Blue Mountain Fire Tower Hike — Adirondacks
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is one of the most satisfying fire tower climbs in the Adirondacks — a genuine summit effort with sweeping views and real history at the top. The trail draws a wide range of hikers, from regulars logging peak number three to families pairing it with a visit to the Adirondack Experience Museum just up the road. Plan ahead on summer and fall weekends: this one gets busy.
The hike begins on a wide path following an old access road — easy footing and a gradual grade to start, with a pleasant stream crossing along the way. Around the 1.5-mile mark the character of the trail changes: steep rock slabs push the pitch up sharply and exposed sections call for focused footwork, particularly on the way back down. Above that crux the trail eases onto a ridge, follows it through the trees, and deposits you at the fire tower summit — where panoramic views of the central Adirondacks open up in every direction.
Early winter conditions on Blue Mountain — filmed & edited by Pure Adirondacks.
Blue Mountain has served as a fire observation point since the early 1900s. At 3,759 feet it sits just below the High Peaks threshold — but its central position in Hamilton County gives the tower one of the broadest viewsheds in the entire park. Observers stationed here could spot smoke across a vast stretch of the western and central Adirondacks.
Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge
Document 23 dated ascents across two parks and earn your official patch.
Adirondack Experience Museum
One of the best reasons to make Blue Mountain Lake a full day. ADKX sits just minutes from the trailhead and tells the story of Adirondack life, land, and culture through immersive exhibits, historic buildings, and rotating collections. Well worth a few hours before or after your hike.
Read our ADKX guide →
Apparel and prints inspired by the Adirondack fire towers and the hikers who climb them. Made for the trail, designed for the park.
Shop the Collection →
A guide to all 85 unforgettable fire tower hikes across New York state. Expert insight, practical detail, and enough history to make every summit more interesting.
View on Amazon →From the intersection of Routes 30 and 28 in Long Lake, follow Route 28N / Deerland Road toward Blue Mountain Lake. The trailhead parking lot will be on your left. Coming from Blue Mountain Lake village, the trailhead is just 1.5 miles down the road on the right — you'll pass the Adirondack Experience Museum on the left shortly before you arrive. Download the DEC trail map →
Post-Hike Pint at Hex & Hop
Nothing caps a Blue Mountain summit like a cold craft beer. Hex & Hop has a tasting room right at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts in Blue Mountain Lake — perfect for a crisp beverage on a hot summer day. No full kitchen, but snacks are available, food trucks stop by periodically, and outside food is always welcome.
Hours & Locations at hexandhop.com →