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Hike

Spruce Mountain Trail

Spruce Mountain offers a scenic 2.6-mile round-trip hike, culminating in a historic 73-foot fire tower that provides panoramic views of the southern Adirondacks. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with a steady incline and a total elevation gain of 1,017 feet, making it moderately challenging. For those willing to climb the fire tower, a stunning view awaits, stretching over 100 miles on a clear day. Ideal for hikers of all ages, this trail offers both natural beauty and historical significance.

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Photo by Sarah-Calzada.

spruce-mountain-ryan-kramer-4-scaled-web

Photo by Ryan Kramer Jr.

Tallest Fire Tower in the Adirondacks

The Spruce Mountain Trail is clearly marked with yellow DEC discs and begins with a sharp right turn after crossing a concrete bridge. The trail features a mix of moderate slopes and fern-covered clearings, leading to an open summit where the fire tower stands. Although the only view is from the top of the tallest fire tower in the Adirondacks, the panoramic vista rewards climbers with breathtaking sights of the surrounding mountains. Accessible year-round, the trail closes during big game hunting season (mid-October to early December).

2.6 mi
2 hours
Gain 1,017 ft
Moderate/
Difficult
43.202, -73.896
El. 1,972 ft
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*Please Note: The tower is currently closed by the DEC until a safety inspection can be performed on the structure.

Directions & Parking

Follow Northway to Exit 16, and take Ballard Rd, Corinth Mountain Rd, and Spier Falls Rd. From Main St., continue onto Stark Rd, Heath Rd, and NY-9N. Take Wells Rd, and the trailhead is on Spruce Mountain Rd after 0.2 miles.

Plan Your Route

Jennifer Kietzman
Melanie Wood
Jennifer Kietzman
Ryan Kramer Jr
Jennifer Haley Zeisler
Deborah Sokulski Dimm
Eric Kelly
Marci Mason-Robarge
Becca Teller
Ryan Kramer Jr
Ryan Kramer Jr
Things You Don’t Want to Miss

Trail Highlights

As mentioned above, Spruce Mountain offers a scenic 2.6-mile round-trip hike, culminating in a historic 73-foot fire tower that provides panoramic views of the southern Adirondacks.

The Spruce Mountain fire tower at 73 feet in height holds the title of being the tallest fire tower in the Adirondack Park to be erected by a state agency. There is another 73 foot tower on Meenagha Mountain; however, it was privately built.

Paul Laskey, The Fire Observation Tower of New York State
Tour and Stopovers
The Mountain sat upon the Plain
In his tremendous Chair—
His observation omnifold,
His inquest, everywhere—

The Seasons played around his knees
Like Children round a sire—
Grandfather of the Days is He
Of Dawn, the Ancestor—

— Emily Dickinson

What to Know Before You Go

Trail Rules

Before starting your hike on the Spruce Mountain Trail, it’s important to be aware of the trail rules to protect both the environment and your safety. The Spruce Mountain Trail crosses over both state and PLAN-owned land. Below are the specific rules you should keep in mind during your visit.

IMPORTANT: The trail is closed to public use during the regular big game hunting season in the Northern Zone (mid-October to early December).

  • Open to the public for nature study, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
  • Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • No hunting, trapping, removing, harassing, touching, or feeding wildlife.
  • Stay on Marked Trails
  • Carry In, Carry Out
  • No bicycles, horses, or motorized vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs, etc.
  • No cutting, digging, removing, or damaging any tree, shrub, flower, or plant.
  • No use of firearms, paintball devices, or artificial light.
  • No alcohol or illegal substances.
  • No camping or igniting fires.
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Trail Rules
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Take the Challenge

Are you ready to conquer the outdoors? Register for the Gateway 8 Challenge and explore Saratoga and Warren County’s most scenic hiking, biking, and paddling routes. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the trails, this challenge offers the perfect mix of stunning views and physical achievement.

Lace up your boots, grab your gear, and start your adventure today!

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