Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail.
This short but steady 0.9-mile climb leads to one of the Adirondacks' most accessible fire towers, making it a favorite for families and first-time tower hikers. The trail gains roughly 400 feet through mixed forest before opening onto a rocky summit with a restored cab-access tower. On clear days, the 360-degree view from the top spans Old Forge, the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and distant High Peaks to the northeast.
Seasonal pattern for this trail · tops out ~2,336 ft · live closures appear above
Read the line before you walk it.
What the trailhead is doing today.
Where the hike begins.
Guides, outfitters & shuttles.
If you’re already out here.
Old Forge.
The corner of the Park this trail calls home — its hamlets, waters, lodging, and the rest of its field record.
Read the Region→
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- The Lean-to at Great Pines3.0 mi
The Lean-To is our casual lakeside restaurant, open to guests and the public. It offers a full-service bar and a craft beer menu, along with a food menu inspired by local ingredients and regional influences.
- Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill3.6 mi
Mountainside Smokehouse & Grill offers delicious smoked meats, homemade BBQ sauces and desserts, with smoking done on-premise using apple wood. They also provide catering and meeting space.
- Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack3.7 mi
Tony Harper's Pizza & Clam Shack is a family-friendly restaurant offering homemade traditional and thin-crust pizzas, signature Whiskey Wings, steamers, and "Raquette Cheesesteaks". They feature a full bar with microbrews, high-definition…
- Walt's Diner3.7 mi
A working diner on Route 28 in Old Forge running for 25-plus years, with breakfast and lunch most days and a Friday fish fry until 8 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Sip.
3- Blue Line Coffee House3.5 mi
A coffee shop on Route 28 in Old Forge selling drinks, Adirondack-themed apparel, handcrafted mugs, and shipped coffee subscriptions. Order drinks for pickup or shop the gift line online.
- Blue Line Coffee House6.0 mi
Blue Line Coffee House offers Adirondack-inspired apparel, handcrafted mugs, and mountain-themed gifts, along with pre-packaged coffee and coffee accessories. Products are available for nationwide shipping, and local customers can order dr…
- Tamarack Cafe6.0 mi
Tamarack Cafe in downtown Inlet serves a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options, from traditional favorites and specialty bowls to creative salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The cafe also features an 18-hole mini-golf course.
Sweet.
3- Pied Piper3.5 mi
A circa-1950s soft-serve and frozen-custard stand locals treat as a permanent fixture — the walk-up window after a day on the Fulton Chain or at the water park. Three daily soft-serve flavors plus around 20 hard flavors.
- Benny’s Ice Cream3.5 mi
A family-run, locally loved scoop shop on Old Forge's Main Street — hand-scooped hard flavors and soft serve.
- Northern Lights Creamery Inc.6.3 mi
An Inlet institution for 40-plus years, a short walk from Arrowhead Park on Fourth Lake — soft serve, homemade gelato, floats, flurries, and specialty sundaes.
Drink.
3- Daiker's1.9 mi
Daikers is an Adirondack pitstop in Old Forge, NY, offering seasonal and local dining with a deck overlooking Fourth Lake. Their caring and committed staff ensure a fantastic experience for guests.
- Slickers Adirondack Tavern3.4 mi
Slickers Adirondack Tavern, established in 1984, offers a classic tavern experience with a focus on quality ingredients. They are well-known for their signature French Dip Sandwich.
- Old Forge Brewing Company3.6 mi
Old Forge Brewing Company, established in 2008, is a brewpub committed to crafting quality beer and food while prioritizing local ingredients and community support. They offer a diverse menu, a range of craft beers, and host regular events.
Stay.
4- Fulton House Cottages1.1 mi
Fulton House Cottages offers family-friendly accommodations in the Adirondack Mountains, providing a serene lakefront setting for creating lasting memories.
- Old Forge Camping Resort2.7 mi
A year-round campground on Route 28 in Old Forge in the Water Safari Resort family, with deluxe cabins, cottages, RV sites, and tent sites. Stay-and-Play packages for Water Safari.
- Great Pines Resort3.0 mi
Airy quarters, some with balconies, in a relaxed lakeside retreat offering a private beach & dining.
- Water's Edge Inn3.3 mi
Homey rooms & suites with balconies, plus an indoor pool, free breakfast & a deck with lake views.
See.
4- Calypso's Cove3.2 mi
Calypso's Cove is a family fun park in Old Forge, NY, located next to Enchanted Forest Water Safari. It features attractions like go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and a ropes course with a zipline, offering afternoon and evening entertai…
- Enchanted Forest Water Safari3.3 mi
Located in Old Forge, Enchanted Forest Water Safari offers a blend of water park experiences and traditional theme park attractions. Visitors can access various slides, pools, and dry rides.
- Adirondack Railbike5.4 mi
Adirondack Railbike Adventures offers unique railbike tours in the Adirondack Mountains. Riders can explore scenic routes from Old Forge (Thendara) and Tupper Lake, experiencing natural beauty and spectacular views on railbikes made in New…
- Raquette Lake Navigation Cruise13.8 mi
Raquette Lake Navigation Company offers dining, sightseeing, and special event cruises on Raquette Lake in New York. This family-owned and operated business has been providing scenic experiences aboard the W.W. Durant since 1991.
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Sunrise on the dock, a cairn at the summit, a bend on the trail. Your camera roll, our archive.
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Trail conditions, water level, bug pressure, blowdown. The kind of detail that helps the next person plan.
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Frequently asked.
- How long is the Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail?The Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail is approximately 0.86 miles (1.4 kilometers) — a short out-and-back suitable for most fitness levels.
- How long does it take to hike the Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail?Most hikers complete the Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail in about 25 minutes at a steady pace with roughly 20 feet of elevation gain. Allow extra time for rest stops, photos, weather, and trail conditions.
- How difficult is the Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail?Based on its length and elevation gain, the Bald Mountain Fire Tower Trail is an easy hike (20 ft of climbing over the route) — gentle grades suitable for most fitness levels and families. This is an estimate from route data, not an official trail rating — check current DEC advisories before heading out.