Mountaintops within Reach
People often ask us for suggestions on where to hike in the Adirondacks. And many aspire to climb a mountain.
For those who are in hiking shape, consider a mountain with a fire tower.
There are fire tower mountains throughout the Adirondack Park and usually with breathtaking views since they were originally selected as lookouts for fires.
The second book in The Adirondack Kids® series was set on Bald Mountain. Featuring a restored fire tower and spectacular views of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, it is one of the most popular destinations for a family hike in the entire West-Central region. Many who discover it hike it again and again in different seasons.
The Adirondack Mountain Club published a book nearly 20 years ago (2001) entitled, Views from on High, containing maps and trail descriptions for all the open fire tower mountains in the Adirondacks and the Catskills.
It was the perfect resource to recommend to those who took us up on the idea, making it easy for anyone to plan an ideal hike. The book was a constant companion for me (Gary) upon making it a mission to climb all of them.
Over the years, however, the book became dated. Fire towers that were believed would be razed were saved, and trails that had been closed to the public were opened. Many of us who loved the guide were craving an updated edition.
And I am thrilled to say that day has finally come!
Just recently released, the second edition of Views From On High is updated and expanded and contains not only the fire tower trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills, but as it notes on the cover, ‘new tower descriptions from beyond the park.’
The handsome volume contains dozens of full-color photographs and there is a helpful use of color on the maps and trail descriptions as well. Other features include trail practices, a history of the fire towers and a checklist of what to bring on a hike.
This is the book you will want to have should you decide to try a day hike on any of these mountains, or to tackle the Fire Tower Challenge that was established by the Glens Falls – Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. That quest involves hiking 23 of the 25 fire towers mountains in the Adirondacks and all five in the Catskills!
What outdoor activities is your family planning for this year? Comment below!
Behind-the-Scenes
What do you do when the power in the neighborhood is shut down for an entire winter day? Well, you finally buckle down and write a 2600-word outline in a notebook for your next story! (Notes for Chapter 4 of The Adirondack Kids® #18)
If you enjoyed this blog, please share it!
[sharethis-inline-buttons]
© 2018 Adirondack Kid Press, Ltd.
