Poke-O-Moonshine Fire Tower Hike
By Brendan Wiltse, Cropped and color-corrected slightly prior to upload by Daniel Case (Poke-O-Moonshine) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Credit Nancie BattagliaLocated in the northeastern Adirondacks, “Poke” is a popular mountain for hikers who want to ascend the 100-year old fire tower and get breathtaking views, or climbers drawn to its treacherous cliffs. Endangered peregrine falcons nest here in spring through early summer. So, birders, hikers, climbers and historic preservationists have great affection for this mountain.
At one time, there was only one strenuous uphill trail rising 1,280 feet in 1.2 miles. But in 2008, 200 acres were added and a second, longer yet more manageable, route was established. Join the Friends of Poke-O-Moonshine coordinator and naturalist David Thomas-Train on this guided hike, learning about 20 years of trail restoration work and of the fire tower listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Delight in beaver ponds, massive rock ledges, and the 360-degree panorama of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s Green Mountains, Lyon Mountain, the Jay range (Hurricane, Giant and Gothics) and even Whiteface.
Hiking is on uneven surfaces with steep conditions
The tour begins at 10 a.m. and ends around 2 p.m.
FEE: $35 for members and $45 for non-members.