Hurricane Mountain was one of the first
fire lookout stations in the Adirondacks being
established 1909. The Aermotor LS-40 tower
you'll see there today was built in 1919 and served until
1973 when it was officially closed. Since that time
through the harshness of mother nature and neglect it has
fallen into disrepair and is unsafe to climb. The
two bottom sets of steps have been removed by New York State
Department of Conservation officers so please do not attempt
to climb the tower. The tower is not necessary to take
in the incredible view from atop Hurricane because standing on
the surface commands a 360 degree view.
Hurricane tower is located in a primitive area of the Adirondacks
and has been classified as "non conforming" and under the
terms of the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan it must be
removed. It has stood proudly atop the mountain serving to
protect the 
Adirondack mountain wilderness all those
years and now its that same wilderness that dictates it must
go. Doesn't hardly seem fair does it. Under the
current plan the fire tower will be removed in the near future
and taken to the Washington County fairgrounds where it will
be restored.
The cache is located just off the
top of Hurricane mountain not far from the fire tower. It has
been placed down below the tree line to protect the delicate
vegetation on top. There are three trails to the summit
ranging from 5.2 to 6 miles round trip. All three trails are
a rather strenuous hike with steep sections. If you
have two vehicles this would make a great through hike.
The most popular trail to the summit is the south
trail from Route 9N. The trail the observers used when the
tower was in service is from the east. Although this trail is
well marked and is a legal DEC trail but no longer
maintained. Several trees block the trail and necessitate a
short detour around them. The North trail starts from Crow
Clearing at the end of O'Toole road.
I hope you enjoy this hike and if
you are interested in learning more about our few remaining
Adirondack fire towers I'd suggest picking up a copy of Views From
On High, The Fire Observation Towers of New York State or
Adirondack Fire Towers. All very informative books on
fire towers and should be available at your favorite book store or
outfitters.