Savoy Fire Tower, Borden Mt MA
• 3-star hike
• 0 to 1 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 0 to 370 feet
• Savoy, MA | Western Region
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Savoy Fire Tower on top of Borden Mountain.
Exploring potential sites for the Trailspotting Fire Tower Challenge in Massachusetts led us to the 2,517-foot summit of Borden Mountain in search of the Savoy Fire Tower. The current steel fire tower structure has apparently stood for nearly century, having being erected in 1932 and no doubt allowing for the Ship of Theseus paradox.
We've chosen to exclude this tower from our challenge because the primary trail to reach it is accessible only by off-road or high-clearance vehicles. However, it is still possible to visit the tower using a less rugged vehicle, thanks to the relatively good condition of nearby unpaved roads—Adams Road and Tower Road. On our map we've marked in gray the driving route to reach the tower. The driving directions link below leads to the start of the unpaved section of Adams Road. Alternatively, this link points to the difficult-to-access fire tower trailhead.
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3★ Savoy Fire Tower
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
| P Free parking |
If you're able to reach the trailhead and ascend the fire tower trail on an out-and-back journey, expect a very rough forest road that looks like it's used primarily as a fun off-roading trail. Surface conditions remain fine for foot travel however, and the walk to the top of the mountain is a pleasant, tree-shaded experience.
Still in use today for wildfire spotting at times of high risk, Savoy Tower is also now used as a platform for communications equipment. Unfortunately, a surrounding fence and locked gate mean there's little opportunity for the public to climb it. A disappointment, since distant views from other locations around Borden Mountain are few and partial at best. However, if you see a fire department vehicle parked nearby and suspect the tower to be in use, do shout up as fire watch personnel are often welcoming of visitors.
Fire Tower Trail looks more used to Jeep tires than footfalls.
The closest thing to a view from Borden Mountain.
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