Debar Mountain Wild Forest · Malone Region

Azure Mountain

Heading out? Conditions change fast and help can be hours away. What to bring ↓

Distance2 miRound trip
Summit2,518 ftElevation
Ascent1,000 ftTotal gain

The hike up Azure Mountain is fairly quick and occasionally steep. The summit gives a unique view of the High Peaks in the distance with lower mountains, hidden water and marshes in the foreground, while the fire tower opens up 360 degrees. In autumn, the changing leaves spread out before you as strips of dark green evergreens snake through the hardwoods.

The trail

The trail begins gradually across some switchbacks, with a nice view of the lowlands for the first quarter mile. It then heads into the woods and quickly starts uphill, holding a somewhat steep grade until it levels out slightly before the summit. At the top, half of the summit is a rock face with a great 180-degree view and the other half is wooded. Climb the renovated tower for the full 360.

The fire tower

Difficulty: Moderate
The tower: Renovated and open to climb
Summit: Half open rock with a 180-degree view, half wooded
Best season: Autumn, when color spreads across the lowlands

Trailhead and map

From Paul Smiths, take Route 30 north toward Santa Clara. After 9 miles, at a Y in the road, go left on Route 458 toward Santa Clara. After 13 miles, turn left on Blue Mountain Road and follow it 7 miles to the trailhead, with a good-sized parking lot on your right.

Trail resources

Conditions: Conditions change fast. Check current trail conditions before heading out.
Reading: Hiking Fire Lookouts: New York, a guide to 85 fire tower hikes across the state. Affiliate link: as an Amazon Associate, Pure Adirondacks earns from qualifying purchases.

Adirondack fire towers Adirondack hiking

Before you go

Adirondack weather turns quickly, cell service is unreliable, and help can be hours away. Pick a plan that fits your group's fitness and experience.

Layers and rain gear, even in summer. Skip cotton
A headlamp, so you are not relying on your phone
A map and compass, or navigation that works offline
More food and water than you expect to need, plus first aid
In cold months, carry traction. In the Eastern High Peaks, skis or snowshoes are required when snow is 8 inches or deeper
Staying overnight in the Eastern High Peaks? A bear-resistant canister is required from April 1 to November 30
Leave your route and return time with someone
Check the forecast and current conditions, and know when the sun sets
Turn back if weather worsens, someone is exhausted, or dark is coming

Plan on getting yourself out. Rangers can be hours away, cell service can't be counted on, and every rescue puts other people at risk. If someone is seriously hurt, lost or in danger, don't wait. Call 911 or DEC Forest Ranger Dispatch at 833-NYS-RANGERS (833-697-7264). Save that number before you leave. Read DEC's Hike Smart NY guidance and current Adirondack backcountry conditions.

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