Fire Tower Challenge
Updated: September 21 2024
Firetower Links:
FTC Contact:
Submit Completions Online
Past FTC Completions
Challenge Log
FTC Contact:
firetower@adk-gfs.org
You can now submit completion forma online.
Since 2010 the Glens Fall-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers a new Challenge: the ADK Winter Fire Tower Challenge.
Climb 18 of the Adirondack mountains with fire towers and all five in the Catskills between December 21 and March 21 and you can earn a rocker
for your Fire Tower Challenge patch. You can keep track of your climbs on the regular brochure, noting at the top of the form that it's the Winter Challenge.
Please note that like the regular ADK Fire Tower Challenge, it is not necessary to climb the actual towers. In fact, it is inadvisable to climb an icy fire tower. Some trailhead parking areas might not be plowed in winter presenting access challenges. Winter hiking while exciting can be more strenuous especially if the trail has not been previously tracked-out and there are less daylight hours with shorter periods of twilight.
Due to Gore Mountain not allowing uphill travel during ski season the ADK Fire Tower Challenge committee has decided to remove Gore from the tower list during the winter ski season. Dates will vary depending on the opening and closing of the ski season. This is being done for obvious safety reasons.
Some quotes from some recent fire tower challenge finishers:
FTC 2.0 is up and running. Use the above link
to find out about the new requirements and how to submit your completion form online.
If you have any questions please contact us at firetower@adk-gfs.org
Background Information
Whether it's the view from the summit or from the tower or the experiences enroute, "fire tower fever" grips you right away and there's no turning back. Sound familiar? Then you're a person for whom the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) has created the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.
Consider the spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Consider the wildlife you may see along the way and the botanically interesting vegetation on the summits. And consider that for some 50 - 70 years the cabs atop these towers were the outlooks of "fire spotters," observers whose lonesome vigil was broken only occasionally by visits from the public.
Whether it's the view from the summit or from the tower or the experiences enroute, "fire tower fever" grips you right away and there's no turning back. Sound familiar? Then you're a person for whom the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) has created the ADK Fire Tower Challenge.
Consider the spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Consider the wildlife you may see along the way and the botanically interesting vegetation on the summits. And consider that for some 50 - 70 years the cabs atop these towers were the outlooks of "fire spotters," observers whose lonesome vigil was broken only occasionally by visits from the public.
What is the ADK Fire Tower Challenge?
The Challenge began in 2001 with the publication of the guidebook, 'Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills' by John P. (Jack) Freeman. The Challenge hikes are described in detail, along with a fascinating essay describing the history of Forest Preserve fire towers by noted historic preservationist Wesley H. Haynes. The newly revised 2nd edition published in 2021 written by Jim Schneider is published by ADK.
To buy Views from on High:
Call 1-800-395-8080, visit our Heart Lake facilities or purchase online from the ADK Mountain Club Online Store, It is also available from bookstores and outdoor retailers.
You don't need to be a member of ADK to take part in the Challenge.
The Challenge began in 2001 with the publication of the guidebook, 'Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills' by John P. (Jack) Freeman. The Challenge hikes are described in detail, along with a fascinating essay describing the history of Forest Preserve fire towers by noted historic preservationist Wesley H. Haynes. The newly revised 2nd edition published in 2021 written by Jim Schneider is published by ADK.
To buy Views from on High:
Call 1-800-395-8080, visit our Heart Lake facilities or purchase online from the ADK Mountain Club Online Store, It is also available from bookstores and outdoor retailers.
You don't need to be a member of ADK to take part in the Challenge.
The Winter ADK Fire Tower Challenge!
Since 2010 the Glens Fall-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club offers a new Challenge: the ADK Winter Fire Tower Challenge.
Climb 18 of the Adirondack mountains with fire towers and all five in the Catskills between December 21 and March 21 and you can earn a rocker
for your Fire Tower Challenge patch. You can keep track of your climbs on the regular brochure, noting at the top of the form that it's the Winter Challenge.
Please note that like the regular ADK Fire Tower Challenge, it is not necessary to climb the actual towers. In fact, it is inadvisable to climb an icy fire tower. Some trailhead parking areas might not be plowed in winter presenting access challenges. Winter hiking while exciting can be more strenuous especially if the trail has not been previously tracked-out and there are less daylight hours with shorter periods of twilight.
Due to Gore Mountain not allowing uphill travel during ski season the ADK Fire Tower Challenge committee has decided to remove Gore from the tower list during the winter ski season. Dates will vary depending on the opening and closing of the ski season. This is being done for obvious safety reasons.
Rules of the ADK Fire Tower Challenge:
- To complete the Challenge and receive the official full-color patch, hikers must climb and document, by date, ascents of at least 23 fire tower summits: 18 of 26 Adirondack Park summits and all 5 Catskill Park summits. Climbing each tower itself is not required, nor in fact recommended, for those towers that have not been restored for safe public use.
- The mountain should have a standing fire tower on the date of your ascent. (View the Summit List PDF for the updated list. )
- When registering the dates of your climb, be sure to use extra sheets of paper to describe details of interest: weather, wildlife sightings, your impressions, your companions - and whatever else caught your attention. We really want you to share your experiences with us, so please be expressive.
- Send the Summit list and additional pages - name and address on each - along with a check for $10.00 per patch. (Kids 15 and under are free.)
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Make checks payable to "ADK Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter" and send to:
ADK Fire Tower Challenge
Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter Adirondack Mountain Club
P.O. Box 2314
Glens Falls, NY 12801
It may take 4 to 6 weeks before your check is cashed and your patches are mailed!
Some quotes from some recent fire tower challenge finishers:
Adobe Reader needed to view/print Brochure.
Hurricane lived up to its name, Kerry Davis wrote, 'The cab was in rough shape and the wind howled at the top so that you could barely hear.' He continued later with, 'My son and I really enjoyed this hike and it would become our most memorable outing together as father and son.'
Jennifer Silberger wrote about her journey with her family, 'Upon completion of this challenge, I learned more about myself and my family. Our love for the outdoors has gotten stronger and I think we are all looking for to climbing the remaining towers.' Her husband Matt wrote, ' Thanks to all those who have dedicated relentless hours caring for, upgrading, maintaining these fire tower summits-beautiful treasures of ADK history.'