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A Trek Up Mt. Adams

View from Mt. Adams firetower

An Endangered View: Mt. Adams Fire Tower Trek

by Brian Mann

Jun 23, 2003 — An 8.5 million dollar land deal announced last month will add thousands of acres to the state forest preserve, on the southern edge of the Adirondack High Peaks. Conservation and outdoor recreation groups have praised the deal. But it will almost certainly mean the removal of an antique fire tower that sits on Mt. Adams, near the town of Newcomb. Brian Mann made the climb last week and sends this audio postcard. Go to full article

The view toward Algonquin and Iroquois from Mt. Adams.

The view from Mt. Adams toward Mt. Marcy.

Above: Tiny red eft on trail.

Below: Blast furnace mouth.

Brian Mann’s story about the land deal that will preserve the southern High Peaks:

Landmark Land Deal Preserves Southern High Peaks

by Brian Mann

May 22, 2003 — New York state and a pro-environment group will buy nearly ten thousand acres of land on the southern border of the High Peaks. The landmark deal - announced Wednesday by Governor Pataki - will cost roughly 8.5 million dollars.
As Brian Mann reports, the land around the old Tahawus mine will preserve popular hiking trails and establish a new historic area. Go to full article

Right: Rickety steps up Mt. Adams fire tower.

Disclaimer: The Mt. Adams fire tower is considered unsafe for climbing. The structure has not been maintained for many years. The wood planking is not trustworthy. North Country Public Radio discourages hikers from making this trip.

Brian Mann talks with John "Jack" Freeman about the history and the future of the Mt. Adams fire tower. Freeman is author of Views from On High, Fire Tower Trails In the Adirondacks and the Catskills, published in 2001 by the Adirondack Mountain Club.
Listen

(3:55)

Phil Brown perched in
the fire tower

Above: The upper Hudson.

Below: Blast furnace wall, built in the 1800s.

Brian Mann on the cable bridge
that crosses the Hudson near its source.