Views From On High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills

by John P. Freeman

Extensively revised in 2021, this popular hiking guide to fire tower trails enables hikers, history buffs, and others fond of Adirondack and Catskill trails to visit and learn about 30 historic fire towers. Detailed trail descriptions are accompanied by numerous photographs and maps as well as an essay about these structures written by historic preservationist Wesley H. Haynes. A new chapter, Beyond the Blue Line, by tower aficionado Jacob C. (Jake) Wilde, describes 13 additional fire towers, three of them demonstration towers. The book is written by John P. (Jack) Freeman and Jim Schneider. The years since the first edition have seen what Jim Schneider refers to as fire tower fever, a sweeping enthusiasm that has helped prompt restoration of numerous towers and their trails. Views from on High is 212 pages, 5 ½ x 8 ½ , and includes numerous color photos and maps.

Genres: Nature

212 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like that the order of the hikes described is alphabetical by fire tower hike. Easier to find the hikes as you are planning a trip to hike a few at a time. This challenge will require you to hike 8-9 a year to finish in three years. On the paperwork I printed from online I didn't see the words "three season and winter". Maybe I missed it. Maps don't show topo, but are clear and reference nearby roads, etc. Borrowed this from the PL. Worth buying.

[Dareth McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, love these mountains! I'd recommend this for anyone who loves hiking mountains in NY! There are no better views!