Photograph by Johnathan Esper
More than a century after it was erected on top of Swede Mountain, in Hague, the metal fire tower still stands. In its early days the only folks who scaled it were up there to spot fires; now anyone can climb the 47-foot tower’s seven flights to take in stunning views of Gore and Crane Mountains and Brant Lake.
A new trail was recently completed and hikers will find an easy, 1.8-mile roundtrip—with abundant wild raspberries in season—to add to their southern Adirondack peak repertoire. Bonus: the Adirondack Mountain Club has included Swede in its Adirondack Fire Tower Challenge.
IF YOU GO
At just under 2,000 feet, Swede Mountain has an elevation gain of 238 feet. The peak’s trailhead and parking area, by North Pond, can be found 5.5 miles west of Hague on Route 8. Swede’s trail, maintained by Warren County, crosses private property. For this reason the trail and tower are closed to the public during hunting season, from September 10 through December 16.
