire tower and being greeted with awe-inspiring panoramic views is well worth the effort.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this hike to the Stillwater Fire Tower. It offers a rewarding experience for hikers of varying skill levels, with its moderate intensity, well-maintained trail, and easy navigation. While parking may be limited, alternatives are available, ensuring that you can embark on this memorable hike without too much hassle. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas and enjoy the sense of accomplishment as you reach the fire tower and take in the breathtaking...
Read moreA fantastic hike on a beautiful fall day. We haven't been hiking in years, so even though this trail was short, it took us "old folks" about an hour to reach the top. As you would imagine, it was all uphill. The reward was getting to the firetower. The structure itself is beautiful. The group who restored it did a fantastic job. It's also nice to see that people respect the effort it took and don't put graffiti on it. The view from the top is breathtaking. We could see all the way to Whiteface Mountain on one side and to the Windmill Farm in Lowville on the other. There is a round map in the cabin at the top that has all of the mountains, lakes, rivers, etc on it. You can move the steel pointer around to see anything you want to. The trip down was a lot faster then...
Read moreOf the fire tower hikes I've done, this is the most gentle walk. It never gets steep. It's a pleasant enough walk but it's also not as busy as some of the shorter tower hikes, possibly because the drive involves rough roads on either approach.
The tower itself is extremely well maintained with this lovely map that allows you to find surrounding mountains. It took us about an hour, including some time at the top of the tower. A good choice for people who don't want to scramble or deal with steeps. There is no view without...
Read more