Goodnow Mountain is One of the Adirondacks’ Most Rewarding Fire Tower Hikes
One of the best views of the High Peaks in the Adirondacks.
Few mountains make a better introduction than Goodnow.
Rising prominently above Route 28N near Newcomb, Goodnow Mountain has a rugged profile that catches the eye long before hikers reach the trailhead. For generations, travelers have looked up at its rocky summit and wondered what the view must be like from the top.
The answer is simple: spectacular.
While the Adirondacks are home to dozens of memorable hikes, Goodnow Mountain continues to earn a place on countless must-hike lists thanks to its rare combination of accessibility, history, and panoramic views. At just four miles round trip, it offers a manageable climb for many hikers while delivering the kind of summit experience usually reserved for much longer adventures.
After a major restoration project recently returned its historic fire tower to service, Goodnow may be more appealing than ever.
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A mountain with a story to tell.
Goodnow Mountain stands 2,664 feet above sea level on land owned and managed by the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, better known as ESF.
Unlike many Adirondack hiking destinations, the trail crosses private property maintained by ESF staff and students. Their ongoing stewardship keeps both the trail and fire tower in excellent condition, giving visitors a chance to experience one of the Adirondacks’ most beloved historic landmarks.
The summit's centerpiece is a restored fire tower originally built in 1922.
For decades, observers stationed high above the forest used the tower to spot wildfires across the central Adirondacks. Today, visitors can climb into the cab and examine the fire-finder map once used to pinpoint smoke sightings across the wilderness.
It’s equal parts history lesson and Adirondack time machine.
Goodnow Mountain and Fire Tower.
The hike that earns its popularity.
Goodnow’s appeal begins with its approachable statistics.
The hike covers four miles round trip with approximately 1,075 feet of elevation gain. That makes it challenging enough to feel rewarding without requiring an all-day commitment.
The trail begins with a steady climb through hardwood forest. About a half-mile from the trailhead, hikers cross a small brook before continuing upward.
At roughly 0.9 miles, the trail takes a sharp left turn and briefly descends before resuming its ascent. By 1.4 miles, hikers encounter an unexpected piece of Adirondack infrastructure history: the concrete remains of a former State Police radio repeater station.
A short distance later sits another relic from a different era—an old horse barn dating to the early 1900s.
As the elevation increases, the forest gradually transforms. Hardwoods give way to spruce and balsam, creating the feeling of entering a higher, wilder world.
At 1.8 miles, a small open ledge offers a preview of what's to come.
Most hikers don't linger long.
The fire tower is waiting.
ADK Taste pick.
The summit fire tower is what separates Goodnow from dozens of other Adirondack hikes.
Standing 60 feet tall, it is one of the tallest fire towers in the Adirondack Park. The structure underwent an extensive restoration project that closed the trail and tower beginning in July 2025.
When the tower reopened last fall, visitors were greeted by a dramatically refreshed landmark.
New galvanized steps, landings, and a roof were airlifted to the summit by helicopter. The tower was repainted, and the observer's cabin below was restored. The SUNY Construction Fund sponsored the project along with private donations.
The result is one of the finest fire tower experiences in the Adirondacks.
From the cab, the High Peaks dramatically stretch across the horizon. On clear days, hikers can identify some of the region's most iconic summits while tracing ridgelines across seemingly endless forests.
Endless views from the summit of Goodnow Mountain.
One of the most fascinating views, however, lies directly below.
Looking down from the tower, visitors can see the roof of the historic observer's cabin tucked beneath the summit—a reminder that people once lived and worked here for entire seasons.
Adirondack firetowers.
Goodnow occupies a special place in the Adirondack fire tower story.
During the early and mid-20th century, fire towers formed a vast network of lookout stations designed to protect New York's forests. Observers spent long hours scanning the horizon for signs of smoke, often working in isolated conditions.
Many towers were eventually removed after aerial surveillance replaced human observers.
Goodnow survived.
Today, it offers visitors one of the best opportunities to experience an authentic Adirondack fire tower while learning about the people who once helped protect the Park's forests.
Winter brings a different challenge.
Goodnow remains a popular destination during winter, particularly among snowshoers.
The trail is generally well-traveled and often becomes packed out soon after significant snowfall. While the route is not recommended for cross-country skiing, it can make for an enjoyable snowshoe outing.
Winter hikers should exercise extreme caution on the tower itself.
Goodonow in Winter.
Ice, high winds, and bitter wind chills can make conditions far more hazardous than they appear from below. The views may be unforgettable, but so is an unexpected encounter with an Adirondack January wind.
ADK Taste recommendations.
Arrive early during peak summer and fall weekends.
Bring binoculars to help identify High Peaks from the tower.
Take time to explore the observer's cabin area below the summit.
Respect ESF property and stay on the designated trail.
On clear days, allow extra time at the summit—you'll want it.
Before tackling Goodnow—or any Adirondack hike—consider listening to ADK Talks' interview with the volunteer rescuers of SARNAC. Their advice on trip planning, gear, navigation, weather awareness, and emergency preparedness offers valuable insight for hikers of every experience level.
Getting there.
From Interstate 87, take Exit 29 and follow Blue Ridge Road west toward Newcomb. After approximately 18.5 miles, turn right onto Route 28N.
Continue through Newcomb for about nine miles. The large trailhead parking area is located on the left approximately 1.5 miles beyond the Adirondack Interpretive Center.
ADK Taste perspective.
The Adirondacks offer no shortage of spectacular summit views.
Yet Goodnow Mountain continues to stand apart because it delivers something more than scenery. It offers a glimpse into the region's history, a manageable challenge for a wide range of hikers, and one of the most rewarding fire tower experiences in the Park.
For many Adirondack visitors, it becomes a favorite after a single climb.
For others, it becomes the hike they return to again and again whenever they need a reminder of why they fell in love with these mountains in the first place.
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