Stillwater Mountain

Fire Tower Hike  ·  Old Forge / Western Adirondacks

Stillwater Mountain

Renovated fire tower with panoramic views of the High Peaks & Tug Hill Plateau
Distance
1.9 mi RT
Elevation
2,264 ft
Ascent
560 ft

Near Old Forge at the westernmost edge of the Adirondack Park, Stillwater Mountain is a short, rewarding hike crowned by a recently renovated fire tower. The tower was reopened in July 2016 and is in excellent condition — both the summit and the tower itself offer gorgeous, far-reaching views.

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Seasonal Closure The trail and fire tower are closed from the second Tuesday of October through December 20th to accommodate hunting on the surrounding land. Plan your visit outside this window.
The Trail

A quick and thoroughly enjoyable climb, the current trail up Stillwater is a newer route cut during the fire tower renovation. It ascends at an easy, consistent grade throughout before joining the original trail just below the summit. From the top, you're rewarded with views of the High Peaks far off to the east and the Tug Hill Plateau close by to the west — a lot of scenery for very little effort.

On the Trail: Summer Canoe Camping

We hiked Stillwater during a summer canoe camping trip in the western Adirondacks. Filmed & edited by Pure Adirondacks.

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Friends of Stillwater Fire Tower

The community group behind the tower's 2016 restoration. They maintain the site and support ongoing stewardship of the tower and surrounding area.

Visit friendsofstillwaterfiretower.com →
Getting There

Coming from Old Forge, continue through Eagle Bay and turn left onto Stillwater / Big Moose Road. Follow the road approximately 8 miles to the trailhead.