Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower)

Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower) is a short, family-favorite hike near Old Forge, New York, climbing a rocky ridge to a historic fire tower with sweeping Adirondack views. It's about a mile to the top, with open rock ledges and your first glimpses of the Fulton Chain lakes about halfway up. Climb the restored tower at the summit and the whole chain of lakes and surrounding peaks open up beneath you — one of the best view-per-effort hikes in the western Adirondacks.

At a Glance

• Activity: Hiking (snowshoeing in winter)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate — short, but with rocky, open ledges near the top
• Time to complete: 1 – 2 hrs round trip
• Best season: Year-round; summer and fall foliage are prime, snowshoes in winter
• Dogs: Allowed — leash or close control recommended on the rocky spine
• Permit / fee: None — free to hike (Adirondack Forest Preserve, NY state land)
• Trailhead: Bald Mountain Trailhead, Rondaxe Road (off Route 28), Old Forge

What is Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower)?

Bald Mountain — also known as Rondaxe Mountain — is a low ridge above the Fulton Chain of Lakes near Old Forge, in the western Adirondacks. The trail is short, about a mile each way, but it's not a flat stroll: it leads through the woods and up onto open rock, following an exposed rocky spine for the final stretch to the summit. About halfway up you get your first views out to Second, Third, and Fourth Lakes, and they only get better as you climb.

The payoff is the restored Rondaxe Fire Tower at the top. There are already wide views from the summit rock without climbing it, but the tower opens up a full panorama — the entire Fulton Chain stretched out below and Adirondack peaks rolling to the horizon. It's a hike that punches well above its length, which is exactly why it's one of the most popular family hikes in the area.

The honest caveat: that popularity means the small trailhead lot fills fast on summer and fall weekends, and the open ledges get busy. Early mornings and weekdays are quieter.

How hard is Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower)?

It's short and family-friendly, but the "moderate" label is fair — the climb is only a few hundred feet, yet much of the upper trail is open rock, with a rocky, mildly exposed spine near the summit that takes a little care. Kids and dogs do it all the time, but watch footing on the ledges, especially when the rock is wet or icy. Most hikers reach the top in well under an hour. In winter it's a popular snowshoe, with the same caution on the exposed sections.

How do I get there?

The trailhead is off Rondaxe Road, just north of Route 28 between Old Forge and Eagle Bay, with its own parking lot at the trail.

• Nearest hub: Old Forge — food, coffee, and gear a short drive away.
• Parking: a dedicated lot that's easy to find but fills up fast on busy summer and fall weekends. Arrive early.
• Cell service: limited in the area — download directions ahead of time.

When is the best time to go?

• Best seasons: it's a true year-round hike. Summer and fall are prime — fall foliage over the Fulton Chain is spectacular — and it's a classic snowshoe in winter.
• Best time of day: early morning for parking, quiet ledges, and soft light over the lakes; clear evenings are great for sunset from the tower.
• When to skip it: icy or wet conditions make the open rock slick and the spine sketchy — save it for better footing, or bring traction in winter.

What's permitted here?

• Fees / permits: none — Bald Mountain is on New York's Adirondack Forest Preserve and is free to hike, with no permit or parking fee.
• Dogs: allowed. Keep them leashed or under close control on the exposed rock, and pack out waste.
• The fire tower: open to climb seasonally for the full panorama — check for any posted closures before you head up.
• Leave No Trace: stay on the marked rock and trail to protect the thin summit vegetation, and carry out everything you bring.
• Managing agency: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

What should I know before I go?

• It's rockier than the mileage suggests. The upper trail is open ledge and a rocky spine — fine for kids and dogs with supervision, but wear real shoes with grip.
• The rock is slick when wet or icy. Use caution on the exposed sections, and bring traction in winter.
• Blackflies hit in late spring and early summer — the Adirondacks are famous for them. Pack repellent in May and June.
• Bring a layer and water. The open summit is breezy, and the tower adds a cool, exposed perch.
• Watch the edges with kids and dogs on the spine and at the open ledges.

Insider tips

• Climb the tower — the views are worth it. The summit rock alone is good, but the restored fire tower opens up the full Fulton Chain panorama.
• Go early for the parking spot. The lot is small and fills fast on nice weekends; a dawn start gets you the spot, the quiet, and the best light.
• Time it for fall foliage. The Fulton Chain lakes framed by autumn color from the tower is the signature Old Forge view.
• Make it a snowshoe in winter. It's one of the more accessible tower hikes to do on snowshoes — just bring traction for the rocky spine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bald Mountain (Rondaxe Fire Tower) a hard hike? No — it's short and family-friendly, only about a mile each way with a few hundred feet of climbing. The one thing to respect is the rocky, open spine near the top, which calls for careful footing, especially when wet.

Can you bring dogs on the Bald Mountain trail? Yes. Dogs are allowed — keep them leashed or under close control on the exposed rock, and pack out waste.

Can you climb the Rondaxe Fire Tower? Yes. The restored fire tower at the summit is open to climb seasonally and delivers a full 360° view of the Fulton Chain lakes and surrounding Adirondack peaks. Check for any posted closures first.

Do you need a permit or pay a fee? No. Bald Mountain is on New York's Adirondack Forest Preserve and is free to hike, with no permit or parking fee.

When is the best time to hike Bald Mountain? It's a year-round hike. Summer and fall foliage are the standouts, and it's a popular snowshoe in winter. Go early on weekends — the small lot fills fast.