Provin Mt Fire Tower, Agawam MA
• 4-star hike
• 3 mile out-and-back
• Easy | Gain 400 feet
• Agawam, MA | Pioneer Valley
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Views from the derelict 1959 fire tower.
Provin Mountain is peak of marginal prominence on the Metacomet Ridge - a long rocky range that spans the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut west of the Connecticut River. This hike boasts some of the best features of this range, including sheer cliff faces that present some impressive views.
This shaded woodland trail from Feeding Hills Road to the fire tower on top of Provin Mountain follows the ridgeline for its complete length. A section of both the Metacomet-Monadnock Trail and the New England Trail, the white blazes will lead you along the preferred route, though there are occasional trail offshoots that will divert and return you back to the main trail from time to time. We've identified a couple of spur trails of interest - including one that leads to an abandoned quarry, and another close to the fire tower that presents excellent westerly views from rocky cliffs.
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4★ Fire Tower Route
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX? |
The current iteration of the Agawam Fire Tower is a 68 foot tall steel tower with an enclosed cabin that has been standing on the site since 1959. Though the tower has been out of operation for many years now it remains in good condition despite some occasional graffiti, and it is possible to push open the heavy unlocked trap door to enter the cabin. We visited on an exceptionally clear fall day and could not only see Springfield, but the distant tall buildings of Hartford, CT.
This tower is on private property adjacent to extensive radio transmission buildings and towers. The website of the Forest Fire Lookout Association suggests that it is discouraged to visit the site without permission, though when we hiked in we observed no signage preventing us from accessing property or the tower. In fact the official map of the New England Trail shows the trail crossing this property and going straight past the tower. In all events, please be mindful of the owner's property rights, obey any legal posted signage that may be displayed and act at your own risk.
Trail conditions are relatively easy underfoot and the occasionally undulating terrain offers little challenge in terms of gradient. A large unofficial roadside parking area is available on Feeding Hills Road near the trailhead.
Splendid occasional westerly views beyond rocky cliffs.
Steel framed fire tower still in good condition.
Sheer rock faces of the abandoned quarry near Feeding Hills Rd.
Typical shaded woodland trail.
Tangents:
• Public Maps at AllTrails: M&M Trail Southwick
• New England Trail: Website
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
Massachusetts Fire Towers
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.
Discover our map of fire towers and the trails to find them.
Massachusetts Rail Trails
The commonwealth's first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.
The commonwealth's first and only complete rail trail map. Photos, reviews and downloads.