Shelburne Fire Tower, Massaemett Mt MA
• 4-star hike
• 3 mile part-loop
• Easy | Gain 1,050 feet
• Shelburne Falls, MA | Pioneer Valley
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The 1909 tower is still in active service.
Two entwined trails lead up the western flanks of Massaemett Mountain from the residential Halligan Avenue to the fire lookout tower that crowns its summit. One of only two stone towers in the state, the Shelburne Fire Tower went into service in 1911, which, according to the Forest Fire Lookout Association, makes it not only be the oldest continually active lookout tower in Massachusetts, but possibly the oldest in the United States.
The older white-blazed Tower Trail takes the most direct route through the forested slopes, while a recently constructed, yellow-blazed Big Tree Trail provides an alternative route with a slightly more forgiving gradient. We recommend hiking up the Tower Trail and returning on the Big Tree Trail for the most variety and the least impactful downhill descent. The Big Tree Trail is also graced with several interpretive signs, including those that challenge hikers to identify tree species as they pass by.
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4★ Tower Trail Loop
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX? |
| P Free parking |
We've categorized this trail as easy, as most of the terrain is relatively forgiving, with only a few rocky steps near the summit that are mildly challenging during the descent.
Although the wooden cabin situated unceremoniously on top of the stone tower is locked when not in use, members of the public are still free to climb the 72 spiral step to the top. Several windows built into the tower provide light during your climb and offer views above the trees. Scenes from the tower windows include the Berkshires and Taconic Mountains to the west, the Green Mountains of Vermont to the north, Mount Wachusett to the east, and the Holyoke Range to the south.
Well-signed trails intertwine as they ascend.
A limited amount of roadside parking is available on Halligan Avenue, which is a quiet residential street. Please be mindful to avoid disturbing nearby homes, observe all posted signs, and be sure not to block the street when parking there.
The tower is also accessible from Mass Audubon's High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary on a hike of five miles and 940 feet of elevation gain. This alternate route offers even more variety and views from the high ledges. We've provided a couple of links to this hike at the foot of the page, in case you're interested in checking it out.
Mostly easy trail, but it's still a 1,000-foot climb.
72 spiral steps lead to the locked tower cabin.
Tangents:
• External Links: Franklin Land Trust, Forest Fire Lookout Assn, Mass Audubon High Ledges
• AllTrails Public: Tower Trail, High Ledges & Tower
Trailspotting Nearby
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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.
New England Summits
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