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Home , Adirondack Mountain Club, Azure Mountain, Balsam Lake Mountain, Blue Mountain (New York), Hadley Mountain, Hurricane Mountain

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The ADK Fire Tower Challenge Mountain Club Whether it’s the view from the summit or the tower, or the experiences en route, “fire tower I would not have changed a step fever” grips you right away and there’s no turn- I took over the past 9 months. I ing back. Sound familiar? Then you’re a per- loved every minute of the hiking. Take the Fire Tower son for whom the Glens Falls–Saratoga Chap- I’ve learned so much about my- ter has created the ADK Fire Tower Challenge. Challenge There are lots of good reasons to explore self and what I’m capable of. these and towers, not least because —Patti B their far-flung locations take you to vastly different parts of both parks and provide Each and every hike I participate a rich learning experience. Consider the In the cab of tower Stephanie Graudons in is a lesson in what nature has spectacular views and the wildlife and to offer. Some days it’s just a great interesting vegetation you may see on these Tower Challenge in 2011. The number and dis- day out with friends enjoying the trails and summits. And consider that for tribution of tower summits remain the same, but views, having some laughs, and some 70 years the cabs atop these towers the hike dates are limited, falling approximately photographing everything. Other were the outlooks of “fire spotters,” observers between winter solstice and spring equinox. The days we find ourselves being whose lonesome vigil was broken only usual guidelines pertain, but see both three-sea- tested in various ways. No mat- occasionally by visits from the public. son and winter requirements on reverse. ter the lesson, we take away the The Challenge began in 2001 with ADK’s Winter hiking on fire tower trails should memories, sense of accomplish- publication of Views from on High: Fire Tower only be attempted by those in excellent physical Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills. Now in condition who have winter hiking experience, ment and camaraderie developed its second edition, the book describes 30 fire proper gear, and knowledge of the techniques along the way. —Jen S tower trails accompanied by photos, maps, and necessary to travel safely on mountain trails in GPS coordinates for trailheads. It includes an adverse weather. (The Winter Mountaineering essay detailing the history of Forest Preserve School sponsored by ADK is an excellent place to fire towers and a new chapter describing learn the necessary skills. Visit winterschool.org.) towers located beyond both parks. Hikers should carefully assess the abilities of You don’t need to be a member of ADK to their hiking companions and never travel with a take part in the Challenge. If you wish to join, group size smaller than four. The group will be or purchase Views from on High, see ADK.org or only as strong as the weakest member. call 800-395-8080 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.). ADK Winter hiking with children is generally not chapters plan a wide variety of activities to help recommended on these trails. Parents choosing to you learn more about nature, the protection of undertake this rigorous challenge with younger our environment, and outdoor skills. family members should carefully assess the abili- Adirondack ties of their children. The ADK Winter Fire Tower Challenge By submitting your completion materials for Mountain Club Enthusiasm for the ADK Fire Tower Chal- the ADK Fire Tower Challenge, you consent to Working for Wilderness lenge burgeoned in the years following its ADK and ADK’s Glens Falls–Saratoga Chapter creation, prompting the Glens Falls–Saratoga excerpting your submission for promotional or Sponsored by the Glens Falls–Saratoga Chapter Chapter to introduce the ADK Winter Fire publicity purposes. of the Your ADK Fire Tower Challenge Log

NAME ADDRESS E-MAIL PHONE

Please circle last Fire Towers fire tower hike. Date: Above: fire tower In the cab of Bald Mountain tower Carl Heilman II Date: Cover: Sunrise from Hurricane Mt. Date: Taking the Challenge Winter Challenge I’m having so much fun working on the Bald (Rondaxe) Mountain Date: To complete the Challenge Additions and Caveats ADK Fire Tower Challenge. It has taken Belfry Mountain Date: (three-season and To complete the my family and me to new places and Black Mountain Date: winter) and receive Winter Challenge rewarded us with amazing views. Date: the official full- and receive the —Catherine F Cathedral Rock Date: color patch: official “rocker,” a patch shaped like the rung of Date: ** Date: 1. Climb and a rocking chair (above), note the following: Date: document, by date, 1. Winter Challengers must complete their Submission Date: ascents of at least 23 tower- hikes between December 21 and Send the attached list and additional Kane Mountain Date: fire tower summits: 18 of 25 March 21, inclusive. pages—with name, postal address, and Loon Lake Mountain Date: Adirondack Park summits and all 5 Catskill 2. Do not climb the towers themselves between e-mail address on each—along with a Lyon Mountain Date: Park summits. Climbing each tower is not these dates. Fire towers are extremely unsafe check for $5 per patch. Winter Challenge Date: required, nor is it recommended for those in the winter, when high winds can pose completers should enclose $3 per rocker. Pillsbury Mountain Date: towers that need additional restoration additional risks and stairs are often covered in (Winter completers add $5 per patch, Poke-o-Moonshine Mountain Date: measures for safe public use. ice and snow. Additionally, crampon spikes do in addition to $3 per rocker, if you are a Snowy Mountain Date: 2. Note that each mountain should have irreparable damage to the wooden steps. first time ADK Fire Tower Challenge finisher.) Spruce Mountain* Date: a standing fire tower on the date of Both the patch and the rocker are free for * Date: your ascent. completers 15 years of age and younger. St. Regis Mountain Date: I thought the Challenge might be a

3. In addition to recording the dates of Bob Meyer Vanderwhacker Mountain Date: good “mid-life crisis” project for my- Make the check payable to: your climbs on the list provided, we Wakely Mountain Date: self. I had no idea I would absolutely ADK Glens Falls–Saratoga Chapter hope you’ll use extra sheets of paper fall in love with the experience... Woodhull Mountain Date: to describe points of interest: your Mail to: * Closed during hunting season (see www.adk-gfs.org for exact dates and more info.) impressions, companions, weather, Over a 253-day period, I hiked a total ADK Fire Tower Challenge Fire Towers wildlife sightings, and whatever else of 18 dates, covering 149.08 miles, c/o ADK Glens Falls–Saratoga Chapter, Date: merits your attention. We really want you 351,098 steps and 2955 flights of PO Box 2314, Glens Falls, NY 12801 Hunter Mountain** Date: to share your experiences with us, so stairs (according to my FitBit)… Allow 4–6 weeks to receive your patch. Date: please be expressive. Please circle your 6 people and 2 dogs directly shared Red Hill Date: final Challenge hike. in this adventure with me. —Patti B Date: ** Because this is a hiker challenge, we ask that Challenge completers summiting Looking west from Hadley Mountain tower Hadley Mountain from tower Looking west Gore and Hunter do so on the trails (rather than a ski lift). 1/18