Bald Mountain Fire Tower Hike | Old Forge, Adirondacks

Fire Tower Hike  ·  Old Forge / Western Adirondacks

Bald Mountain

The most-visited fire tower in the Adirondacks — an easy, rewarding climb for all ages
Distance
2 mi RT
Elevation
2,350 ft
Ascent
400 ft

Also known as Rondaxe Mountain, Bald Mountain holds the title of most-visited fire tower in the Adirondacks — drawing as many as 15,000 visitors a year. Its popularity is well-earned: easy access from Old Forge, a forgiving trail, and a renovated fire tower make it a perfect outing for families, first-time hikers, and anyone looking for a quick summit with a big payoff.

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Most Visited Fire Tower in the Adirondacks Don't let the short distance fool you — Bald Mountain kicks up a steep pitch not far into the hike, and much of the trail runs over exposed rockbed that gets slippery fast when wet. Manageable for most hikers, but worth knowing before you go.
The Trail

The hike starts gradually along a wide, open path before narrowing and steepening at around 0.3 miles. The trail then reaches the ridge and follows it another half mile or so to the summit. At the top, climb the renovated fire tower for expansive views in every direction. Worth a short detour: the remains of the observer's cabin sit just 150 feet past the tower — a cool piece of Adirondack history hiding in plain sight.

📖 'Dack Fact

The first structure on Bald Mountain was a wooden tower built by the Conservation Commission in 1912. The State later renamed the peak "Rondaxe" — after a nearby lake — to avoid confusion with another Bald Mountain in Lewis County, just 23 miles to the northwest.

Fact courtesy of the NY State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association More ADK Facts →
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Bald Mountain is part of the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge. See the full list of towers, challenge details, and more.

Adirondack Fire Towers & Challenge →
On the Trail: Bald Mountain

Filmed & edited by Pure Adirondacks.

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Gear Up at Mountainman Outdoors

Old Forge's go-to outfitter for hiking gear, paddling equipment, and everything you need before hitting the trail. Worth a stop before or after your Bald Mountain hike.

mountainmanoutdoors.com →
Getting There

From Old Forge, head north on Route 28 toward Inlet. Pass the Enchanted Forest Water Park and continue 4.4 miles — Rondaxe Road will be on your left. The trailhead is approximately 1,000 feet ahead on the left.