St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower Hike — Adirondacks
St. Regis Mountain
St. Regis Mountain is one of the northern Adirondacks' best-kept secrets — further off the beaten track than most fire tower hikes, but rewarding in ways that justify the extra effort. The summit offers a near 360-degree view encompassing the lakes and ponds of the St. Regis Canoe Area, the High Peaks rising to the south, and Whiteface visible on a clear day. It also counts toward both the Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge and the Saranac Lake 6er — making it a two-for-one for hikers working through either list.
From the Keese Mill Road trailhead, the route begins with two miles of rolling, gradual terrain through northern hardwood forest — a pleasant warmup that gives way to the real climbing. As the trail steepens in the final mile, watch for clusters of glacial erratics scattered along the ridge, remnants of the last ice age and one of the more unusual features of this hike. The trail then opens onto exposed rock and a short scramble carries you to the open summit. From here the restored 35-foot steel fire tower waits — climb it for one of the broadest, most lake-studded views in the entire park.
The Paddle-Hike Option
St. Regis is one of the few Adirondack fire towers with a canoe-in approach. Launch from the Upper St. Regis Lake boat launch, paddle to the Spring Bay dock, and pick up the trail from there — roughly a mile to the main trail junction. It's one of the most unique ways to bag a fire tower summit in the park, and makes for a full-day Adirondack adventure.
Paddle & hike combo on St. Regis Mountain — filmed & edited by Pure Adirondacks.
The St. Regis Mountain Fire Observation Station was staffed continuously from April 1910 through 1990 — making it the longest-operating fire tower in New York State history. The current 35-foot Aermotor LS-40 steel tower was erected in 1918, delivered by rail to Paul Smiths and hauled up the mountain by teams of horses. After closure in 1990, the tower faced removal due to its "non-conforming" status within the St. Regis Canoe Area — but community advocacy saved it. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and reopened to the public on September 1, 2016 after a volunteer-led restoration.
Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge
Document 23 dated ascents across two parks and earn your official patch.
Friends of St. Regis Mountain Fire Tower
The tower's survival and restoration is a direct result of this volunteer-driven nonprofit. They advocate for the tower, coordinate stewardship, and staff the summit during peak season to share the history of fire detection in the Adirondacks. If you appreciate having this tower to climb, they're worth knowing about and supporting.
friendsofstregis.org →Post-Hike Stop: Donnelly's Soft Ice Cream
A true northern ADK institution. Donnelly's serves one soft-serve flavor a day — always twisted with a second — available by cone or dish. Cash only, straightforward, and completely worth it after a 6.6-mile day. A perfect excuse to take the scenic route home.
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 Saranac Lake, head north on Route 86 toward Paul Smiths (about 12 miles). At the intersection with Route 30 near Paul Smith's College, cross over to Keese Mill Road. Follow Keese Mill Road for 2.6 miles — the trailhead parking will be on your left. Download the DEC trail map →