(As promised, the second part of last weekend. This time, however, the Fired Up is refers to the fire tower out in Grafton and the going up it that was our plan for the early afternoon.)
Just like Saturday, I spent much of Sunday outdoors, this time on the east side of the Hudson. My two favorite running friends and I headed to Grafton Park for a hike and my first visit to the fire tower.
It was a gorgeous day, made even more so by news of a neighbor’s death at far too young an age. Got to do it while you can…life can turn in an instant.
Mild Sunday afternoons in the later part of October, spent in the woods with dear friends, are not to be taken for granted.
Other than the weather, company and scenery, the hike was unremarkable. 😊 Truth be told, it’s more an easy walk than a hike. Fairly flat, with only roots and rocks providing potential peril, it’s really just a terrific, and scenic, stroll.
We passed a few other hikers as we got further up the trail, families and friends also intent upon enjoying what may have been the last upstate N.Y. tank top day of 2025. Everyone was pleasant and smiling. There was no better place to be.
After a brief detour to double back and collect a left behind backpack, we arrived at the fire tower. Dang, it was really tall! Clocking in at 60+ feet, the fire tower was built in 1924 and restored in 2012, at which time it opened to the public. Very similar in construction to the tower on the top of Overlook Mountain, this kind of swaying in the wind structure, promised to provide a spectacular view.
But, first we had to climb it.
It was definitely a bit windy, making for an interesting ascent. While our mountain goat girlfriend, C, climbed without hesitation, the other member of our trio, K, and I were a bit more cautious. I committed to looking out, as opposed to down, and was able to make it to the top without real fear. K muscled through and the three of us reunited in the tower’s cabin where we were greeted by a forgotten, unopened bottle of water.
Thank you, fire tower. I was thirsty.
The views were expansive and we oriented ourselves to be able to identify the Adirondack and Green Mountain ranges. The foliage was muted and past peak, but our elevation provided a wonderful perspective on the area.
Clocking in at just over 3 miles, this is a great family hike or cross country ski, should the weather cooperate. Skip the fire tower if heights aren’t your thing or if you’re accompanied by littles. While I’m sure it isn’t allowed, stargazing from up there would be epic. Stay safe and get outdoors.
Two post hike notes –
DelSo 