Pitcher Mountain

The architecture of fire towers is pretty simple, stark and functional. With the exception of the glorious stone tower at Weeks State Park in Lancaster in New Hampshire’s north country, they all look pretty much the same, distinguished only by the number of antennae and dishes attached. But oh, the wonderful hikes I’ve had to each one of these towers … with more to come.

Loveliest fire tower to be found anywhere, in my opinion. Weeks State Park, Lancaster NH.

When was the last time I got to one of New Hampshire’s fire towers? It’s been awhile. The other day, everything came together for a tower expedition: perfect weather, access to a car, and an afternoon to myself. I took a beautiful drive to Stoddard for a visit to Pitcher Mountain. The walk from parking area to fire tower only takes me ten or fifteen minutes. The 360º views from the tower are splendid, and the drive is a treat. Dozens of miles on roads with no traffic signals and not a single Dunkin’ Donuts in sight: how’s that for a Sunday drive?

Pitcher Mountain fire tower, Stoddard NH. All photos by Ellen Kolb.

I couldn’t miss the small parking lot on Route 123 on Stoddard. There’s a sign, and a view of the tower from the road.

First peek at the tower, approaching from the east on Rt. 123.

The walk uphill from the parking lot through woods opens up to a field with a fine view of Monadnock to the south.

Mt. Monadnock in the distance, seen from the path to the Pitcher Mountain fire tower.

From the tower, there was a full panorama. Monadnock was the most prominent feature, but plenty of other peaks were visible as well. I had the second edition of Hiking the Monadnock Region (a fine guidebook by Joe Adamowicz) to help me identify some of them.

Wind farm in Lempster, seen from the fire tower

For more about New Hampshire fire towers:

One of the most interesting local publications in my collection is a little orange booklet called A Field Guide to New Hampshire Firetowers by Iris W. Baird and Chris Haartz (2002). Look for used copies online. The booklet includes a short history of all the currently operating towers in the state, along with notes on other towers that are still standing but have been decommissioned.

The New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands has a web page that includes information on the Tower Quest program, with a patch available to anyone visiting at least five fire towers. I admit I have one of those patches myself.

Updated 2006 with new web links.