Warwick Fire Tower, Mt Grace MA

• 3-star hikes
• 3 to 4 mile options
• Easy | Gain 730 to 1,140 feet
• Warwick, MA | Pioneer Valley
.   MA Fire Towers  
Climb the tower for excellent northern Massachusetts scenery.

Warwick Fire Tower rises above the trees on Mount Grace’s 1,617-foot-high summit, providing a commanding vantage point for fire-watchers who still use the tower as part of a statewide wildfire early warning system. The current steel structure was built in 1939, replacing an earlier wooden tower that was destroyed by the devastating 1938 Hurricane.

Though the cabin at the top is usually locked and inaccessible to the public, the tower itself remains open for climbing and offers panoramic 360-degree views across central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. From the top, notable landmarks include Mount Monadnock to the northeast and Mount Snow on the northwestern horizon, both of which are prominent features in the region’s mountainous landscape.

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⬤ 3★ Loop Route   4.2 mi loop, easy, gain 1,140 ft GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 3★ Out & Back   2.7 mi out & back, easy, gain 730 ft GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

P  Free parking

Mount Grace is a popular destination for hikers seeking a moderately challenging trek with rewarding views. The mountain offers two main routes from the Olson Field parking area off Route 78, each providing a different experience of the forested terrain. The shorter out-and-back route covers 2.7 miles and follows a forested single-track trail that connects to a service road leading to the summit. This trail is well-marked and shaded by a mix of hardwoods and evergreens, making it a pleasant option for a quick ascent.

The longer loop spans 4.2 miles and includes a bit more elevation gain, making it a slightly more strenuous option. This extended route offers few additional features or scenic highlights beyond the summit itself. Terrain on both trails is generally easy to moderate, with well-maintained paths and gradual inclines. The only real challenge for unseasoned hikers may be the amount of elevation gain, particularly on the steeper sections near the summit.


Hiking Mt Grace's forested trails. | Abandoned ski-lift machinery.


Mt Grace's latest 68 foot tower has been standing since 1939.


Mt Monadnock viewed from under the tower's locked cabin.

Tangents:
• External Links: Mass.gov, Forest Fire Lookout Assoc
• AllTrails Public: Mt Grace Out & Back, Loop

Trailspotting Nearby
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Massachusetts Fire Towers
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