Stissing Mountain Fire Tower Hike

 Our small group met on time In Pine Plains, NY 12567 and proceeded to the trailhead.  

We were met by Jim Mara of Friends Of Stissing Landmarks, the owners of the Tower.  He told us about the history of the Tower and gave us some trail tips and charts.  

The Tower, located at 1402 feet, commands an awesome view in every direction.  The trail we chose took a little more than an hour to climb the 1000 feet.  The woods were beautiful.  The trail was rocky and walking sticks made our ascent and descent easier.  After climbing the switch-back stairs to the top of the Tower,  taking in the gorgeous Fall views and listening to the howling wind, we descended the Tower to eat lunch on a rocky promontory.  The hike down to the trailhead was nice and we encountered a few other small groups making the climb.  

I would recommend this hike to everyone.  Located in the Hudson River Valley,  the trailhead and Stissing Mountain Fire Tower are  easily reached and makes for a fun day hiking in the woods.  

I am sure all the participants would agree.

 This hike is about a mile in length.  The vertical climb is about  1000 feet.  Conditions of the trail varies, moderate to steep grade.  Some mud and water runoff may be encountered.  The view from the Fire Tower (elevation 1402') is very beautiful.  The tower provides vistas to the East to Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, southwest to Pennsylvania and New Jersey and North to the Empire State Plaza in Albany.  Views across the Hudson Valley to the Catskill Mountains are particularly beautiful.  The date of this hike is about the height of the Autumn color period.  The Tower is owned and maintained by the Nature Conservancy.  One of their members may meet our group to talk about the Tower.  The Tower, built in 1934,  has not been used to spot fires since 1973.  Photographers should like the opportunity to take beautiful woodland and landscape images.  Lunch will be a potluck picnic.  Please bring enough beverages/water for yourself.  Rain Date:  In case of rain on Saturday, 9 Oct. 2010, the hike will be put off until Sunday, 10 Oct. 2010.