Owl’s Head Mountain (Fire Tower)
Region: Adirondacks
October 24, 2020 | Long Lake, NY
The background: Because I needed more mountain time after spending the morning hiking Mount Adams, I drove west to explore this tower hike. It’s a little farther away from where I normally stay in the Adirondacks, but I decided it was time to check it out, as it wasn’t too far away from the morning’s adventure.
Getting there: This trail is located in the center of the park, so depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll make your way to the town of Long Lake. From state route 30, turn down Endion Lane. In about 1.5 miles, the trailhead and parking area will be on your right.
(For a sense of the location: it’s about an hour from Lake Placid, and a little over an hour from Old Forge.)
The hike: This is a 6.2-mile easy to moderate out-and-back hike. After signing in at the trail register, you’ll follow the well-marked trail for the first 2 miles, enjoying the relatively flat terrain. The trail will soon turn left, with your destination in sight. As you near the summit, you’ll be gaining elevation and tackling a few light rock scramble areas- nothing impossible, but watch your footing and know this is present if you are bringing children or furry friends. You’ll also pass a sign that indicates where the observer cabin used to be (which is no longer there.) You’ll keep climbing and scrambling (it was a bit muddy here as it has rained earlier when I went) when you’ll make your final push to the summit, where an open fire tower and views of Long Lake await you.
It was later in the day well into autumn when I went, so i had the summit to myself. I climbed the tower as the clouds cleared a bit for me to get a view.
This would be a great summit to bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounding views.
You’ll make your descent the same way you ascended once your ready to part ways with the views.
Concluding notes: This makes for a nice afternoon or morning hike. I imagine it gets crowded in peak seasons, and I can understand why. For a relatively straightforward trail, you are rewarded with neat features (fire tower) and a sprawling view at the summit. I would love to go back in the summer.
My recommendation for an ideal day and what you can pair this hike with:
Explore the town of Long Lake (I didn’t get to do this since it was the off-season and getting dark when I was heading out.)
Hike Coney and/or Goodman Mountains in nearby Tupper Lake (both about 15 minutes driving from this trailhead.)
Hike another fire tower - Blue Mountain Lake is about 20 minutes away!
