Firetower

The View from the Top

The SUNY ESF Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower turned 100 years old in 2022. Located in Newcomb on the Huntington Wildlife Forest, the fire tower on Goodnow Mountain is a prominent location for science, education, and recreation. The view from the tower is one of the best in Adirondack Park!

The tower was erected in the heart of the Adirondack High Peaks in 1922 to enable the state to monitor for fires that could devastate the North Country's forests and villages. Since then, the tower has served scientists conducting research in a variety of areas. The tower is also heavily used by educators, who leverage its spectacular location to help students gain broader and deeper perspectives of the natural world.

Participate in The ESF Firetower Challenge

With the help of many supporters, renovation plans are finished and repairs  to the tower base, structure, stairs and cab and observer's cabin are complete. The next stage is to design and install new and improved signage and interpretive materials.  A ribbon-cutting and tower reopening was held on October 14, 2025.  Partners include the SUNY Construction Fund, ESF Facilities and Forest Properties Departments, New York Legislature, Town of Newcomb, and community supporters.

We thank everyone who donated and supported this project and celebrate a new Century of Science and Discovery on Goodnow Mountain.  Those interested in completing the ESF Firetower Challenge can do so any day of the year!