South Mountain Fire Tower
About This Trail
Trail starts at the intersection of Reservation Road and Tower Road in Pawtuckaway State Park. Park at the T junction and walk 0.1 miles up up Tower Road on the left. You will cross a bridge, head uphill and find another small parking area (2 cars) with a trail headed into the woods. Follow this trail 0.2 miles to another junction with Mountain Trail. Continue straight (right) on Mountain trail 0.1 miles until you reach another junction with signs to State Park Headquarters. Take a left and head up South Mountain Trail to South Mountain Fire Tower. Continue on white blazed trail for .6 miles. Trail is nicely graded with a couple rocky areas and one steep climb. Near summit, trail levels out and opens up onto some rocky slabs with a nice view and firetower on top. You can climb the fire tower for a view, but it is often closed to visitors. To return, retrace steps on the white blaze or return on the orange blaze for 0.6 miles for views in the other direction and then to meet back with white blaze trail to return to car.
Submitted by Elizabeth Wall (Hike it Baby Merrimack Valley)
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Dirt |
| Elevation gain | 807 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| Stroller terrain | No Wheels |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| Nearby convenience store | No |
| Camping Nearby | Yes |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
Fee & Parking Details
Check the Pawtuckaway State Park Website for updates on Covid guidelines and for current fee information. This trail listing is for the backside of Pawtuckaway State Park, so there is not access to the visitor center or bathrooms. Reservation Road is a dirt road, so use caution during winter and wet seasons. Best parking is at the T- junction between Reservation Road and Tower Road.
Trail Contributor
Hike it Baby Trail Guide is managed by the Family Trail Guide team. If a trail has been “abandoned” by the initial owner, it gets adopted by the team. Also, if there are no trails in the area, the Family Trail Guide team researches trails that are family friendly in the area to insure that hikes cover all areas where Hike it Baby hikes.
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