Federal Hill Fire Tower, Milford NH

• 3-star hike
• 1 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 160 feet
• Milford, NH | Merrimack Region
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The image shows a fire lookout tower and an adjacent small building. The tower is a tall, metal structure with multiple levels and a small enclosed observation area at the top. The building next to it has a green metal roof and weathered wooden siding. There is a sign on the building that reads 'OPEN: DAWN TO DUSK.' The scene is set in a wooded area with trees in the background and a clear blue sky above.

Just a short hike to Milford's fire tower.

Still actively used today during periods of heightened fire danger, this 75-foot fire tower continues to serve as a vital lookout for monitoring the hills and mountains of Southern New Hampshire. Perched atop Federal Hill, the tower rises just high enough above the surrounding treetops to offer a sweeping 360-degree panorama of the landscape. Although the cabin at the top is closed to the public, the structure itself remains climbable, and visitors can still enjoy excellent views from the upper platforms. Judging by the colorful graffiti and layers of artwork daubed across the framing and boards, it seems the local kids also appreciate the spot; likely using it as a hangout with a view.

On a clear day, the payoff for the climb is considerable. From the upper platforms you can pick out the rolling ridgelines stretching across the Monadnock region, with the summit of Mount Monadnock itself often visible on the horizon. The lack of a fully enclosed cab means the wind can pick up quite a bit near the top, so it's worth bringing a light jacket even on an otherwise warm day. The open steel framework also makes for an interesting bit of engineering to examine on the way up, a relic of the fire-spotting network that once dotted these hills.

Trail Options Expand KMZ · Google Earth ·

⬤ 3★ Federal Hill Fire Tower 0.7 mi out & back, easy, gain 60 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

The trail leading to the summit of Federal Hill is a short and straightforward service track that begins at Ponemah Hill Road. The path offers easy walking conditions, making it accessible for most hikers. Just be mindful not to block the gate when parking as space at the trailhead is limited to only a couple of vehicles.

Depending on your vehicle's ground clearance, you might want to take a moment to assess the terrain before settling into a parking spot. While the trail itself is forgiving, the approach to the trailhead can be a little uneven, and a quick check can help avoid any unwanted scrapes or surprises.

The image depicts a scenic forested landscape with mountains in the background. The foreground shows two metal beams crossing each other, adorned with some graffiti and drawings. The sky is clear with a few clouds, suggesting a peaceful day. It looks like a lookout point or a high vantage spot, offering a panoramic view of the natural surroundings.

Goffstown's Uncanoonuc Mountains viewed from the Federal Hill Fire Tower.

The image shows a fire lookout tower situated in a forested area. The tower is elevated on a metal framework and has a small enclosed cabin at the top, equipped with multiple antennas and communication devices. The background features a vast expanse of trees and distant hills under a clear blue sky.

You can climb the tower to the level below the cabin.

Trailspotting nearby:
4★ Granite Town Rail Trail (3 mi)
4★ Purgatory Falls (1-5 mi)
4★ Frog Rock (1 mi)
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