The Buck Mountain Fire Tower
Near Long Lake, NY, you'll find a moderately challenging hike leading to a piece of Adirondack history. The trail to the Buck Mountain Fire Tower is 1.2 miles (one-way) with a 500-foot elevation gain. To reach the trailhead, drive north on NYS Route 30 from the Long Lake Town center for about eight miles. Look for 484 South Sabattis Circle Road and turn onto it.
Built in 1933 on land once part of Whitney Park, the Buck Mountain Fire Tower stands 60 feet tall and represents one of the 127 fire lookout stations that once operated across New York State. From its 2400-foot summit, observers could scan the surrounding landscape for signs of fire.
Interestingly, the tower's construction materials were hauled up the mountain by a dog sled team led by Jack Bursey and his lead dog, St. Luniare. This duo also accompanied Admiral Richard Byrd on his famous 1929 expedition to the South Pole.
Before the current steel tower, it's believed a wooden fire observatory stood on the site. Today, the Buck Mountain Fire Tower offers hikers a rewarding climb and a glimpse into the region's past.