Mount Adams Firetower

It had been over a month since I last went hiking (I KNOW!)-so last Sunday, Brendan, Jenna and I decided to check another Adirondack Fire Tower off the list. Mount Adams!

The trail to Mount Adams starts at the same trailhead as Allen Mountain, one of the high peaks. I hiked Allen back in September of 2014 with Christine, and it was one of the most epic hikes I’ve done to date.  Anyway, it was nice to be back in this part of the Adirondacks, because I really loved the first few miles of that hike. To get to Mount Adams, you hike the same trail to get there, but it’s a lot shorter!

The trail loops around Lake Jimmy. You can see the remains of an old bridge that had gotten washed away. This is one of my favorite spots–it is so pristine and untouched!

After about a mile, we passed the old caretaker cabins, a creepy sight even during the day. But a little further along on the left is where the trail for Mount Adams starts.

It was a bit chilly, but at least the sun was out! Ice has started to form in some spots. We brought along our microspikes and used them for a little bit, but it was annoying to keep taking them on and off.

The last mile and a half gets a little bit steep. It was just challenging enough for a short hike! It was like hiking a high peak, but without the long miles.

After 2 hours of hiking, we reached the top! But the catch is you have to go up into the tower to get an amazing view of the surrounding high peaks. There is no view from the ground, since the summit is wooded.

Climbing up to the top is worth it, though.

There is a fantastic view of that beast, Allen (the one in the middle under that big cloud).

And the Santanonis.

And Mount Marcy, covered in cloud.

 

What a great view. It was a nice hike! After warming up with some hot chocolate and eating a snack, it was time to head back down. Soon enough we were back at Lake Jimmy, but the sun was hiding this time.

Crossing the Hudson.

Mount Adams Fire Tower
Distance – 5 MILES RT
Elevation gain – 1,800′
Summit elevation – 3,520′

On the way out we stopped for a minute at the Old McIntyre Furnace. It sits on the side of Upper Works Road not far from the trailhead parking lot.

 

It is a lot bigger in person. It was cool to see and to learn some of the history behind it. Apparently it was built in the 1850s and only operated a few years mining iron. It is worth checking out if you are into Adirondack history.

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