Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower
Climb a historic fire tower for breathtaking 360-degree Adirondack views on a rewarding moderate hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb a historic fire tower for breathtaking 360-degree Adirondack views on a rewarding moderate hike.
"Spectacular 360-degree views from the summit make this hike well worth the effort."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for the moderate trail with steep and rocky sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this 4.5-mile hike, especially during warmer months.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.9 · 68 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower
Summit
Climb the historic fire tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Adirondack landscape.
Well-Maintained Trails
Throughout the hike
Enjoy a clearly marked and well-maintained trail with bridges and walkways, making the hike enjoyable.
Scenic Vistas
Various points along the trail
Experience increasingly beautiful views of surrounding peaks as you ascend the mountain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The views from the Goodnow Mountain fire tower, Newcomb 3/18/25
A really nice day for a stroll up the mountain
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for the moderate trail with steep and rocky sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this 4.5-mile hike, especially during warmer months.
Best hike end of march in the Adirondack
Hi, I’m planning a couple of days visiting the Adirondack at the end of march and I wan’t to know what’s the best hike do to at that time of the year? Also, if you have some suggestions for lodging. Cabins, rooms, nothing extra. A cabin in the woods would be perfect. Thanks,
🍎 Pack Energy Snacks
Fuel your climb with snacks to enjoy at the summit or along the trail.
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
Follow the red ESF markers; the trail is easy to navigate.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for the moderate trail with steep and rocky sections.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated on this 4.5-mile hike, especially during warmer months.
🍎 Pack Energy Snacks
Fuel your climb with snacks to enjoy at the summit or along the trail.
🗺️ Trail is Well-Marked
Follow the red ESF markers; the trail is easy to navigate.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Hike
Suitable for families with children who can handle a moderate challenge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower for its rewarding hike and spectacular 360-degree views from the summit. The well-maintained and clearly marked trail makes it accessible for many, and the historic fire tower adds a unique element. While generally moderate, some find the steep sections challenging, and proper preparation with water and sturdy shoes is advised.
"Hike was not bad at all, only a few short steep sections with a lot of relatively level ground between. Fire tower was open and had amazing views. Went mid morning on a friday and saw minimal other people. Trail was very well marked/maintained."
Scary_Terry
"The trail is moderate one with 4.5 mile out and back. At the top there's a fire tower. And you can climb few stairs and get a 360 view of the area. Well worth the hike. We were camping at the Lake Harris campground and it was a 10 minute drive from there. I bet it would be gorgeous in the fall. I saw many kids made it to the top. So the kids can make it with a bit of effort. Good for a family hike since the distance is relatively small compared to the beautiful view at the top."
Shavik Harindra Gunarathne
"Good hike, trail well marked. It's not aggressive , slight inclines. Total trip up took 1.25 hours at a decent pace. Down was about an hour. Good views from the top.
Fire tower was neat to climb, although it's been there since the 1940's. If you are looking for a good hike and have 3 to 3.5 hours, this one is good."
Josh Morey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is conveniently located right off Route 28 N. There is a parking lot with ample spots, and a sign-in station is located near the entrance.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the trailhead. It appears to have ample space for visitors, even on busier days.
While possible, March can still have snow in the Adirondacks, potentially making the hike more challenging. Late spring or fall are generally recommended for better trail conditions.
If you're camping at Lake Harris campground, Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower is a short, approximately 10-minute drive away.
For simple lodging, consider cabins or rooms. A cabin in the woods is a popular suggestion for a more rustic experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to hike Goodnow Mountain. It is a public trail accessible to all.
Typically, there are no parking fees associated with the Goodnow Mountain trailhead.
The fire tower was reported to be open during visits, but it's always a good idea to check for any seasonal closures or maintenance.
The fire tower itself does not have set operating hours and is generally accessible when the trail is open.
Yes, there is a sign-in station located just a few feet from the parking lot at the trailhead.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is considered moderate, with a few short steep sections interspersed with relatively level ground. It's manageable for most in moderate to good shape.
A round trip typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace. Some hikers complete it in about 2 hours and 13 minutes.
You'll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Adirondack peaks and landscape, often exceeding views from higher peaks.
Yes, the trail is consistently described as very well-marked with red ESF markers and well-maintained, featuring numerous walkways and bridges.
Many kids have successfully made it to the top with a bit of effort, making it a good family hike.
While manageable, some reviewers suggest it might be very long and tiring for absolute first-time hikers. Moderate experience is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit fire tower offers unparalleled 360-degree panoramic shots. The trail itself also provides scenic vistas as you ascend.
Absolutely! The expansive views from the fire tower are ideal for capturing the beauty of the Adirondack Park.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful lighting, especially during the fall foliage season. Weekday mornings also provide fewer people in your shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views from the tower. Consider a camera that performs well in varying light conditions.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Goodnow Mountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit